Easy Slow Cooker Chicken and Asparagus

Asparagus

 

Inna Zakharchenko/Getty Images 

Prep: 15 mins
Cook: 6 hrs 30 mins
Total: 6 hrs 45 mins
Servings: 4 to 6 servings

This easy slow-cooked chicken with asparagus makes a flavorful and satisfying family meal with hot cooked rice or pasta. Add a tossed salad and biscuits or crusty bread, if you'd like.

If you can't find the condensed cream of onion soup, use cream of mushroom, cream of chicken, or cream of celery soup. Use fresh or frozen asparagus in this recipe. One reader replaced the chicken broth and cream of onion soup with a can of cream of broccoli and a can of cream of mushroom with very good results. 

Feel free to adapt the recipe with the ingredients you have on hand. Chicken tenders can be used instead of the chicken breasts, or replace the chicken with cut-up turkey cutlets. A chicken and ham combination would be excellent in this dish. You can replace about 1/2 pound of the chicken with a cup of diced cooked ham.

Instead of asparagus, add 1 1/2 to 2 cups of fresh, lightly steamed broccoli florets to the dish, or add a 10-ounce package of frozen (thawed) chopped broccoli. For extra color and flavor, add some diced fresh carrots or small baby carrots and cook them along with the chicken.

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 pounds boneless chicken breasts, about 4 to 6 halves

  • 1/2 cup chicken stock

  • 1 (10 1/2-ounce) can cream of onion soup

  • 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon dried tarragon, optional

  • 1 teaspoon lemon pepper seasoning, or another kind of herb seasoning

  • 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt

  • 1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

  • 10 ounces asparagus, or one 10-ounce package of frozen asparagus, thawed

  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch

  • 1 tablespoon water

  • Rice, optional, for serving

  • Toasted almonds, optional, for garnish

  • Buttered breadcrumbs, optional, for garnish

  • Grated or shredded Parmesan cheese, optional, for garnish

Steps to Make It

  1. Cut the chicken breasts into chunks, and place them in the slow cooker.

  2. In a bowl, combine the chicken stock, cream of onion soup, tarragon, and lemon pepper seasoning. Stir to blend. Pour the mixture over the chicken.

  3. Cover and cook for about 4 to 6 hours on low. The chicken should be tender and thoroughly cooked. Taste and add salt and pepper, as needed.

  4. Cut the asparagus into 1-inch lengths and add it to the chicken.

  5. In a small bowl, combine the cornstarch and cold water; stir until the mixture is smooth.

  6. Add the cornstarch mixture to the pot and stir gently.

  7. Turn the slow cooker to high, and continue cooking for about 10 to 15 minutes longer, or until the asparagus is tender and the liquids have thickened.

  8. Serve hot with noodles or rice. Garnish with toasted almonds, breadcrumbs, or Parmesan cheese as desired.

Tip

Buttery Toasted Breadcrumbs: Tear 2 slices of bread into small pieces and put them in a food processor. Pulse to make coarse crumbs. Toss the crumbs with a tablespoon of butter (or olive oil) and a pinch of salt. Place a skillet over medium heat. Add the breadcrumbs and cook until golden brown, stirring and tossing constantly.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)
229 Calories
5g Fat
6g Carbs
37g Protein
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Nutrition Facts
Servings: 4 to 6
Amount per serving
Calories 229
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 5g 7%
Saturated Fat 1g 7%
Cholesterol 100mg 33%
Sodium 455mg 20%
Total Carbohydrate 6g 2%
Dietary Fiber 1g 4%
Total Sugars 2g
Protein 37g
Vitamin C 4mg 19%
Calcium 36mg 3%
Iron 2mg 10%
Potassium 442mg 9%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
(Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate.)