Get ready to meet your new favorite weeknight dinner. This Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken is the definition of comfort food made simple. With tender, juicy chicken swimming in a luxuriously creamy and flavorful garlic parmesan sauce, this recipe is a set-it-and-forget-it meal that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen. It’s the perfect solution for busy days when you’re craving something truly satisfying.
We’re talking minimal prep for maximum flavor. Just a few simple ingredients transform into a restaurant-quality meal right in your slow cooker. Let’s dive in!
Why This Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Recipe is a Winner
If you’re looking for a recipe that will end up in your regular rotation, this is it. It’s a game-changer for anyone who loves delicious food but doesn’t have a lot of time to cook.
Effortless Prep: This is a true “dump and go” style recipe. You can have everything in the slow cooker in under 10 minutes.
Incredibly Flavorful: The combination of savory garlic, nutty Parmesan, and rich cream cheese creates a sauce that is simply irresistible.
Family-Friendly: This is a dish the whole family will love. The flavors are classic and comforting, making it a hit with both kids and adults.
Super Versatile: You can serve this creamy chicken in so many different ways! It’s fantastic over pasta, rice, or even with a side of roasted veggies.
The Key Ingredients for Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken
The magic of this dish comes from simple, high-quality ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to create that incredible flavor.
For the Chicken
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts work perfectly. They cook up tender and juicy in the slow cooker.
Italian Seasoning: A blend of dried herbs that adds a wonderful depth of flavor.
Salt and Black Pepper: To season the chicken and enhance all the other flavors.
Garlic Powder & Onion Powder: These provide a foundational aromatic flavor that complements the fresh garlic perfectly.
For the Creamy Garlic Parmesan Sauce
Chicken Broth: The base of our sauce. Use a low-sodium version to better control the saltiness.
Cream Cheese: This is the secret to an ultra-creamy, rich sauce. Make sure it’s softened for easy melting.
Minced Garlic: Fresh garlic is a must for the best flavor. Don’t be shy with it!
Grated Parmesan Cheese: For that signature nutty, salty flavor. Freshly grated melts best and has the most flavor.
Fresh Parsley: Adds a pop of color and fresh, herby flavor at the end.
Your new favorite weeknight dinner is ready in just a few simple steps.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Making this creamy crockpot chicken is as easy as 1-2-3-4. Follow these simple steps for perfect results every time.
Step 1: Season the Chicken
Pat the chicken breasts dry with a paper towel. In a small bowl, mix together the Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Sprinkle the seasoning mix evenly over all sides of the chicken breasts.
Step 2: Layer in the Crockpot
Place the seasoned chicken breasts in a single layer at the bottom of your crockpot. Pour the chicken broth around the chicken. Add the minced garlic and place the block of cream cheese directly on top of the chicken.
Step 3: Slow Cook to Perfection
Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours. The chicken should be cooked through and tender enough to shred easily with a fork.
Step 4: Create the Creamy Sauce
Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the crockpot and set it aside. Whisk the remaining liquid in the crockpot until the cream cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts into the sauce. If the sauce seems thin, you can let it cook on high for another 15 minutes with the lid off to thicken. Shred or slice the chicken, return it to the sauce, stir to coat, and garnish with fresh parsley.
Look at that rich, creamy garlic parmesan sauce!
Pro Tips for the Best Crockpot Chicken
Want to take your Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken to the next level? Follow these simple tips.
Use Fresh Parmesan: For the smoothest sauce, grate your own Parmesan cheese. Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can make the sauce grainy.
Don’t Overcook: Chicken breasts can become dry if overcooked, even in a slow cooker. Start checking for doneness at the lower end of the recommended cooking time.
Thicken the Sauce: If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can make a slurry by mixing 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water. Whisk this into the sauce and cook on high for 15-20 minutes until it thickens.
