3 ingredient slow cooker chicken with creamy onion sauce served over rice, easy budget crockpot meal for two

3 Ingredient Slow Cooker Chicken with Creamy Onion Sauce (Budget Friendly)

This 3 ingredient slow cooker chicken is one of the easiest, most budget-friendly meals you can make. With tender chicken and a rich, savory onion sauce, it’s a simple comfort food dinner that practically cooks itself. Pair it with this easy Parmesan Garlic Rice

This recipe is part of our Slow Cooker Meals for Two and out Budget Comfort Meals for Two collection, making it easy to find cozy, low-effort dinners anytime.

Time

  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 6–7 hours (Low) or 3–4 hours (High)
  • Total Time: 6 hours 5 minutes
  • Servings: 2

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Only 3 simple ingredients
  • Budget-friendly and filling
  • Hands-off slow cooker meal
  • Rich, savory comfort food flavor
  • Perfect over rice, potatoes, or noodles

Ingredients for 3 Ingredient Slow Cooker Chicken

  • 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
  • ½ packet onion soup mix
  • ½ can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup

Ingredient Notes

  • Chicken: Use breasts or thighs—thighs will be more tender and juicy.
  • Onion soup mix: Adds most of the flavor—no extra seasoning needed.
  • Cream of mushroom soup: Creates the creamy sauce; cream of chicken can be substituted.

How to Make 3 Ingredient Slow Cooker Chicken

  1. Place chicken breasts in the bottom of the slow cooker.
  2. Sprinkle onion soup mix evenly over the chicken.
  3. Pour cream of mushroom soup over the top.
  4. Cover and cook on LOW for 6–7 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours, until tender.
  5. Spoon sauce over the chicken before serving.

Equipment

Options

  • Add sliced mushrooms or onions for extra flavor
  • Stir in a splash of milk at the end for a thinner sauce
  • Serve shredded instead of whole for sandwiches or bowls

Tips

  • Don’t add extra liquid—the soup creates enough sauce
  • For thicker sauce, remove lid last 20–30 minutes
  • Chicken can be shredded easily after cooking

Serving Suggestions

Serve with:

Storage

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days
  • Reheat in microwave or stovetop
  • Add a splash of milk if sauce thickens too much

Budget Tips / Cost Breakdown

  • Chicken (2 breasts): ~$3.00
  • Onion soup mix: ~$0.50
  • Cream soup (½ can): ~$0.75

Estimated total: ~$4.25 ($2.10 per serving)

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, but thawing first gives better texture and even cooking.

Can I use a different soup?
Yes—cream of chicken or cream of celery works well.

Can I double this recipe?
Yes, just use a larger slow cooker and full ingredient amounts.

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3 responses to “3 Ingredient Slow Cooker Chicken with Creamy Onion Sauce (Budget Friendly)”

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