This recipe transforms humble chicken breasts into a succulent, flavorful meal with minimal effort thanks to your trusty crockpot. The rich depth of French onion soup adds an unexpected yet incredibly satisfying twist to this classic comfort food. Perfect for busy weeknights or effortless entertaining, this crockpot chicken recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.
What Makes This Recipe So Good?
This recipe shines because of its simplicity and the incredible depth of flavor the French onion soup imparts. The slow cooking process in the crockpot ensures the chicken remains incredibly tender and juicy, while the soup base permeates the meat, resulting in a truly delicious dish. It’s hands-off cooking at its finest! You simply toss everything in the crockpot, set it, and forget it until dinnertime.
Ingredients You'll Need:
- 1.5-2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed French onion soup
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional additions: carrots, potatoes, onions
Instructions:
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Prep the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. This helps them brown slightly if you choose to sauté them first (optional step).
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Sauté (Optional): Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the chicken breasts on both sides for about 2-3 minutes per side. This step isn't necessary, but it adds a nice depth of flavor.
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Crockpot Assembly: Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of your slow cooker. Pour in the French onion soup and chicken broth. Sprinkle with thyme, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
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Slow Cook: Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and easily shreds with a fork. Internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
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Shred and Serve: Remove the chicken from the crockpot and shred it using two forks. You can either return the shredded chicken to the crockpot to keep warm in the sauce or serve it immediately.
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Serve: Serve the crockpot chicken with French onion soup over rice, mashed potatoes, noodles, or alongside your favorite vegetables.
Can I Use Fresh French Onion Soup?
Yes! Using homemade French onion soup will elevate this dish to another level. The richer flavor of a homemade soup will permeate the chicken beautifully. Just ensure the soup has cooled slightly before adding it to the crockpot to avoid shocking the chicken.
What Vegetables Can I Add?
You can easily add vegetables like carrots, potatoes, and onions to this recipe. Cut the vegetables into bite-sized pieces and add them to the crockpot along with the chicken and soup. For potatoes and carrots, you may want to add them an hour or two before the chicken is finished cooking to ensure they are tender.
How Do I Thicken the Sauce?
If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can easily thicken it by mixing 1-2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water to create a slurry. Stir the slurry into the crockpot during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store leftover crockpot chicken with French onion soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can reheat it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
This simple recipe offers a delicious and convenient way to enjoy tender, flavorful chicken. The unexpected combination of chicken and French onion soup creates a truly satisfying and unforgettable meal. Enjoy!
