Tender Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Chicken

Juicy chicken thighs slow-cooked in a creamy garlic-Parmesan sauce until fall-apart tender. This effortless, flavor-packed dish is pure comfort—perfect over pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Chicken is the definition of cozy, hands-off deliciousness: chicken becomes unbelievably tender while bathing in a rich, garlicky, cheesy sauce that tastes like you spent hours at the stove. The combination of Parmesan, cream cheese, and heavy cream creates a velvety texture that clings to every bite, while a generous amount of garlic and herbs adds bold, addictive flavor. It’s naturally low-carb (serve over cauliflower rice!), gluten-free, and kid-approved, yet feels totally indulgent. With only 10 minutes of prep, this is the perfect weeknight dinner that makes everyone run to the table—and the leftovers are even better the next day!

Recipe Tips and Tricks

• Use thighs: They stay juicy and tender even after long cooking.
• Brown first (optional): Quick sear adds deeper flavor and color.
• Add cream last 30 minutes: Prevents curdling and keeps sauce silky.
• Double the garlic: It mellows beautifully during slow cooking.
• Thicken if needed: Cornstarch slurry at the end for extra gloss.
• Finish with fresh Parmesan: A final shower melts perfectly.
• Broil for crispy top: 3-5 minutes at the end transforms leftovers.

Yield: 8 Servings

Tender Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Chicken

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Creamy, garlicky Parmesan chicken that melts in your mouth—crockpot comfort!

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 6 hours

Additional Time 5 minutes

Total Time 6 hours 15 minutes

Ingredients

• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan (plus extra for serving)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp salt
• 2.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 6 cloves garlic, minced
• 8 oz cream cheese, cubed
• Optional: fresh parsley and red pepper flakes

Instructions

1. Layer the love: Place chicken thighs in the slow cooker—your creamy dream begins!
2. Season generously: Sprinkle with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning.
3. Add the flavor base: Pour in chicken broth and scatter minced garlic all over.
4. Set it & forget it: Cook on low 6-7 hours or high 3-4 hours—until chicken is fall-apart tender.
5. Shred the chicken: Remove thighs and shred with two forks—they’ll melt apart!
6. Creamy magic: Add cream cheese cubes and heavy cream to the pot—stir until melted.
7. Parmesan shower: Stir in grated Parmesan until the sauce is silky and cheesy.
8. Reunite everything: Return shredded chicken to the sauce and gently toss—heaven!
9. Taste & adjust: Add more Parmesan or seasoning if desired—make it yours!
10. Serve with joy: Spoon over pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes, top with fresh parsley and extra cheese—dinner is served!

Notes

• For thicker sauce, mix 1 tbsp cornstarch with 1 tbsp water and stir in last 15 minutes.
• Leftovers make incredible quesadillas or baked potato topping.
• The sauce thickens as it cools—perfect for next-day pasta!

Nutrition Information

Yield

8

Serving Size

1
Amount Per Serving Calories 740Total Fat 51gSaturated Fat 24gUnsaturated Fat 28gCholesterol 249mgSodium 1716mgCarbohydrates 7gFiber 0gSugar 1gProtein 57g

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 thighs: Boneless, skinless are easiest; bone-in works (increase cook time).
• Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated melts smoother than pre-shredded.
• Cream cheese: Full-fat creates luscious texture; adds tangy richness.
• Heavy cream: Makes the sauce silky; half-and-half works for lighter version.
• Garlic: Fresh minced for bold punch—don’t skimp!
• Italian seasoning: Classic blend; or use fresh herbs at the end.
• Chicken broth: Adds moisture and depth without diluting flavor.

Variations and Substitutions

• Chicken breasts: Use breasts (reduce cook time by 1 hour).
• Spicy kick: Add red pepper flakes or cayenne.
• Mushroom boost: Sauté mushrooms and add last hour.
• Spinach or kale: Stir in last 20 minutes for green goodness.
• Bacon lover: Crumble cooked bacon on top before serving.
• Instant Pot: High pressure 10 minutes + quick release.
• Crockpot pasta: Add uncooked pasta + extra broth last 30 minutes.
• Low-carb: Serve over zucchini noodles or cauliflower mash.
• Alfredo style: Add mozzarella and extra cream.

Storage Options

• Refrigerator: Store in sauce up to 4 days.
• Freezer: Freeze chicken + sauce up to 3 months (add fresh cream when reheating).
• Meal prep: Perfect with rice or pasta for grab-and-go lunches.

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Until you can read, Tender Pulled Pork Sandwiches