If you love simple, comforting meals that come together effortlessly, I’ve got a treat for you! This 4-Ingredient Slow Cooker Sour Cream Chicken Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a hug in your mouth. Honestly, it’s one of my absolute favorites when I want dinner to be creamy, flavorful, and hands-off. You only need four things, throw them in your slow cooker, and hours later—boom!—you have a crowd-pleasing meal. Keep reading because I’m sharing everything you need to make this a total winner in your kitchen.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

So Simple: Only four ingredients and almost no prep means this is perfect for busy days.
Creamy & Tender: The slow cooker makes the chicken juicy and the sour cream adds luscious richness.
Family Favorite: My kids beg for this chicken and it disappears fast at the dinner table.
Versatile: Great over rice, mashed potatoes, or even in tacos—your call!

A dish shows two layers on a white plate: the bottom layer is smooth mashed potatoes, creamy white with a soft texture, and the top layer is shredded chicken mixed in a light orange sauce, sprinkled with small green herbs on top. The plate is set on a wooden surface with a woman’s hand holding a spoon and fork beside it, and in the background, there is a stainless steel slow cooker. The scene has a casual homemade feel with a white marbled texture surface visible under the plate. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this recipe is in how simply these ingredients come together. Each plays a key role: the cream cheese for creaminess, sour cream for tang, the chicken coating mix for savory seasoning, and of course, the chicken breasts as the star protein. When shopping, I like to grab a good quality cream cheese and sour cream or even Greek yogurt for extra protein and tanginess.

Skinless boneless chicken breasts: I prefer chicken breasts here for easy shredding and lean protein.
Cream cheese: Adds that dreamy creaminess—make sure it’s softened or cut into chunks for even melting.
Sour cream or Greek yogurt: Sour cream brings the tang, but Greek yogurt is a tasty swap if you want a healthier twist.
Chicken coating mix: This is the secret seasoning blend that takes the flavor to the next level—Kroger’s or Shake and Bake both work perfectly.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I really enjoy switching things up based on what I have on hand or how I’m feeling. This recipe is super flexible, so feel free to get creative! It adapts well, making it easy to customize for your taste buds or dietary needs.

Spice it up: I’ve added a pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika when I want a little kick—it’s a game-changer for spice lovers.
Dairy-free twist: Substitute the cream cheese and sour cream with dairy-free alternatives like cashew cream and coconut yogurt for allergy-friendly comfort.
Herby upgrade: Adding fresh herbs like chopped parsley or chives right before serving brings brightness and freshness.
Slow cooker to Instant Pot: I sometimes use my Instant Pot on a slow cooker setting or quick pressure cook for faster weeknight dinners.

How to Make 4-Ingredient Slow Cooker Sour Cream Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Layer Your Ingredients

Start by placing your chicken breasts at the bottom of the slow cooker. Then, add the chunks of cream cheese right on top—don’t sweat if some pieces aren’t perfectly even. Next, spread the sour cream over everything like a cozy blanket, and finally, sprinkle the chicken coating mix over the top. This layering helps all those flavors meld beautifully as it cooks.

Step 2: Slow Cook Low and Slow

Set your slow cooker to low and let it work its magic for about eight hours. This long cooking time ensures the chicken becomes fork-tender and absorbs all those creamy, tangy flavors. If you’re in a pinch, you can cook on high for 4 hours, but I’ve found low and slow yields the best results.

Step 3: Shred and Stir

When the cooking time is up, use two forks to shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker. Stir everything to combine the melted cream cheese and sour cream with the shredded chicken and coating mix. If it looks a bit thick, add a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen it up. Your creamy chicken is now ready to serve!

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Pro Tips for Making 4-Ingredient Slow Cooker Sour Cream Chicken Recipe

Cream Cheese Prep: Cut it into smaller chunks before adding so it melts evenly without clumping.
Don’t Skip Low Setting: Low and slow locks in moisture—you’ll get more tender chicken than cooking on high.
Mix Before Cooking: I’ve learned layering ingredients in order gives a more consistent flavor throughout the dish.
Avoid Overcooking: Keep to the times suggested, overcooked chicken can get dry even in the slow cooker.

How to Serve 4-Ingredient Slow Cooker Sour Cream Chicken Recipe

A white plate sits on a white marbled surface, filled with two layers. The bottom layer is smooth, creamy mashed potatoes, pure white and spread evenly in a round shape. On top is a generous pile of shredded light orange chicken mixed with a creamy sauce, giving it a soft texture. Small pieces of green herbs are sprinkled on the chicken, adding a touch of color. The dish looks warm and hearty, with the contrast between the white mash and the orange tinted chicken standing out clearly photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I love topping this chicken with freshly chopped parsley or cilantro for a pop of color and freshness. A sprinkle of green onions or a dash of smoked paprika also adds a nice touch if you want a little visual and flavor contrast. These simple garnishes make it feel just a bit more special.

