Crockpot Mozzarella Asparagus Chicken Thighs Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

Tips for success

For the best flavor, use high-quality garlic herb butter. You can make your own by mixing softened butter with minced garlic, parsley, and a pinch of salt.

If you prefer a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes when layering the ingredients. The slow cooker does all the work, so you can set it in the morning and come home to a finished dinner.

To make this a complete meal, serve over cooked penne, rice, or mashed potatoes. The sauce is rich and creamy, so it pairs well with sturdy carbs. You can also add a side salad or steamed vegetables for extra freshness.

Leftovers are delicious the next day — simply reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave. The flavors continue to meld, making it even better the next day.

Variations

• Add Mushrooms: Add 8 oz sliced mushrooms along with the asparagus for an earthy flavor. They will release moisture and add richness to the sauce. Cook as directed.
• Use Chicken Breasts: Swap the thighs for boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Reduce the cooking time to 3-4 hours on LOW, and check that the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).
• Make It Spicy: Stir in 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño when layering the ingredients. This adds a gentle heat that complements the creamy sauce.
• Add Bacon: Cook 4 slices of bacon until crisp, crumble, and sprinkle over the top before serving. The smoky flavor pairs wonderfully with the creamy sauce.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave.

Freezer

Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheat

Reheat in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until hot. Add a splash of broth or milk if the sauce has thickened.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally, until heated through. The sauce may thicken upon cooling; add a splash of chicken broth or milk when reheating to restore the creamy consistency.

You can assemble the raw ingredients in the slow cooker insert the night before, cover, and refrigerate. In the morning, place the insert in the slow cooker and cook as directed. Add 30 minutes to the cooking time if starting from cold. This makes it even easier to have a hot dinner ready after a busy day.

Serving ideas

Serve this dish hot, straight from the slow cooker. Spoon generous portions over cooked penne pasta, rice, or creamy polenta. The sauce is rich and flavorful, so a little goes a long way.

Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or a sprinkle of black pepper if desired. This hearty meal is satisfying on its own or with a simple green salad on the side.

For a low-carb option, serve the chicken and asparagus over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles. The creamy sauce clings beautifully to vegetables as well.

You can also pair it with crusty bread for dipping into the sauce. However you choose to serve it, this dish is sure to become a weeknight favorite that the whole family will love.

Frequently asked questions

Recipe card

Crockpot Mozzarella Asparagus Chicken Thighs

Prep 10 minCook 4 hTotal 4 h 10 minServes 4

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs
• 1 lb fresh asparagus, trimmed
• 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of celery soup
• 1 1/2 cups shredded whole-milk mozzarella cheese
• 2 tbsp garlic herb butter

Instructions

1. Place the chicken thighs in an even layer in the bottom of a 6-quart slow cooker. Scatter the trimmed asparagus spears over the chicken. Spoon the condensed cream of celery soup over the asparagus, spreading it gently to cover. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella over the top, then dot with the garlic herb butter.
2. Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 4 to 5 hours, or on HIGH for 2 to 3 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). The sauce will be bubbling and the cheese melted.
3. Stir the mixture gently to combine. Serve hot over cooked penne pasta or your favorite grain, spooning extra sauce over the top.

Contains: milk, gluten, celery

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories

480

Protein

35 g

Carbohydrates

10 g

Fat

32 g

Automatic estimate from the ingredient list, not laboratory-verified.