Step 8: Mix Everything Together
Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker.
Stir it into the melted cream cheese and cooking juices.
This is when the dish really comes together.
The cream cheese, chicken broth, seasonings, garlic, and chicken juices combine into a thick and creamy sauce.
If the sauce seems too thick, add a small amount of warm chicken broth and stir.
If you’d like an even cheesier version, add ½ cup of shredded cheddar cheese.
Put the lid back on for a few minutes to allow the cheese to melt.
The Result
After everything is combined, you’ll have tender shredded chicken covered in a rich, creamy sauce.
The chicken absorbs the seasonings as it cooks, while the cream cheese provides a smooth texture.
The final dish should be creamy but not watery.
If your sauce is thinner than you prefer, leave the slow cooker uncovered for a few minutes while stirring occasionally.
What to Serve With Cream Cheese Chicken
This recipe is incredibly versatile.
Rice
Serve the creamy chicken over steamed white rice, brown rice, or basmati rice.
The rice absorbs the sauce and makes the meal especially filling.
Pasta
Cream cheese chicken is delicious over pasta.
Try:
- Penne
- Rotini
- Egg noodles
- Bow-tie pasta
- Spaghetti
You can toss the cooked pasta directly into the creamy chicken mixture.
Mashed Potatoes
Creamy chicken and mashed potatoes are a perfect comfort-food combination.
Spoon the chicken and sauce over the potatoes for an easy and satisfying dinner.
Roasted Vegetables
For a lighter option, serve the chicken with roasted:
- Broccoli
- Carrots
- Zucchini
- Green beans
- Cauliflower
The vegetables add color and freshness to the meal.
Baked Potatoes
Spoon the creamy chicken over a baked potato for a simple meal that requires very little preparation.
Add Bacon for Extra Flavor
If you want to make this dish even more indulgent, crispy bacon is a fantastic addition.
Cook several strips of bacon separately until crisp.
Crumble the bacon and stir it into the finished chicken.
You can also sprinkle some bacon over individual servings.
The combination of creamy cheese, tender chicken, and crispy bacon creates a very rich flavor.
Add Spinach
For an easy vegetable addition, stir fresh spinach into the finished chicken.
Add a few handfuls and stir until the spinach wilts.
You can also use frozen spinach.
If using frozen spinach, thaw it first and squeeze out as much excess water as possible.
This prevents the sauce from becoming watery.
Add Mushrooms
Mushrooms work particularly well with creamy chicken.
You can add sliced mushrooms to the slow cooker at the beginning or sauté them separately and stir them into the finished dish.
Their earthy flavor balances the richness of the cream cheese.
Make It Spicy
If your family enjoys spicy food, there are several ways to increase the heat.
Try adding:
- Red pepper flakes
- Cayenne pepper
- Diced jalapeños
- Hot sauce
- Chili powder
- Pepper jack cheese
Start with a small amount and adjust after tasting.
Remember that the cream cheese will soften the heat somewhat, so you can add more spice gradually.
Make It Even Cheesier
For serious cheese lovers, add shredded cheese during the final few minutes.
Good choices include:
- Cheddar
- Monterey Jack
- Colby Jack
- Pepper Jack
- Parmesan
Cheddar gives the dish a classic creamy-cheesy flavor.
Pepper Jack adds a little heat.
Parmesan provides a stronger savory flavor.
You can even combine two or three varieties.
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