There’s nothing quite like coming home to the aroma of a home-cooked meal wafting through the house. Even better when that meal is the epitome of creamy, comforting deliciousness! This slow cooker chicken tetrazzini checks all the boxes – tender chicken, a luscious mushroom-studded sauce, and just the right amount of cheesy goodness. Best of all, it’s made effortlessly in your trusty crock pot.
The ingredient list for this sumptuous dish is simple yet satisfying. You’ll need some boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cream cheese, chicken broth, sliced mushrooms, an onion, dried herbs like tarragon or oregano, and a handful of other pantry staples. The true star, however, is the combination of these familiar items slowly simmered together until they
become something downright heavenly.
To get started, you just layer the raw chicken and seasonings in your slow cooker, adding the mushrooms, onions, and a splash of broth. Then you let it cook away gradually for most of the day while you’re off running errands or at the office. By the time dinner rolls around, the chicken is fall-off-the-fork tender and all those savory flavors have melded together into an aromatic base for the sauce.
When you get home, all that’s left is to shred the chicken right in the crock pot, stirring in some rich cream cheese until it becomes luscious and creamy. Finally, you’ll toss in your cooked spaghetti or linguine noodles to soak up all that glorious sauce, finishing it off with a shower of melty mozzarella or parmesan cheese on top.
The beauty of this chicken tetrazzini is just how darn comforting and decadent it tastes, despite being such an effortless slow cooker meal. The chicken is unbelievably succulent and that mushroom-studded cream sauce achieves a level of luxurious indulgence you’d expect from an all-day simmer on the stovetop. Yet here you are, with just a few minutes of prep and hardly any dirty dishes!
This is definitely a meal to savor gathered around the dinner table with loved ones. You’ll want to sop up every last bit of that velvety, herb-kissed sauce with some crusty bread or garlic knots. A cool, crisp salad on the side provides the perfect bright contrast to all that richness.
Leftovers are a treat too – in fact, some say chicken tetrazzini is even better the next day once the flavors have really married. I like to pack up any extras for easy work or school lunches to enjoy that cozy, nostalgic flavor whenever a comfort food craving strikes.
Whether you’re a long-time slow cooker aficionado or just getting started with crock pot meals, this chicken tetrazzini is about to become a fast favorite. It’s a crowd-pleasing, fuss-free way to get a homemade dinner on the table that’s creamy, hearty, and delicious down to every last bite. Comfort food doesn’t get much better than this!
Slow Cooker Chicken Tetrazzini
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 1/2 tsp dried tarragon or oregano
- 1 cup diced white onion
- 2 cups sliced mushrooms
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 8 oz cream cheese, cubed
- 1/2 lb spaghetti or linguine, cooked per package instructions
- 8 oz shredded mozzarella or parmesan cheese
Instructions:
- Place chicken breasts in the bottom of a 6-quart or larger slow cooker. Season with salt, garlic powder, pepper, and dried herbs.
- Add the diced onion, sliced mushrooms, and chicken broth. Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4 hours.
- Remove chicken and shred with two forks. Return to slow cooker and stir in cubed cream cheese until fully melted and sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Fold in the cooked spaghetti or linguine noodles until fully coated in the sauce.
- Top with an even layer of shredded mozzarella or parmesan cheese. Cover and cook for 10 more minutes until cheese is melted.
- Serve chicken tetrazzini warm, garnished with extra herbs or parmesan if desired.
That’s all there is to this rich, satisfying slow cooker chicken tetrazzini! One taste of this creamy, cheesy dish loaded with juicy chicken and you’ll be an instant fan. The ultimate comfort food made easy.
FAQ
Can I use lighter ingredients to make it healthier?
Absolutely, you can substitute low-fat cream cheese and reduced-fat mozzarella to cut back on calories and fat. The sauce may be slightly less rich but still delicious.
Can I use pre-cooked chicken or rotisserie chicken?
Yes, using pre-cooked chicken will work well for this recipe. You’ll just want to skip the initial slow cooking step and simply combine the cooked chicken with the other ingredients at the end.
What other proteins can I substitute?
Turkey breast or even vegetarian “chicken” would work nicely in place of the chicken for this tetrazzini. Just adjust cooking times accordingly.
What sides go well with chicken tetrazzini?
Classic pairings include a fresh green salad, roasted veggies, garlic knots or rosemary bread to soak up any extra sauce. It’s a very versatile dish.
I hope this slow cooker chicken tetrazzini becomes a new comfort food favorite in your household! Let me know if you have any other questions.
