Creamy Slow Cooker Chicken Stroganoff with Spinach and Crispy Bacon

Creamy Slow Cooker Chicken Stroganoff with Spinach and Crispy Bacon is a delightful dish perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests. This creamy, comforting recipe highlights tender chicken, rich flavors, and the freshness of spinach. Plus, it’s effortlessly made in a slow cooker, making it an ideal option for busy weeknights or cozy gatherings.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy Preparation: With minimal prep work, you can set this dish to cook and forget about it until mealtime.
• Delicious Flavor: The combination of cream cheese, sour cream, and spices creates a rich and satisfying sauce that everyone will love.
• Versatile Dish: Serve it over egg noodles, rice, or even mashed potatoes for a versatile meal that suits your taste.
• Family-Friendly: This recipe is sure to please both kids and adults alike with its creamy texture and savory taste.
• Nutrient Boost: Adding spinach not only enhances the flavor but also increases the nutritional value of the dish.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the cooking process, gather your tools to make everything smoother. Having the right equipment on hand ensures that your creamy slow cooker chicken stroganoff comes out perfectly every time.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Slow cooker
• Chopping board
• Knife
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Mixing bowl

Importance of Each Tool

• Slow cooker: This is essential for achieving tender chicken that falls apart easily while infusing flavors throughout the dish.
• Chopping board: Provides a safe surface for dicing onions and garlic without any mess.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Ensures accurate ingredient proportions for consistent results in flavor every time you prepare this dish.

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Ingredients

For the Chicken Stroganoff

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
• 6 strips bacon, chopped
• 1 small onion, finely diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

Fresh Greens

• 2 cups baby spinach

For Serving

• 12 oz egg noodles or pasta of choice, cooked separately

How to Make Creamy Slow Cooker Chicken Stroganoff with Spinach and Crispy Bacon

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

Start by prepping all your ingredients. Chop the bacon into small pieces and dice the onion. Mince the garlic cloves as well.

Step 2: Layer in Slow Cooker

In your slow cooker:
* Place the chicken at the bottom.
* Add the chopped bacon on top of the chicken.
* Sprinkle diced onion and minced garlic evenly over everything.

Step 3: Mix Sauce Ingredients

In a separate mixing bowl:
1. Combine softened cream cheese, sour cream, chicken broth, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
2. Stir until smooth.

Step 4: Combine Everything in Slow Cooker

Pour the sauce mixture over the layered ingredients in the slow cooker. Gently stir to ensure everything is well-coated.

Step 5: Cook on Low Heat

Set your slow cooker to low heat:
* Cook for about 6-7 hours or until the chicken is thoroughly cooked and tender.

Step 6: Add Spinach

About 30 minutes before serving:
1. Stir in baby spinach into the slow cooker.
2. Cover and allow it to wilt down into the sauce.

Step 7: Serve Over Noodles

Once done cooking:
1. Prepare your pasta according to package instructions.
2. Serve the creamy chicken stroganoff over cooked egg noodles or your preferred pasta.

Enjoy this easy-to-make creamy slow cooker chicken stroganoff with spinach!

How to Serve Creamy Slow Cooker Chicken Stroganoff with Spinach and Crispy Bacon

Serving your Creamy Slow Cooker Chicken Stroganoff with Spinach and Crispy Bacon can elevate the dining experience. Here are some creative ideas to enjoy this delicious dish.

Classic Serving

• Serve the stroganoff over cooked egg noodles or pasta for a hearty meal.

Garnish with Fresh Herbs

• Top your serving with freshly chopped parsley or chives for a pop of color and flavor.

Add a Side Salad

• Pair it with a simple green salad dressed in vinaigrette to balance the richness of the stroganoff.

Serve with Crusty Bread

• Offer warm, crusty bread on the side for dipping into the creamy sauce.

Use as a Filling

• Consider using the stroganoff as a filling for baked potatoes or stuffed peppers for a unique twist.

How to Perfect Creamy Slow Cooker Chicken Stroganoff with Spinach and Crispy Bacon

To achieve the best results with your Creamy Slow Cooker Chicken Stroganoff, follow these helpful tips.

• Choose the right chicken: Opt for boneless, skinless thighs for more moisture and flavor compared to breasts.

• Sauté before slow cooking: Browning the chicken and onions in a skillet first enhances the overall flavor of your dish.

• Adjust seasoning: Taste the sauce before serving and adjust salt, pepper, and spices as needed for your preference.

• Add spinach at the end: Stirring in baby spinach just before serving keeps it vibrant and fresh without overcooking it.

• Use low-sodium broth: This helps control salt levels, allowing you to season according to taste.

Best Side Dishes for Creamy Slow Cooker Chicken Stroganoff with Spinach and Crispy Bacon

A side dish can complement your main course beautifully. Here are some great options to serve alongside your stroganoff.

1. Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes infused with garlic make a comforting pairing.

2. Steamed Asparagus: Lightly steamed asparagus adds a crunchy texture and freshness to the meal.

3. Roasted Brussels Sprouts: The nutty flavor of roasted Brussels sprouts contrasts nicely with the creamy sauce.

4. Cauliflower Rice: A low-carb option that soaks up flavors well while adding extra nutrients.

5. Grilled Zucchini: Seasoned grilled zucchini brings brightness and complements the richness of stroganoff.

6. Quinoa Salad: A refreshing quinoa salad packed with veggies can add a healthy touch to your plate.

7. Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw offers crunch and balances out the creaminess of the dish.

8. Rice Pilaf: Fragrant rice pilaf is another excellent base that absorbs all those delicious flavors from your stroganoff.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Skipping the Browning Step: Not browning the chicken or onions can lead to a less flavorful dish. Always take the time to sauté these ingredients for better depth of flavor.
• Overcooking the Spinach: Adding spinach too early will cause it to wilt excessively. Stir it in during the last few minutes of cooking for vibrant color and texture.
• Neglecting Seasoning: Failing to season properly can result in bland stroganoff. Taste and adjust salt and pepper throughout the cooking process.
• Using Low-Quality Broth: Using a low-quality chicken broth can affect the flavors. Choose a good quality broth for richer taste.
• Not Cooking Noodles Separately: Cooking noodles in the slow cooker can lead to mushiness. Prepare them separately for perfect texture.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• It lasts up to 3-4 days in the fridge.

Freezing Creamy Slow Cooker Chicken Stroganoff with Spinach and Crispy Bacon

• Freeze in a freezer-safe container or bag.
• It can be kept frozen for up to 2-3 months.

Reheating Creamy Slow Cooker Chicken Stroganoff with Spinach and Crispy Bacon

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C), cover with foil, and bake until heated through, about 20-25 minutes.
• Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe bowl, cover, and heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes or until hot, stirring halfway through.
• Stovetop: Heat over medium-low heat in a pot, stirring frequently until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Creamy Slow Cooker Chicken Stroganoff with Spinach and Crispy Bacon.

Can I use turkey instead of chicken?

Yes, turkey works well as a substitute. It provides similar texture and flavor.

How can I make this dish vegetarian?

To make it vegetarian, use plant-based chicken alternatives and vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

What should I serve with Creamy Slow Cooker Chicken Stroganoff with Spinach and Crispy Bacon?

This dish pairs nicely with rice, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread.

How long does it take to cook in the slow cooker?

The total cooking time is about 6-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high.

Final Thoughts

Creamy Slow Cooker Chicken Stroganoff with Spinach offers a comforting meal that’s easy to prepare. Its rich flavors combined with spinach make it both hearty and nutritious. Feel free to customize by adding your favorite vegetables or adjusting spices for a personal touch!