A super delicious and fun-to-make dinner meal is this Slow Cooker Chicken Heaven, made with chicken, spinach, mushrooms, garlic, mixed herbs, and bacon. It’s a hearty, comforting dish that everyone will love.

To cook Chicken Heaven in your slow cooker or crockpot, just mix all ingredients except for the late additions like zucchini and broccoli. Cook on low for 5.5 hours or high for 2.5 hours, then add the remaining veggies in the last hour.

Every time I make this, it reminds me of cozy family dinners where everyone ends up happy and satisfied.

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Can I Use Frozen Vegetables Instead of Fresh in Chicken Heaven?

Yes, you can use frozen vegetables instead of fresh ones in Chicken Heaven. If using frozen, add them during the last two hours of cooking on low to prevent them from becoming too mushy.

Slow Cooker Chicken Heaven Ingredients

• 2 lbs of chicken (choose from breasts, legs, or drumsticks)
• 3 handfuls of spinach
• 1-2 cups of sliced mushrooms, depending on preference
• 1-2 tablespoons of minced garlic, tailored to your love for garlic
• 1 tablespoon of mixed herbs
• 6 rashers of bacon, each cut into 4 pieces
• 1 block of Philly cheese, diced
• 1 medium zucchini, chopped
• 1 tablespoon of chicken stock powder
• 1/2 onion, chopped
• 1 can of chicken condensed soup
• 6 medium potatoes, cut into quarters with skins on
• 1 head of broccoli, cut into florets
• 4 large squash, cut into quarters
• 2 cups of chopped pumpkin

How To Make Slow Cooker Chicken Heaven

1. Prepare the slow cooker: Combine chicken, spinach, mushrooms, garlic, herbs, bacon, Philly cheese, chicken stock powder, onion, potatoes, and chicken soup in the slow cooker, ensuring a thorough mix.
2. Cook the mixture: Secure the lid and cook on high for 2.5 hours or on low for 5.5 hours, occasionally stirring to promote even cooking and prevent ingredients from sticking.
3. Add remaining vegetables: During the last hour on high or the final half hour on low, carefully add the zucchini, broccoli, pumpkin, and squash to the slow cooker, folding them into the existing mixture.
4. Finalize the cooking: Continue to cook until all the vegetables are tender and the chicken is thoroughly cooked, ensuring a hearty and flavorful dish.
5. Serve and enjoy: Once everything is perfectly cooked, serve your flavorful and comforting Slow Cooker Chicken Heaven, ideal for a satisfying family meal.

Is It Necessary to Stir the Ingredients While Cooking?

It’s not strictly necessary to stir the ingredients while they cook, but doing so occasionally helps distribute flavors and prevents anything from sticking to the bottom. I prefer to give it a gentle stir every hour.

Recipe Tips

• Choosing Chicken: For a more flavorful dish, use a mix of chicken parts such as thighs and breasts; thighs will add more juiciness and flavor due to their higher fat content.
• Enhancing Flavor: Consider searing the chicken pieces before adding them to the slow cooker to enrich the overall flavor of the dish with a caramelized texture.
• Prepping Vegetables: Cut all vegetables in uniform sizes to ensure they cook evenly; larger chunks are better for longer cooking times as they retain their texture.
• Managing Liquid Levels: If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with water and add it during the last 30 minutes of cooking to thicken the broth.

Recipe Variations

• Low-Carb Option: Substitute potatoes with cauliflower florets and omit other higher-carb vegetables like pumpkin to make this a more keto-friendly meal.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Use a plant-based cream cheese alternative instead of Philly cheese to cater to dairy-free dietary preferences without losing the creamy texture.
• Extra Hearty: Incorporate a cup of pearl barley or wild rice in the beginning for a more filling, one-pot meal, which adds a lovely chewiness and extra heartiness.
• Spicy Kick: Add a teaspoon of chili flakes or a finely chopped jalapeño when adding the zucchini and other vegetables for a spicy version that heats things up a bit.

What To Serve With Chicken Heaven

Serve your Chicken Heaven with creative sides like roasted Brussels sprouts, couscous salad, garlic Parmesan roasted carrots, sautéed green beans, and baked sweet potato wedges. You can also pair it with a crisp apple slaw or a refreshing cucumber salad.

How To Store Leftover Chicken Heaven

In The Fridge:

Store leftover Chicken Heaven in an airtight container. It should be refrigerated within 2 hours of cooking. I recommend using the leftovers within 3-4 days for the best quality and safety.

In The Freezer:

Pack the chicken in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags then place it in the freezer for up to 2-3 months for optimal taste and texture.

How To Reheat Leftover Chicken Heaven

Reheat your leftover Chicken Heaven by placing it in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir occasionally until heated through, which typically takes about 10 minutes. For quicker reheating, use a microwave, stirring every couple of minutes.

Check out More Slow Cooker Recipes:

• Slow Cooker Poached Chicken
• Slow Cooker Lemon Garlic Chicken
• Slow Cooker Honey Mustard Chicken