If you’re searching for a comforting, flavorful, and utterly simple dinner solution, look no further than this Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken. The tender chicken, infused with rich garlic and creamy Parmesan, makes every bite a delightful experience. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you want minimal effort but maximum flavor, allowing the slow cooker to do all the work while filling your kitchen with an irresistible aroma.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortless cooking: Just throw the ingredients in your crockpot and let it work its magic while you relax or tackle your day.
- Kid-friendly flavors: The creamy garlic and Parmesan blend makes this dish a hit with almost everyone, even picky eaters.
- Moist and tender chicken: Slow cooking locks in the juices ensuring every bite is succulent and flavorful.
- Versatile meal: This dish pairs wonderfully with pasta, rice, or vegetables, making it easy to customize dinner.
- Great make-ahead option: Prepare in advance then warm up for a quick meal ready on your schedule.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple yet essential ingredients makes this Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken not only easy but incredibly delicious. Each item plays a key role in balancing flavors, enhancing texture, and bringing that creamy, garlicky goodness to life.
- Chicken breasts: Boneless and skinless for quicker cooking and easy shredding later.
- Garlic cloves: Fresh garlic provides a fragrant, bold flavor that defines this dish.
- Parmesan cheese: Adds a salty, nutty creaminess that perfectly complements the chicken.
- Heavy cream or half-and-half: Creates a luscious, velvety sauce that coats every piece of chicken beautifully.
- Chicken broth: Keeps the chicken moist and enhances the savory depth of the sauce.
- Butter: Adds richness and helps meld the flavors together flawlessly.
- Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that amps up the dish with classic Italian tastes.
- Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings to balance and bring out the full flavor profile.
- Fresh parsley (optional): For a burst of color and fresh herbal note on top.
Variations for Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken
Feel free to personalize this recipe to suit your taste buds or dietary preferences—one of the best things about Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken is how effortlessly you can make it your own.
- Add vegetables: Toss in mushrooms, spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor and nutrients.
- Use chicken thighs: Swap breasts for boneless thighs for even juicier, more tender results.
- Make it spicy: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne for a little heat.
- Dairy-free alternative: Substitute heavy cream with coconut milk and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan.
- Make it cheesy overload: Stir in mozzarella or provolone during the last hour for a gooey finish.
How to Make Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken
Step 1: Prepare the chicken
Start by seasoning your chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning to lay a flavorful foundation.
Step 2: Layer ingredients in the crockpot
Place the chicken breasts at the base of the slow cooker, then add fresh minced garlic, chicken broth, and butter on top to ensure even cooking and flavor infusion.
Step 3: Cook low and slow
Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and is tender enough to shred easily.
Step 4: Create the creamy Parmesan sauce
Once the chicken is cooked, remove it and pour in the heavy cream along with the Parmesan cheese. Stir thoroughly and let it cook on low another 15 minutes to thicken the sauce.
Step 5: Combine and finish
Return the chicken breasts to the crockpot and coat them with the sauce. Garnish with fresh parsley for a bright and fresh touch before serving.
Pro Tips for Making Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken
- Use fresh garlic: Freshly minced garlic delivers a stronger, fresher flavor than powders or pre-minced options.
- Don’t skip the Parmesan: Real Parmesan cheese adds authentic depth and creaminess you can’t replicate with substitutes.
- Cook on low: Slow cooking on low heat yields the most tender, juicy chicken rather than using high heat.
- Shred or slice: Choose shredding for a saucier dish, or slice for a neater presentation cozy in the Parmesan sauce.
- Let it rest: Allow the chicken to rest a few minutes before serving so the flavors fully meld.
How to Serve Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken
Garnishes
Fresh chopped parsley or basil adds a pop of color and a fresh herbal note that brightens the creamy richness of the dish.
Side Dishes
This chicken shines when paired with buttery garlic mashed potatoes, buttery pasta noodles, or roasted vegetables to round out a satisfying meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the chicken over a bed of zucchini noodles for a lighter option, or spoon it atop toasted crusty bread for an Italian-inspired open-faced sandwich.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place leftover Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days to keep it fresh and flavorful.
Freezing
This dish freezes well—transfer portions into freezer-safe bags or containers and freeze for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop or in a microwave, stirring occasionally to keep the creamy Parmesan sauce smooth and prevent it from separating.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken breasts for this recipe?
Yes, but it’s best to use thawed chicken breasts to ensure even cooking and maintain the perfect tender texture throughout.
Is this recipe suitable for low-carb or keto diets?
Absolutely! The creamy Parmesan sauce and chicken make it ideal for low-carb and keto diets; just serve with low-carb vegetables or cauliflower rice.
How do I prevent the sauce from becoming too watery?
After cooking the chicken, thicken the sauce by simmering it on low with Parmesan and cream for 10-15 minutes before combining it with the chicken again.
Can I make this recipe in an Instant Pot instead?
You sure can! Use the sauté mode to brown the ingredients briefly, then cook on high pressure for about 10 minutes with a natural pressure release for similar results.
What’s the best way to shred the chicken?
Using two forks is the classic method—just pull the chicken apart into shreds once it’s cooked thoroughly and tender.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving an easy, delicious, and comforting meal, this Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken is a winner every single time. From its tender, juicy chicken to its rich and creamy sauce packed with garlic and Parmesan, it takes the stress out of dinner while delivering amazing flavor. Give it a try and watch how quickly it becomes a staple in your rotation!
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Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken
- Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes to 6 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken is a comforting, flavorful, and effortlessly simple dish featuring tender chicken breasts slow-cooked with garlic, creamy Parmesan cheese, and a velvety sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe promises moist, juicy chicken with rich, savory flavors that pair beautifully with pasta, rice, or vegetables.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 4–5 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional Garnishes and Variations
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Mushrooms, spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes (added vegetables)
- Red pepper flakes or cayenne (for spice)
- Mozzarella or provolone cheese (for cheesy finish)
- Coconut milk and nutritional yeast (for dairy-free alternative)
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken: Season the boneless, skinless chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning to create a flavorful base.
- Layer ingredients in the crockpot: Place the seasoned chicken breasts at the bottom of the slow cooker. Top with freshly minced garlic, chicken broth, and butter to promote even cooking and infuse flavor.
- Cook low and slow: Cover and cook on low heat for 4 to 6 hours, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and is tender enough to shred easily.
- Create the creamy Parmesan sauce: Remove the cooked chicken breasts from the crockpot. Pour in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, stirring thoroughly. Let it cook on low for an additional 15 minutes to thicken and develop the sauce.
- Combine and finish: Return the chicken breasts to the crockpot and coat them evenly with the creamy sauce. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving for a bright, fresh touch.
Notes
- Use fresh garlic for a stronger, fresher flavor rather than garlic powder or pre-minced garlic.
- Don’t skip using real Parmesan cheese; it adds authentic depth and creaminess.
- Cook the chicken on low heat to ensure the most tender and juicy results.
- You can shred the chicken for a saucier dish or slice it for a neater presentation.
- Let the chicken rest a few minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld fully.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4-6 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 130mg