Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Prep the Chicken: Dice chicken breasts into 1-inch cubes and season with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.
- Sauté (Optional): Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté onions for 3–4 minutes until soft, then add garlic for 1 minute. Transfer to the crockpot. (Skip this step for faster prep by adding raw onions and garlic directly.)
- Combine Ingredients: Add diced chicken, chicken broth, Italian seasoning, and optional veggies (mushrooms or bell peppers) to the crockpot. Stir to combine.
- Cook: Cover and cook on low for 4–5 hours or high for 2–3 hours, until chicken is tender and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F/74°C).
- Add Creaminess: Stir in heavy cream and cream cheese during the last 30 minutes of cooking. Mix until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley or green onions.
Notes
Chicken Choice: Breasts keep the dish lean, but thighs work for a juicier texture (same cook time).
Make-Ahead: Dice chicken and chop veggies the night before to save time.
Thicker Sauce: If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix 1 tbsp cornstarch with 1 tbsp water and stir in with the cream.
Dietary Tweaks: Use coconut milk instead of heavy cream for dairy-free or swap cream cheese for a vegan alternative.
Spice It Up: Add 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper or red chili flakes for heat.
