Description
A cozy, cheesy weeknight dinner that combines tender chicken, creamy pot-pie style sauce, melty cheddar, and cheese tortellini in a slow cooker.
Ingredients
- 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into chunks (about 1.5–2 lbs)
- ½ yellow onion, diced
- 1 tbsp finely chopped garlic (about 2–3 cloves)
- 12 oz frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn, green beans)
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp chicken bouillon granules (or 1 bouillon cube) or use 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- ½ tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- ½ cup milk (or more for desired consistency; use half-and-half for a richer sauce)
- 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (sharp cheddar for more flavor)
- 20 oz refrigerated cheese tortellini (or frozen, thawed)
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Heat 2 tablespoons butter in a small skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and garlic and sauté for 2–3 minutes until the onion is translucent and fragrant.
- Transfer the sautéed onion and garlic to the crockpot. Add the chicken chunks, frozen mixed vegetables, both cans of cream soup, milk, chicken bouillon, paprika, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir to combine.
- Cover and cook on Low for 6–7 hours, or on High for 3–4 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and tender (internal temperature should reach 165°F / 74°C).
- About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the shredded cheddar and the tortellini. Cover and continue cooking until the tortellini is tender and the sauce has thickened, about 25–30 minutes.
- If the sauce is too thin after the tortellini cooks, simmer with the lid slightly ajar for 10–15 minutes to reduce, or mix 1–2 teaspoons cornstarch with a tablespoon of cold water and stir into the crockpot. Cook for 5–10 minutes more to thicken.
- Adjust salt and pepper to taste and serve warm, garnished with chopped parsley.
Notes
Use low-sodium soups and add salt later. For a lighter version, swap half-and-half for milk and use reduced-fat cheese.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 360 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American