Creamy Slow Cooker Chicken Bacon Stroganoff with Mushrooms & Herbed Noodles is a comforting dish perfect for family dinners or meal prep. This recipe combines tender chicken, hearty mushrooms, and a luscious creamy sauce that simmers to perfection in the slow cooker. The herbed noodles add an aromatic touch, making it suitable for any occasion, from weeknight meals to festive gatherings. You’ll love the ease of preparation and the delightful flavors that come together effortlessly.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortless Preparation: Simply toss everything into your slow cooker and let it do the work while you relax or attend to other tasks.
- Rich Flavors: The combination of chicken, mushrooms, and spices creates a satisfying dish that pleases everyone at the table.
- Versatile Serving Options: Serve over noodles, rice, or even mashed potatoes for a complete meal tailored to your preferences.
- Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will enjoy this creamy comfort food, making it a hit for family dinners.
- Make-Ahead Meal: Perfect for busy days; prepare it in advance and enjoy leftovers throughout the week.
Tools and Preparation
To make Creamy Slow Cooker Chicken Bacon Stroganoff with Mushrooms & Herbed Noodles, you’ll need some essential tools. These will help streamline your cooking process and ensure delicious results.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Slow cooker
- Cutting board
- Chef’s knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Stirring spoon
Importance of Each Tool
- Slow cooker: Allows for hands-off cooking, letting flavors meld beautifully over time.
- Chef’s knife: Essential for chopping ingredients quickly and efficiently.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Ensures precision in ingredient amounts for consistent results.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Stroganoff
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 8 oz baby bella mushrooms, sliced
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup sour cream (full fat for creaminess)
For the Herbed Noodles
(You can serve this stroganoff over your favorite type of noodles or rice.)
How to Make Creamy Slow Cooker Chicken Bacon Stroganoff with Mushrooms & Herbed Noodles
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
Start by prepping all your ingredients. Chop the chicken into bite-sized pieces, slice the mushrooms, dice the onion, and mince the garlic.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients in Slow Cooker
In your slow cooker:
1. Place the chopped chicken.
2. Add sliced mushrooms, diced onion, minced garlic.
3. Pour in the chicken broth followed by Dijon mustard, paprika, thyme, salt, and pepper.
Step 3: Cook on Low Heat
Cover the slow cooker and cook on low heat for about 6-8 hours or until the chicken is tender.
Step 4: Stir in Sour Cream
Once cooked:
1. Stir in the sour cream until fully combined.
2. Allow it to heat through for about 10 minutes before serving.
Step 5: Prepare Herbed Noodles (Optional)
Cook your choice of noodles according to package instructions. Toss them with herbs of your choice before serving alongside or beneath your creamy stroganoff.
Enjoy this delightful dish that will warm your heart!
How to Serve Creamy Slow Cooker Chicken Bacon Stroganoff with Mushrooms & Herbed Noodles
Serving Creamy Slow Cooker Chicken Bacon Stroganoff with Mushrooms & Herbed Noodles can elevate your dining experience. Here are some delightful ways to present this dish that will impress your family or guests.
Pair with Fresh Green Salad
- A light green salad with mixed greens, cucumbers, and a tangy vinaigrette complements the richness of the stroganoff.
Serve Over Rice
- For a hearty option, serve the stroganoff over fluffy white or brown rice, allowing it to soak up the creamy sauce.
Accompany with Crusty Bread
- Freshly baked crusty bread is perfect for dipping into the stroganoff sauce, adding a satisfying texture.
Garnish with Fresh Herbs
- A sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives on top not only enhances the presentation but also adds a burst of flavor.
Offer a Side of Steamed Vegetables
- Steamed broccoli or green beans provides a nutritious balance to the meal and adds a pop of color.
How to Perfect Creamy Slow Cooker Chicken Bacon Stroganoff with Mushrooms & Herbed Noodles
To achieve the best results for your Creamy Slow Cooker Chicken Bacon Stroganoff with Mushrooms & Herbed Noodles, consider these simple tips.
- Choose the right chicken: Opt for boneless, skinless chicken thighs for added moisture and flavor during cooking.
- Sauté vegetables first: Sautéing onions and mushrooms before adding them to the slow cooker enhances their flavors and depth.
- Use full-fat sour cream: This ensures maximum creaminess in your stroganoff, making it richer and more satisfying.
- Adjust seasoning: Taste and adjust the salt and pepper at the end of cooking for a perfectly balanced dish.
- Let it rest: Allowing the dish to sit for 10 minutes after cooking helps thicken the sauce further.
