Creamy Prosciutto Mushroom Chicken is a comforting and indulgent dish that combines tender chicken, savory prosciutto, and earthy mushrooms in a rich, creamy sauce. Prepared effortlessly in a crockpot, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or when you crave a hearty meal without the fuss. The slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld beautifully, resulting in a dish that’s both satisfying and full of depth.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

2 tablespoons olive oil
4 oz pancetta (or substitute with prosciutto or bacon), diced
8 oz mushrooms, sliced (optional)
2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 cup chicken broth
8 oz cream cheese
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
1 cup shredded sharp white cheddar cheese

Directions

In a skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and sauté the diced pancetta until crispy. Remove and set aside.
In the same skillet, add mushrooms and cook until they release their moisture and become golden brown. Remove and set aside.
Season the chicken breasts with garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Place the seasoned chicken in the crockpot.
Add the sautéed pancetta and mushrooms over the chicken.
Pour in the chicken broth.
In a separate bowl, mix the cream cheese and cream of chicken soup until well combined. Spread this mixture over the chicken in the crockpot.
Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is tender and fully cooked.
Once cooked, shred the chicken using two forks and stir to combine with the sauce.
Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top, cover, and let it melt for about 10 minutes before serving.

Nutrients

Please note that the following nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients used.

Calories: Approximately 450-500 kcal per serving
Protein: 35-40g
Fat: 30-35g
Carbohydrates: 5-10g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 2-4g
Sodium: 800-1000mg

A Perfect Meal for Busy Days

In today’s fast-paced world, many people seek ways to simplify dinner without sacrificing taste or quality. The crockpot or slow cooker is a game-changer when it comes to preparing meals that require minimal attention but deliver maximum flavor. With this recipe, you can set it up in the morning, let it cook throughout the day, and come home to a fully prepared, delicious meal.

What makes this recipe even more convenient is its minimal hands-on time. Once you’ve sautéed the pancetta and mushrooms, the rest of the process involves simply layering the ingredients into the slow cooker and letting them cook to perfection. The slow cooker does all the hard work, allowing you to spend your time on other activities while dinner simmers away.

Why Prosciutto and Mushrooms Work Together

Prosciutto, a type of Italian dry-cured ham, adds a distinct saltiness and depth of flavor to the dish. Its delicate texture and savory profile perfectly complement the creamy sauce that forms as the chicken cooks. Prosciutto’s smoky, slightly sweet taste works well with the mild flavor of chicken and balances the richness of the cream cheese and cream of chicken soup used in the recipe.

Mushrooms, on the other hand, bring an earthy, umami-rich flavor to the dish. Their texture contrasts beautifully with the tender chicken, creating a pleasing bite in every forkful. Mushrooms are also great at soaking up the flavors of the sauce, which helps to deepen the overall taste of the dish. The combination of prosciutto, mushrooms, and chicken in a creamy sauce makes this recipe a true flavor explosion.

Slow-Cooking for Tender Chicken

Slow cooking is the perfect technique for ensuring that your chicken turns out tender and juicy. Unlike quick-cooking methods that might dry out the meat, the slow cooker allows the chicken to cook gently over a longer period of time, keeping it moist and tender. As the chicken simmers in the creamy sauce, it soaks up all the flavors from the prosciutto and mushrooms, making each bite incredibly flavorful.

Slow cooking also helps to break down the connective tissue in the chicken, resulting in meat that can easily be shredded with a fork. This is a great advantage if you prefer shredded chicken, as it’s easier to mix with the sauce and incorporate into other dishes like pasta or rice.

Customizing the Recipe

One of the great things about this recipe is that it’s easily customizable. While the combination of prosciutto, mushrooms, and creamy sauce is already delicious, there are several ways to make this dish your own. For example, if you prefer a lighter option, you could swap out the heavy cream for a lighter version of cream cheese or use low-fat cream of chicken soup. If you don’t have prosciutto on hand, you can substitute it with other cured meats like bacon or ham, depending on what’s available.

You could also experiment with different types of cheese to add a unique twist to the dish. While sharp white cheddar is a great choice for its bold flavor, you could try adding Parmesan, mozzarella, or even Gruyère for a different flavor profile. Additionally, if you prefer a bit of spice, adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper can bring some heat to balance the richness of the cream sauce.

For those who enjoy adding vegetables to their meals, you can easily incorporate them into the dish. Consider adding spinach, zucchini, or even bell peppers to the slow cooker to enhance the dish with more color and nutrients. The slow-cooking method ensures that the vegetables will become tender and meld well with the rest of the ingredients.

Serving Suggestions

Creamy Prosciutto Mushroom Chicken is a versatile dish that pairs well with a wide range of sides. Here are a few options to consider:

Pasta: Serve this creamy chicken over a bed of pasta, such as fettuccine, spaghetti, or penne. The creamy sauce will coat the noodles beautifully, making for a satisfying meal.
Rice: A simple side of white or brown rice works wonderfully with the creamy sauce, allowing you to soak up every last bit of flavor.
Steamed Vegetables: Pairing this dish with steamed broccoli, asparagus, or green beans adds freshness and balance to the richness of the chicken.
Mashed Potatoes: For an extra indulgent meal, mashed potatoes make a perfect side, allowing the creamy sauce to mix in for a comforting experience.
Salad: A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette can provide a nice contrast to the creamy richness of the dish.

The combination of creamy chicken, salty prosciutto, and tender mushrooms is satisfying on its own, but serving it with any of these sides can take it to the next level and create a well-rounded meal.

Healthier Variations

While this recipe is indulgent and full of flavor, it can also be adapted to suit various dietary preferences or restrictions. Here are some suggestions for making this dish healthier:

Low-Carb/Keto: To make this recipe suitable for a low-carb or ketogenic diet, simply skip the pasta and rice and serve the chicken with low-carb vegetables like zucchini noodles, cauliflower rice, or roasted Brussels sprouts. You can also use full-fat cream cheese to ensure the dish stays keto-friendly.
Gluten-Free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you ensure that your cream of chicken soup is gluten-free. There are many gluten-free versions available at most grocery stores.
Dairy-Free: For those who are lactose intolerant or prefer dairy-free options, you can substitute the cream cheese and cream of chicken soup with dairy-free alternatives. Look for plant-based cream cheese and soups that provide similar texture and flavor.

Conclusion

Creamy Prosciutto Mushroom Chicken is a delightful, easy-to-make dish that offers a delicious combination of savory, creamy, and tender flavors. The slow-cooking process makes it perfect for busy evenings when you want to enjoy a homemade, comforting meal without spending too much time in the kitchen. The dish’s versatility allows for customization, so you can adjust it according to your tastes or dietary needs.

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