Creamy Slow-Cooker Chicken and Mushroom Stew

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A velvety, deeply flavored stew with tender chicken, earthy mushrooms, and aromatic herbs, perfect for cozy weeknights. This american-inspired slow cooker ready in about 400 minutes pairs boneless skinless chicken thighs, cremini mushrooms, medium yellow onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

★ 3.9 (12 ratings) Prep: 25 min Cook: 375 min Serves 4 American cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat 1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs dry with paper towels and season evenly with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper.
  2. Step 2: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken thighs and sear for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown, then transfer to slow cooker.
  3. Step 3: Add diced yellow onion to skillet and sauté for 2 minutes until softened, then add 3 minced garlic cloves and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Add 8 oz sliced cremini mushrooms to skillet and cook for 4 minutes until they release moisture and brown slightly.
  5. Step 5: Stir in 2 tbsp all-purpose flour and cook for 1 minute, then pour in 2 cups chicken broth while whisking constantly to prevent lumps.
  6. Step 6: Pour mushroom mixture into slow cooker with chicken, along with 1 tsp fresh thyme, 1 tbsp Dijon mustard, and remaining 1/4 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper.
  7. Step 7: Cook on low for 6 hours until chicken is fork-tender and sauce has thickened.
  8. Step 8: Stir in 1/2 cup heavy cream and cook on low for 15 minutes more until heated through without curdling.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Creamy Slow-Cooker Chicken and Mushroom Stew take to make?

Total time is about 400 minutes (25 min prep + 375 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Creamy Slow-Cooker Chicken and Mushroom Stew?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep cremini mushrooms from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Creamy Slow-Cooker Chicken and Mushroom Stew?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Creamy Slow-Cooker Chicken and Mushroom Stew for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Creamy Slow-Cooker Chicken and Mushroom Stew?

American slow cooker like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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