Easy Crockpot Chicken with Cream of Chicken Soup Recipe

The simplest crockpot chicken recipe with cream of chicken soup requires just 4 ingredients: 1.5 lbs chicken breasts, 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup, 1/2 cup broth, and seasonings. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours until chicken reaches 165°F internal temperature. Shred and serve over rice for a complete meal ready in minutes.

Perfect Crockpot Chicken with Cream of Chicken Soup Every Time

This reliable crockpot chicken with cream of chicken soup recipe delivers tender, flavorful chicken with minimal effort. The condensed soup creates a rich, creamy sauce while the slow cooking process ensures perfectly moist results every time. Whether you're meal prepping or need a quick weeknight dinner solution, this method works flawlessly with basic pantry ingredients.

Why This Slow Cooker Method Works Best

Crockpot chicken recipes with cream of chicken soup succeed because the condensed soup acts as both flavor base and thickening agent. Unlike stovetop methods that risk overcooking, the slow cooker's gentle heat allows chicken to become fork-tender without drying out. The soup's concentrated flavors penetrate the meat during the extended cooking time, creating restaurant-quality results with minimal hands-on effort.

Essential Ingredients

For this easy crockpot chicken recipe with cream of chicken soup, gather these simple ingredients:

• 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
• 1 can (10.5 ounces) condensed cream of chicken soup (regular or low-sodium)
• 1/2 cup chicken broth (low-sodium preferred)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• Optional: 1/4 cup sour cream or cream cheese for extra richness

Choosing Your Cream of Chicken Soup: Nutrition and Ingredient Comparison

Understanding nutritional profiles helps make informed choices for dietary needs. All values reflect standard 1/2 cup servings as verified by authoritative sources:

Product Type	Sodium (mg)	Calories	Key Considerations
Campbell's Condensed Cream of Chicken	870 [1]	100	Contains MSG; regular sodium version per USDA FoodData Central verification
Generic Canned (USDA Standard)	872 [2]	97	Represents typical store brands; high sodium content per USDA reference
Homemade (AHA Recipe)	95 [3]	45	Low-sodium alternative; requires 20 minutes preparation per American Heart Association guidelines

Note: Nutrition data sourced from manufacturer specifications and USDA FoodData Central (FDC ID 170228). Homemade values based on peer-reviewed American Heart Association standards.

Step-by-Step Preparation Guide

1. Prepare the chicken: Pat chicken dry with paper towels. If using large breasts, cut into even-sized pieces for consistent cooking.
2. Mix the sauce: In a bowl, combine cream of chicken soup, broth, and all seasonings until smooth.
3. Layer in crockpot: Place chicken in the slow cooker, then pour sauce mixture over top, ensuring all pieces are coated.
4. Cook: Cover and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours.
5. Shred and serve: Remove chicken, shred with two forks, then return to juices. Stir in optional sour cream if desired.

Cooking Time Reference

Chicken Type	Low Setting	High Setting	Internal Temp
Chicken Breasts (1.5 lbs)	6-8 hours	3-4 hours	165°F
Chicken Thighs (1.5 lbs)	7-8 hours	4-5 hours	175°F
Frozen Chicken (1.5 lbs)	8-10 hours	5-6 hours	165°F

Pro Tips for Better Results

Enhance your crockpot chicken and rice with cream of chicken soup using these professional techniques:

• Avoid overcooking: Check chicken temperature 30 minutes before expected finish time. Overcooked chicken becomes dry despite the moist cooking environment.
• Thicken the sauce: For a richer gravy, mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons cold water and stir into the sauce during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
• Add vegetables: For a complete meal, add 1 cup diced carrots and celery during the last 2 hours of cooking on low.
• Boost flavor: Sauté 1/4 cup diced onion before adding to the crockpot for deeper flavor complexity.

Popular Recipe Variations

Customize this basic crockpot chicken recipe with cream of chicken soup to suit your taste preferences:

• Creamy Garlic Herb: Add 2 tablespoons fresh minced garlic and 2 tablespoons chopped fresh herbs (rosemary, thyme, parsley) before cooking.
• Mushroom Lover's: Substitute cream of mushroom soup for cream of chicken soup, and add 8 ounces sliced mushrooms for slow cooker chicken with cream of mushroom soup substitution.
• Lemon Herb: Add the zest of one lemon and 2 tablespoons lemon juice during the last hour of cooking.
• Spicy Southwest: Mix in 1 diced jalapeño, 1 teaspoon cumin, and 1/2 teaspoon chili powder with the soup mixture for a flavorful twist.

