Description
A comforting slow-cooked dish blending tender chicken with creamy mozzarella, sautéed mushrooms, and aromatic herbs for a deliciously satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 lbs boneless chicken thighs (about 6–8)
- 2 cups fresh mozzarella, shredded or sliced
- 8 oz cremini mushrooms, sliced
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/3 cup dry white wine or vermouth (optional)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp dried thyme or 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup baby spinach (optional)
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs (optional)
- Lemon zest (optional)
Instructions
- Season the chicken generously with salt and pepper. In a skillet over medium-high heat, melt the butter with olive oil and sear the chicken for 1–2 minutes per side until golden.
- In the same skillet, sauté the mushrooms until they release their juices. Add the garlic and cook another 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Deglaze the pan with white wine or broth, scraping up browned bits. Allow the liquid to reduce by half.
- Place the seared chicken in the slow cooker. Pour the mushroom mixture over the chicken. Add remaining broth, thyme, and bay leaf if using.
- Cook on low for 4–6 hours, or on high for 2–3 hours until the chicken shreds easily with a fork.
- About 30 minutes before serving, shred the chicken in the slow cooker and stir in heavy cream. Taste and adjust seasoning.
- Add mozzarella and cover for 10–15 minutes until melted. Optionally, broil with panko breadcrumbs for a crispy topping.
- Serve immediately with pasta, mashed potatoes, or rice.
Notes
For extra flavor, brine chicken before searing and avoid overcooking to maintain moisture. Adjust seasonings gradually during cooking.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 240 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: slow cooker, cheesy chicken, comfort food, Italian recipes, family meals
