📖 Instructions

1. First, gather your ingredients. This is like prepping your battlefield, folks. Have everything measured and ready to go before you even think about turning on that crockpot. Trust me; it saves time and prevents you from realizing halfway through that you're out of garlic. Ugh!
2. Next, lightly grease the inside of your crockpot with cooking spray. This helps prevent the chicken from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze. And let's be honest, who doesn't love an easier cleanup?
3. Place your chicken breasts (about 1.5 to 2 pounds) in the crockpot. You can use bone-in, skin-on thighs if you prefer – the longer cook time will make them fall-off-the-bone tender. I find chicken breasts are just so convenient though.
4. In a bowl, whisk together 1 can (10.75 ounces) of condensed cream of mushroom soup, 1 packet (1 ounce) of dry Italian dressing mix, and ½ cup of chicken broth. Make sure it's well combined – no one wants clumps of soup mix in their dinner.
5. Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken, ensuring that each piece is well coated. This is where the magic happens, folks. That sauce is going to transform into pure deliciousness.
6. Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Cooking times can vary depending on your slow cooker, so keep an eye on it. The chicken should be cooked through and easily shreddable with a fork.
7. Once the chicken is cooked, use two forks to shred it directly in the crockpot. This is so much easier than trying to shred it on a cutting board. Plus, it stays nice and warm.
8. Serve the shredded chicken over rice, pasta, mashed potatoes, or even on slider buns. Feel free to garnish with fresh parsley or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. Get creative!
9. For a burst of extra flavor, consider adding some chopped vegetables like onions, bell peppers, or mushrooms to the crockpot along with the chicken. They'll soak up all that delicious sauce and add a nice textural contrast.
10. Don't be afraid to experiment with different variations of this recipe. Try using cream of chicken soup instead of cream of mushroom, or add a splash of white wine for a richer flavor. The possibilities are endless!