Side Dishes

My go-to sides are creamy mashed potatoes or fluffy white rice—that sour cream sauce just soaks up beautifully. Sometimes I’ll serve it alongside steamed green beans or a crisp side salad to keep things balanced.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve served this chicken over buttered egg noodles or even stuffed it into warm tortillas for quick tacos topped with avocado slices and shredded lettuce. It’s a versatile dish that easily dresses up or down depending on your mood.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After cooking, let the chicken cool completely, then store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. I’ve found it lasts nicely for up to 4 days and tastes just as delicious reheated for lunches or quick dinners.

Freezing

This recipe freezes well, which I love for meal prepping. Just portion it out into freezer-safe containers or bags and freeze for up to 3 months. When you want to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

I gently reheat leftover sour cream chicken on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and drying out. You can also microwave it in short bursts, adding a splash of broth or water if it looks dry. This helps keep it creamy and tender.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts for this recipe?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs work great and tend to be even juicier and more flavorful. The cooking time stays the same, and you can shred them just like breasts. I sometimes use thighs for a richer taste and love how tender they become in the slow cooker.
Is Greek yogurt a good substitute for sour cream in this recipe?

Yes, Greek yogurt is a fantastic option if you’re aiming for a healthier or slightly tangier twist. Just make sure to use full-fat Greek yogurt to keep the creamy texture, and add it toward the end of cooking if you want to avoid curdling.
Can I double this recipe for a bigger batch?

Definitely! Just be sure your slow cooker is large enough to accommodate the extra ingredients. Cooking times might be slightly longer, so check the chicken for doneness at around the 8-hour mark and adjust as needed.
What can I serve with 4-Ingredient Slow Cooker Sour Cream Chicken?

I love serving it over creamy mashed potatoes, rice, noodles, or wrapped in tortillas for easy tacos. Steamed vegetables or a crisp salad also complement this creamy chicken beautifully.

Final Thoughts

Honestly, I keep returning to this 4-Ingredient Slow Cooker Sour Cream Chicken Recipe because it’s just that good—and so effortless! It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want to come home to a comforting, satisfying meal without a lot of fuss. Give it a try and tweak it your way; I promise it’ll become a staple in your dinner rotation like it has in mine. Cozy, creamy, and full of flavor—what’s not to love?

4-Ingredient Slow Cooker Sour Cream Chicken Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.8 from 85 reviews

Author: Villerius
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 8 hours
Total Time: 8 hours 5 minutes
Yield: 6 servings
Category: Main Course
Method: Slow Cooking
Cuisine: American

Print Recipe

Description

This 4-Ingredient Slow Cooker Sour Cream Chicken is a simple and comforting dish perfect for busy days. With tender, juicy chicken breasts cooked low and slow alongside creamy sour cream and cream cheese, this recipe delivers rich flavor with minimal effort. The chicken coating mix adds a deliciously seasoned crust that enhances the dish, making it ideal served over mashed potatoes or rice for a hearty, satisfying meal.

Ingredients

Chicken

4 skinless boneless chicken breasts

Dairy

8 ounces cream cheese
16 ounces sour cream or Greek yogurt

Seasoning

5 ounces chicken coating mix (two 2.5-ounce packs, such as Kroger Easy Bake Chicken Seasoned Coating Mix or Shake and Bake)

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Instructions

Prepare the slow cooker: Place the 4 skinless boneless chicken breasts into the slow cooker in an even layer. Add the 8 ounces of cream cheese by dolloping it on top of the chicken.
Add sour cream and seasoning: Pour 16 ounces of sour cream or Greek yogurt over the chicken and cream cheese. Evenly sprinkle the 5 ounces of chicken coating mix on top. Use a spatula or spoon to gently spread the sour cream and coating mix to cover the chicken evenly, but avoid mixing everything thoroughly at this stage.
Cook the chicken: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 8 hours. This slow cooking process will tenderize the chicken breasts and blend the flavors.
Shred and combine: Once cooking is complete, remove the chicken breasts and shred them using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir well to combine with the creamy sauce and coating mix, ensuring the dish is well mixed and saucy.
Serve: Serve the creamy shredded chicken warm, ideally over mashed potatoes or rice for a complete and comforting meal.

Notes

This dish tastes best served over mashed potatoes or rice to soak up the creamy sauce.
The chicken coating mix can be substituted with similar products like Shake and Bake.
Nutrition values are approximate and based on standard ingredient brands.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving (approximately 1 cup)
Calories: 350 kcal
Sugar: 3 g
Sodium: 600 mg
Fat: 25 g
Saturated Fat: 15 g
Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 8 g
Fiber: 0.5 g
Protein: 28 g
Cholesterol: 100 mg