Serving Suggestions

This versatile crockpot chicken with cream of chicken soup pairs well with numerous sides:

• Rice: Serve over steamed white or brown rice to soak up the flavorful sauce
• Noodles: Try wide egg noodles or pasta for a comforting meal
• Vegetables: Pair with roasted asparagus, green beans, or a crisp salad
• Healthy option: Serve over cauliflower rice for a lower-carb alternative when making healthy crockpot chicken with cream of chicken soup alternatives

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Proper storage ensures your crockpot chicken maintains quality:

• Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days
• Freezing: Freeze in portion-sized containers for up to 3 months
• Reheating: Warm in microwave at 50% power or on stove over low heat, adding a splash of broth if needed
• Food safety: Always reheat to 165°F internal temperature before serving

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Address these frequent challenges with crockpot chicken recipes:

• Dry chicken: Usually caused by overcooking. Reduce time by 30-60 minutes next time or use thighs instead of breasts for crockpot chicken thighs with cream of chicken soup.
• Thin sauce: Mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons cold water and stir in during last 30 minutes of cooking.
• Bland flavor: Increase seasonings by 25% or add a splash of Worcestershire sauce for depth.
• Curdling: Avoid adding dairy products like sour cream too early; stir in during the last 30 minutes for creamy crockpot chicken recipe with condensed soup.

Context Boundaries: When This Recipe Works Best and Key Limitations

This method excels in specific scenarios but has important constraints verified by food safety authorities:

• Ideal for standard batches: Perfect for 1.5 lbs chicken (serves 4) as USDA guidelines confirm slow cookers maintain safe temperatures (140°F+) when filled ½ to ⅔ full. [USDA]
• Not for large gatherings: Overfilling causes uneven cooking. For 6+ servings, use multiple cookers as USDA warns against exceeding ⅔ capacity to prevent dangerous temperature zones. [USDA]
• Dietary restrictions: Standard soup contains 870+ mg sodium per serving. For hypertension management, AHA recommends homemade versions with ≤140 mg sodium per serving. [AHA]
• Frozen chicken limitation: Never cook frozen chicken on HIGH setting. USDA requires LOW setting only to prevent prolonged time in danger zone (40°F-140°F). [USDA]

Healthier Alternatives

Make this crockpot chicken recipe with cream of chicken soup more nutritious:

• Use low-sodium cream of chicken soup and broth
• Substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream in the finishing step
• Add extra vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini
• Choose chicken thighs for more flavor and healthy fats (remove skin before serving)
• Use homemade cream of chicken soup for complete ingredient control

Can I use frozen chicken in crockpot chicken recipes?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken in crockpot recipes with cream of chicken soup. Add 1-2 hours to cooking time on low setting, ensuring chicken reaches 165°F internal temperature before serving. Never cook frozen chicken on high setting as it may spend too long in the danger zone.

What's the best cream of chicken soup for crockpot recipes?

Both Campbell's and Great Value condensed cream of chicken soups work well in crockpot recipes. For homemade versions, combine 1 cup chicken broth, 1/4 cup flour, 1/4 cup cream, and seasonings. Low-sodium versions give you better control over the final salt content.

How do I prevent dry chicken in the slow cooker?

To prevent dry chicken in your crockpot recipe, don't overcook it. Chicken breasts typically need only 3-4 hours on high or 6-8 hours on low. Check temperature 30 minutes before expected finish time. Chicken thighs can handle longer cooking times. Always keep chicken submerged in liquid during cooking.

Can I make this recipe without cream of chicken soup?

Yes, you can substitute cream of chicken soup with a homemade version made from 1 cup chicken broth, 2 tablespoons flour, 2 tablespoons butter, and seasonings. Alternatively, use cream of mushroom soup, condensed cream of celery, or a mixture of Greek yogurt and chicken broth for a dairy-based alternative.

How long does crockpot chicken with soup last in the refrigerator?

Properly stored crockpot chicken with cream of chicken soup lasts 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Keep it in an airtight container with the cooking liquid to maintain moisture. Always reheat to 165°F internal temperature before serving for food safety.