Best Side Dishes for Creamy Slow Cooker Chicken Bacon Stroganoff with Mushrooms & Herbed Noodles
Complementing your creamy stroganoff with delicious side dishes can round out your meal beautifully. Here are some fantastic options.
- Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes infused with garlic create a comforting base that pairs well with stroganoff.
- Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Crispy roasted Brussels sprouts provide a flavorful contrast to the rich sauce.
- Quinoa Salad: A refreshing quinoa salad loaded with vegetables offers a healthy and light balancing flavor.
- Crispy Potatoes: Baked or fried crispy potatoes add crunchiness that contrasts nicely with creamy dishes.
- Cauliflower Rice: For a low-carb option, cauliflower rice is an excellent substitute that absorbs flavors well.
- Baked Sweet Potatoes: Sweet potatoes bring natural sweetness and are packed with nutrients, making them an ideal side.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using the wrong type of chicken: Always opt for boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs for a tender result. Avoid using bone-in pieces as they may not cook evenly.
- Skipping the browning step: Searing the chicken and mushrooms before adding them to the slow cooker enhances flavor. Don’t skip this step for a richer taste.
- Not measuring ingredients: Using too much or too little of any ingredient can affect the dish’s balance. Always measure accurately to ensure consistent results.
- Overcooking the noodles: If you add noodles directly to the slow cooker, they can become mushy. Cook them separately and toss them in just before serving for the best texture.
- Neglecting seasoning adjustments: Taste your dish before serving and adjust the salt and pepper if necessary. This final touch can elevate the overall flavor significantly.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Allow the dish to cool completely before sealing it to maintain freshness.
Freezing Creamy Slow Cooker Chicken Bacon Stroganoff with Mushrooms & Herbed Noodles
- Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
- Ensure it is fully cooled before transferring it to prevent ice crystals.
Reheating Creamy Slow Cooker Chicken Bacon Stroganoff with Mushrooms & Herbed Noodles
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C), cover with foil, and heat for about 20-25 minutes until warmed through.
- Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe dish, cover, and heat on medium power in 1-minute intervals until hot.
- Stovetop: Heat in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. Add a splash of broth if needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
What variations can I make in Creamy Slow Cooker Chicken Bacon Stroganoff with Mushrooms & Herbed Noodles?
You can customize this dish by using different proteins like turkey or beef. Adding vegetables like spinach or bell peppers can also enhance its nutritional value.
Can I make Creamy Slow Cooker Chicken Bacon Stroganoff with Mushrooms & Herbed Noodles gluten-free?
Yes, simply use gluten-free pasta and check that all other ingredients are gluten-free.
How long does it take to cook Creamy Slow Cooker Chicken Bacon Stroganoff with Mushrooms & Herbed Noodles?
Cooking on low takes about 6-8 hours, while cooking on high will take around 3-4 hours.
Can I substitute sour cream in Creamy Slow Cooker Chicken Bacon Stroganoff with Mushrooms & Herbed Noodles?
Absolutely! You can use Greek yogurt or a dairy-free alternative for a lighter option without compromising creaminess.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes! It’s perfect for meal prep as it stores well and the flavors develop even more after a day or two in the refrigerator.
Final Thoughts
Creamy Slow Cooker Chicken Bacon Stroganoff with Mushrooms & Herbed Noodles is a delightful dish that combines comfort and convenience. Its rich flavors are sure to please everyone at your table. Feel free to experiment with additional vegetables or different herbs to personalize each batch!
Creamy Slow Cooker Chicken Stroganoff with Mushrooms & Herbed Noodles
Indulge in the comforting flavors of Creamy Slow Cooker Chicken Stroganoff with Mushrooms & Herbed Noodles. This effortless dish features tender chicken simmered to perfection with hearty mushrooms in a rich, creamy sauce. With the aromatic herbed noodles as the perfect companion, this recipe is ideal for family dinners or meal prep. Simply toss everything in your slow cooker and let it work its magic while you relax. Perfectly balanced, satisfying, and incredibly easy, this dish will quickly become a favorite at your table.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
- Category: Main
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 8 oz baby bella mushrooms, sliced
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1.5 cups chicken broth
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup sour cream (full fat for creaminess)
- Herbs for seasoning (thyme, parsley)
Instructions
- Chop chicken into bite-sized pieces and prepare vegetables.
- In the slow cooker, combine chicken, mushrooms, onion, garlic, chicken broth, Dijon mustard, paprika, thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours until chicken is tender.
- Stir in sour cream before serving and allow to heat through for about 10 minutes.
- Serve over cooked herbed noodles or rice.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
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