Here’s a step-by-step guide for making a delicious and simple Chicken Mushroom Potatoes Crock Pot recipe. This comfort food is flavorful, easy to prepare, and perfect for any meal, whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a casual gathering.

Ingredients:

For this recipe, you will need:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs if you prefer dark meat)
• 1 lb (around 450g) baby potatoes, halved
• 8 oz (225g) mushrooms, sliced (use white button or cremini mushrooms)
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 3-4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 cup (240 ml) chicken broth
• 1/2 cup (120 ml) heavy cream
• 1/4 cup (60 ml) white wine (optional, or use additional broth)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 teaspoons dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Equipment:

• Crock Pot or slow cooker
• Knife and cutting board
• Frying pan (optional for searing chicken)
• Wooden spoon or spatula

Preparation Time:

• Prep time: 15-20 minutes
• Cook time: 4-6 hours on low or 2-3 hours on high in the Crock Pot

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

Start by prepping all of your ingredients. This step helps ensure a smooth cooking process.

• Chicken: If you are using large chicken breasts, you might want to cut them into smaller pieces for even cooking. You can leave them whole if you prefer larger portions.
• Potatoes: Wash the baby potatoes and cut them in half. No need to peel them, as the skin adds texture and holds them together during the slow cooking.
• Mushrooms: Clean and slice the mushrooms into thick slices.
• Onions and Garlic: Finely chop the onions and mince the garlic cloves.

Step 2: Searing the Chicken (Optional)

For extra flavor, you can sear the chicken before adding it to the Crock Pot. This step isn’t mandatory, but it adds a golden crust and enhances the overall taste of the dish.

• Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a frying pan over medium-high heat.
• Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and paprika.
• Once the oil is hot, add the chicken breasts or thighs and sear them for 2-3 minutes on each side, until they are golden brown. You don’t need to cook them all the way through at this stage, as they will finish cooking in the Crock Pot.
• After searing, transfer the chicken to a plate and set it aside.

Step 3: Build Layers in the Crock Pot

Now, it’s time to build the layers in your Crock Pot. This ensures all the ingredients cook evenly and absorb the delicious flavors.

• Layer 1: Potatoes – Place the halved baby potatoes at the bottom of the Crock Pot. They need the most time to cook and will become tender as they absorb the juices from the chicken and broth.
• Layer 2: Chicken – Lay the seared chicken breasts or thighs on top of the potatoes.
• Layer 3: Vegetables – Scatter the sliced mushrooms, chopped onions, and minced garlic over the chicken. These vegetables will release moisture and create a rich sauce as they cook.

Step 4: Add the Seasoning and Liquid

To ensure that your Chicken Mushroom Potatoes dish is flavorful and moist, it’s crucial to season and add liquid.

• Sprinkle the thyme, rosemary, and garlic powder evenly over the top.
• Pour in the chicken broth and, if you’re using it, the white wine. The broth will keep everything moist, while the wine adds depth of flavor.
• If you enjoy a creamier sauce, hold off on adding the cream until later in the cooking process (we’ll get to this in step 7).

Step 5: Slow Cook

Now, let the Crock Pot do its magic!

• Low and Slow Method: Set the Crock Pot to low heat and cook for 4-6 hours. This method allows the flavors to meld together gradually, and the chicken becomes incredibly tender.
• Quick Cooking Method: If you’re short on time, set the Crock Pot to high heat and cook for 2-3 hours. The result will be just as delicious but with a shorter wait time.

Step 6: Check the Potatoes and Chicken

After about 4 hours on low or 2 hours on high, check the doneness of the chicken and potatoes.

• Chicken: Use a meat thermometer to check if the chicken has reached an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). It should be tender and easy to shred or cut.
• Potatoes: The potatoes should be fork-tender but not mushy. They should still hold their shape.

If the chicken or potatoes need more time, allow them to cook for another 30 minutes to an hour.

Step 7: Add the Cream

Once the chicken and potatoes are fully cooked, it’s time to add the cream for richness.

• Stir in the heavy cream during the last 30 minutes of cooking. The cream will thicken the sauce and create a luscious, velvety texture.
• If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can create a slurry by mixing 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water. Add this to the Crock Pot along with the cream, and it will help thicken the sauce even further.

Step 8: Serve the Dish

Once everything is perfectly cooked, your Chicken Mushroom Potatoes dish is ready to serve.

• Garnish: Sprinkle fresh parsley on top for a pop of color and a hint of freshness.
• Serving Ideas: Serve this dish as a complete meal, or pair it with a side of crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce. You could also serve it over rice or with a green salad for added balance.

Tips and Variations:

• Add Veggies: You can add other vegetables like carrots or green beans for extra nutrition. Add them at the same time as the potatoes.
• Different Protein: If you don’t have chicken, try this recipe with turkey breasts or pork chops for a similar hearty meal.
• Herbs: Feel free to experiment with different herbs, such as sage or oregano, to customize the flavor to your liking.
• Cheese Lovers: For a cheesy twist, sprinkle some shredded mozzarella or parmesan over the chicken in the last 30 minutes of cooking. It melts beautifully into the creamy sauce.

Storing and Reheating:

• Leftovers: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors will develop even more after sitting.
• Reheat: To reheat, use a microwave or warm it up on the stovetop over low heat until heated through.
• Freezing: You can freeze this dish for up to 2 months. Let it thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Conclusion:

This Chicken Mushroom Potatoes Crock Pot recipe is a winner for anyone looking for a delicious, hands-off meal. With tender chicken, hearty potatoes, and a creamy mushroom sauce, it’s a meal that feels indulgent yet is incredibly simple to prepare. It’s the perfect recipe for busy weeknights or lazy weekends, offering comforting flavors with minimal effort.

Enjoy this delightful dish, and feel free to adjust the ingredients to your personal preferences!