This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Slow Cooker Chicken is a comforting, flavor-packed dish that delivers rich, cheesy goodness with every bite. Slow-cooked chicken breasts soak up a luscious, garlicky Parmesan sauce, creating an ultra-tender, juicy texture. Perfect for busy nights, this easy recipe transforms simple ingredients into an irresistible, restaurant-quality meal with minimal effort.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This slow cooker chicken is the ultimate combination of ease and indulgence. With just a handful of pantry-friendly ingredients, you get a dish that tastes like it’s been simmering all day in a gourmet kitchen. The creamy garlic Parmesan sauce is rich and velvety, clinging to the tender, slow-cooked chicken, ensuring every bite is packed with flavor. Unlike many creamy sauces that require constant stirring and attention, this recipe lets your slow cooker do all the heavy lifting.
Not only is this meal incredibly delicious, but it’s also versatile. Serve it over pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes, or even alongside roasted vegetables for a low-carb option. Whether you’re feeding a family, meal-prepping for the week, or impressing dinner guests, this dish is guaranteed to be a hit.
Recipe Tips and Tricks
- Sear for Extra Flavor: Browning the chicken in a hot skillet before adding it to the slow cooker enhances the depth of flavor.
- Use Freshly Grated Parmesan: Pre-packaged Parmesan can be dry and grainy. Freshly grated cheese melts smoother and creates a silkier sauce.
- Adjust Thickness: If the sauce is too thin, mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with two tablespoons of water and stir it in 30 minutes before serving.
- Slow Cooker Timing: If using chicken thighs instead of breasts, reduce the cook time slightly, as they tend to cook faster and stay juicier.
- Garlic Intensity: If you love garlic, increase the amount or use roasted garlic for a deeper, sweeter flavor.
- Dairy at the End: Adding heavy cream and Parmesan in the last hour prevents curdling and ensures the sauce stays smooth.
Creamy Garlic Parmesan Slow Cooker Chicken
A rich and creamy slow cooker chicken dish with garlic, Parmesan, and herbs, perfect for easy and satisfying weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth (low-sodium preferred)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
- 2 tablespoons water (if using cornstarch)
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Sear for Extra Flavor (Optional): Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Melt butter and sear the chicken for 2 minutes per side until golden brown. This step locks in flavor but can be skipped for convenience.
- Slow Cooker Setup: Transfer the chicken to the slow cooker. Sprinkle the minced garlic evenly over the top. Pour in the chicken broth.
- Slow Cook: Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours, until the chicken is fork-tender.
Check after the minimum cook time to avoid overcooking. - Make It Creamy: About 30 minutes before serving, pour in the heavy cream and stir in the Parmesan cheese. Let the cheese melt into the sauce.
- Thicken the Sauce (Optional): If the sauce is too thin, mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water to create a slurry. Stir into the slow cooker and cook for an additional 15-20 minutes until thickened.
- Serve and Garnish: Transfer chicken to plates and spoon the creamy garlic Parmesan sauce over the top. Garnish with fresh parsley.
- Pairing Suggestions: Serve over pasta, mashed potatoes, or steamed rice. For a low-carb option, pair with roasted veggies or cauliflower mash.
Notes
- Do not add heavy cream too early, or it may curdle.
- If the sauce appears separated after freezing, gently reheat while stirring constantly to bring it back together.
- The longer the chicken cooks, the more tender it gets—but be careful not to overcook, as it may dry out.
Nutrition Information
Yield
4Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 574Total Fat 39gSaturated Fat 22gTrans Fat 1gUnsaturated Fat 13gCholesterol 207mgSodium 1098mgCarbohydrates 9gFiber 0gSugar 2gProtein 47g
The recipes and nutritional information on Crock Pot Meal are for informational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare provider for personalized dietary advice.
Ingredients Notes
- Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts work best, but you can substitute with thighs for a juicier result.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves provide the best flavor, but you can also use roasted garlic for a milder, slightly sweet taste.
- Parmesan Cheese: Always opt for freshly grated Parmesan for the creamiest sauce and best flavor. Avoid pre-shredded cheese as it contains anti-caking agents that can affect the texture.
- Heavy Cream: Adds richness and thickness to the sauce. For a lighter version, use half-and-half, though the sauce may be slightly thinner.
- Chicken Broth: Enhances flavor and keeps the chicken moist. Use low-sodium broth to control the saltiness of the dish.
- Butter: Helps develop the sauce’s rich, velvety texture. Unsalted butter is preferred, so you can adjust salt levels as needed.
- Italian Seasoning: A blend of basil, oregano, rosemary, and thyme that enhances the dish’s depth of flavor. You can customize it with your favorite herbs.
Variations and Substitutions
- Low-Carb Option: Skip the cornstarch and serve over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles.
- Mushroom Lovers: Add sliced mushrooms to the slow cooker for a hearty, earthy flavor.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a bit of heat.
- Lemon-Garlic Twist: Stir in fresh lemon zest and a splash of lemon juice to brighten the dish.
- Dairy-Free Version: Replace heavy cream with coconut milk and use a dairy-free Parmesan substitute.
- Extra Veggies: Stir in fresh spinach or sun-dried tomatoes for added color and nutrients.
Storage Options
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of chicken broth if needed to loosen the sauce.
- Freezing: Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat slowly to prevent the sauce from separating.
- Meal Prep: Make ahead and store in individual portions for easy weeknight dinners.
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