Slow Cooker 4-Ingredient Cream of Celery Chicken
Slow Cooker 4-Ingredient Cream of Celery Chicken is the perfect recipe for busy days when you want a warm, comforting meal with minimal effort. Using just four simple ingredients, this creamy chicken dinner comes together effortlessly in the slow cooker, creating tender, juicy chicken coated in a rich and flavorful cream of celery sauce. As it cooks low and slow, the chicken absorbs all the savory flavors, becoming incredibly moist and easy to shred or serve whole. This family-friendly recipe pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes, steamed rice, egg noodles, or roasted vegetables, making it a versatile dinner that’s both satisfying and budget-friendly. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or looking for an easy weeknight dinner, this recipe is sure to become a favorite thanks to its creamy texture, simple preparation, and comforting homemade taste.
Ingredients For the Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 cans (10.5 oz each) cream of celery soup
- 1 packet (1 oz) onion soup mix
- ½ cup low-sodium chicken broth
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Slow Cooker
Lightly grease the inside of your slow cooker with cooking spray or a small amount of butter to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Add the Chicken
Arrange the chicken breasts in an even layer across the bottom of the slow cooker.
Step 3: Mix the Sauce
In a medium bowl, whisk together the cream of celery soup, onion soup mix, and chicken broth until smooth and well combined.
Step 4: Pour Over the Chicken
Evenly pour the creamy mixture over the chicken breasts, making sure each piece is well coated.
Step 5: Cover and Cook
Place the lid on the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 6–7 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
Step 6: Check for Doneness
The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and easily pull apart with a fork.
Step 7: Stir the Sauce
Gently stir the sauce to combine all the cooking juices into a rich, creamy gravy.
Step 8: Optional Shredding
For shredded chicken, remove the chicken from the slow cooker, shred with two forks, then return it to the sauce and stir well.
Step 9: Serve
Serve the chicken and creamy celery sauce over mashed potatoes, cooked rice, buttered egg noodles, or alongside steamed vegetables.
Step 10: Enjoy
Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or black pepper if desired and serve immediately while hot.
Tips, Notes & Q&A
Tips
- Use chicken thighs instead of breasts for even juicier results.
- Avoid lifting the slow cooker lid during cooking, as it releases heat and increases cooking time.
- Add sliced mushrooms or frozen peas during the last hour for extra vegetables.
- Stir in a little sour cream at the end for an even creamier sauce.
- Leftovers taste even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Freeze cooled portions for up to 3 months and thaw overnight before reheating.
Q&A
Can I use frozen chicken?
For food safety, it’s best to thaw the chicken completely before placing it in the slow cooker.
Can I make this with homemade cream of celery soup?
Absolutely. Homemade cream of celery soup works wonderfully and adds even more fresh flavor.
What side dishes pair best with this recipe?
Mashed potatoes, rice, egg noodles, roasted vegetables, green beans, biscuits, or dinner rolls all make excellent sides.
Can I add more seasoning?
Yes. Garlic powder, paprika, Italian seasoning, or fresh thyme all complement the creamy sauce beautifully.
Servings & Nutrition
Servings: 4
Approximate Nutrition (Per Serving):
- Calories: 345
- Protein: 38g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 860mg