This Easy Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti is a lifesaver for busy weeknights! Just toss chicken, spaghetti, and tasty sauces into the slow cooker and let it do all the work.
It’s creamy, hearty, and has that perfect cozy feel. I love that I can set it and forget it—then come back to a yummy meal that my family always asks for again!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are perfect for this recipe as they stay moist while cooking. If you want a healthier option, chicken thighs work well too, adding richer flavor.
Spaghetti: Regular spaghetti is great, but feel free to substitute with whole wheat or gluten-free pasta. Just double-check cooking times, as they might vary.
Soups: Cream of mushroom and cream of chicken soups are essential for creaminess. You could use homemade versions or even a dairy-free alternative if desired.
Sour Cream: If sour cream is not available, plain Greek yogurt makes a great substitute, adding creaminess without losing flavor.
Cheddar Cheese: While sharp cheddar is my go-to for the best flavor, feel free to experiment with mozzarella or pepper jack for a slightly different taste.
What’s the Best Way to Cook Chicken in a Crockpot?
Cooking chicken in a crockpot is about low and slow cooking. Here’s how to ensure it turns out perfectly every time:
- Season the chicken well with spices to infuse flavor.
- Layer the chicken at the bottom to ensure it cooks evenly.
- Cooking on LOW for a longer time helps keep the chicken tender and juicy, while HIGH is suitable for quicker meals.
- Shredding the chicken halfway through allows it to soak up more of the sauce and flavors.
By following these tips, your chicken will be deliciously tender, making your spaghetti dish a hit! Enjoy your meal!
Easy Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Main Dish:
- 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 12 oz spaghetti pasta (uncooked)
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (plus extra for topping)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 bell pepper, diced (optional)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
For Seasoning:
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley or green onions, chopped
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights! You’ll need about 15 minutes to prep everything. Then let your crockpot do the work, cooking on LOW for 5-6 hours or on HIGH for 3-4 hours. Total time is approximately 5-6 hours, but most of that is hands-off cooking!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
Start by placing the chicken breasts right at the bottom of your crockpot. Season them generously with chili powder, paprika, salt, and pepper to bring out great flavors.
2. Add the Veggies:
Next, layer the chopped onion, optional bell pepper, and minced garlic on top of the chicken. This will add more flavor to your dish!
3. Mix the Sauces:
In a mixing bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, and sour cream. Stir everything together until it’s nice and smooth.
4. Combine Everything:
Pour the creamy soup mixture over the chicken and veggies in the crockpot, spreading it out evenly.
5. Cooking Time:
Cover your crockpot and set it to cook on LOW for about 5-6 hours or on HIGH for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is tender and fully cooked.
6. Shred the Chicken:
Once the chicken is done, take it out and shred it using two forks. It should pull apart easily. Return the shredded chicken back to the crockpot and mix it well.
7. Add the Spaghetti:
Break the uncooked spaghetti in half and add it to the crockpot. Stir to coat the pasta well with the sauce.
8. Cheese and Final Cooking:
Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top of everything. Cover and cook on HIGH for an additional 30 minutes, or until the spaghetti is cooked to your preference. If the sauce looks too thick, add a little extra chicken broth until it reaches your desired consistency.
9. Ready to Serve:
Give everything a nice stir before serving to mix it all together. Garnish with fresh parsley or green onions for a pop of color!
10. Enjoy!
Serve hot and dig into your creamy, cheesy crockpot chicken spaghetti! It’s sure to be a hit with everyone!
This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights with minimal prep and maximum flavor. Enjoy your delicious meal!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts! Just make sure to add an extra hour to your cooking time on LOW or 30 minutes on HIGH, as frozen chicken takes longer to cook through safely.
What Can I Substitute for Cream Soups?
If you’re looking for a healthier or dairy-free option, you can replace the cream of mushroom and cream of chicken soups with a homemade blend of pureed vegetables and vegetable broth or use a dairy-free cream soup alternative readily available in stores.
Can I Prepare This Recipe in Advance?
Absolutely! You can prep the ingredients a day ahead, just store them in the fridge separately. In the morning, combine everything in the crockpot and set it to cook. It’s a great time-saver for busy days!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of chicken broth if it thickens up too much.