Delicious Serving Suggestions
This creamy chicken is a fantastic centerpiece for many meals. Our favorite way to serve it is over a bed of fluffy rice or egg noodles to soak up all that delicious sauce. It’s also incredible with a side of Garlic Parmesan Roasted Potatoes. For a lower-carb option, serve it with steamed broccoli, asparagus, or zucchini noodles.
Variations and Customizations
One of the best things about this recipe is how easy it is to customize. Here are a few ideas to get you started.
Add Vegetables
Stir in a few handfuls of fresh spinach during the last 30 minutes of cooking for a pop of color and added nutrients. Sun-dried tomatoes or sliced mushrooms also make a great addition.
Make it Spicy
If you like a little heat, add 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes along with the other seasonings. A dash of cayenne pepper would also work well.
Different Cuts of Chicken
This recipe works beautifully with boneless, skinless chicken thighs as well. They may require a slightly longer cooking time but will result in incredibly moist and flavorful meat.
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk or chicken broth to loosen the sauce if needed. You can also microwave it in 30-second intervals until warmed through.
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work wonderfully. They contain more fat, which makes them extra juicy and flavorful. You may need to add about 30-60 minutes to the cooking time on low.
If your sauce isn’t as thick as you’d like, you can create a cornstarch slurry. Mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water until smooth, then whisk it into the sauce in the crockpot. Cook on high, uncovered, for 15-20 minutes until it has thickened.
This dish is incredibly versatile! It’s delicious served over pasta, rice, quinoa, or mashed potatoes to soak up the creamy sauce. For a lighter meal, serve it with steamed green beans, roasted asparagus, or a simple side salad.
For food safety reasons, it is not recommended to cook frozen chicken in a slow cooker. The slow heating time can allow the chicken to stay in the ‘danger zone’ (40-140°F) for too long, which can promote bacterial growth. It’s best to thaw your chicken completely before cooking.
The chicken is done when it is tender and shreds easily with a fork. For the most accurate reading, use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature of the thickest part of the chicken should be at least 165°F (74°C).
This Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken is more than just a recipe; it’s a solution for busy weeknights and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. With its simple prep and incredible flavor, it’s sure to become a staple in your home. If you make it, we’d love to see! Share your creations and tag us on Pinterest.
The easiest and creamiest Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken you will ever make!
Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Recipe
FL Recipes
Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken (The Easiest, Creamiest Recipe!)
The ultimate set-it-and-forget-it meal! This Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken features tender chicken in a luxuriously creamy, flavorful sauce. An easy, family-friendly dinner perfect for busy weeknights.
2lbsboneless, skinless chicken breastsabout 4 medium breasts
1tspItalian seasoning
1tspsalt
1/2tspblack pepper
1/2tspgarlic powder
1/2tsponion powder
1/2cuplow-sodium chicken broth
8ozcream cheesesoftened, cut into cubes
4clovesgarlicminced
1/2cupgrated Parmesan cheesefreshly grated is best
2tbspfresh parsleychopped, for garnish
Equipment
1 Crockpot (6-quart)
1 Whisk
Method
Pat the chicken breasts dry. In a small bowl, combine the Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Rub the seasoning mix all over the chicken breasts.
Place the seasoned chicken in the bottom of the slow cooker. Pour in the chicken broth, top with minced garlic, and place the cubed cream cheese on top.
Cover and cook on LOW for 4-6 hours or on HIGH for 2-3 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
Remove the chicken from the crockpot. Whisk the sauce in the crockpot until smooth and creamy. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted.
Shred or slice the chicken, then return it to the crockpot. Stir to coat the chicken with the creamy sauce. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Nutrition
Calories: 410kcalProtein: 42gFat: 24g
Notes
For a thicker sauce, mix 1 tbsp of cornstarch with 2 tbsp of cold water to make a slurry. Whisk it into the sauce and cook on HIGH for 15-20 minutes. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Hi, I’m Emily Carter, and welcome to FL Recipes! I share simple, healthy recipes that make cooking easy, fun, and delicious for everyone. more about me »
