EASY GARLIC PARMESAN CROCKPOT CHICKEN

I remember one particularly chaotic week when my sister was recovering from surgery, and I was juggling work, errands, and trying to keep her spirits up; that’s when I discovered the magic of dump-and-go meals like this incredibly easy Garlic Parmesan Crockpot Chicken. The aroma alone was enough to brighten her day, and the tender, flavorful chicken was exactly what she needed. Trust me, with this recipe, you’re just a few simple steps away from a comforting and delicious dinner that will become a family favorite!

The Easiest Garlic Parmesan Crockpot Chicken You’ll Ever Make

Okay, friends, let’s talk about comfort food. And let’s talk about making it easy. Because let’s be honest, some days, the last thing we want to do is spend hours in the kitchen. That’s where this Garlic Parmesan Crockpot Chicken recipe comes in. It’s truly a lifesaver, and I’m so excited to share it with you.

This isn’t just another “dump-and-go” recipe; it’s a “dump-and-enjoy” recipe. You get all the amazing flavors of garlic and parmesan without any of the fuss. We’re talking melt-in-your-mouth chicken that’s perfect over pasta, rice, or even just on its own with a side of roasted vegetables. Ready to get started?

What Makes This Crockpot Chicken So Special?

You might be thinking, “Another crockpot chicken recipe? What’s so special about this one?” Well, let me tell you:

• It’s ridiculously easy: Seriously, it takes about 5 minutes of prep time.
• It’s incredibly flavorful: The combination of garlic, parmesan, and Italian seasoning is a match made in heaven.
• It’s versatile: Serve it over pasta, rice, mashed potatoes, or even in sandwiches. The possibilities are endless!
• It’s budget-friendly: Chicken thighs are an affordable protein, and the other ingredients are pantry staples.
• It’s a crowd-pleaser: Even picky eaters will love this dish.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll need to gather to make this amazing Garlic Parmesan Crockpot Chicken. Don’t worry, it’s a pretty straightforward list:

• Chicken: I prefer boneless, skinless chicken thighs for this recipe because they stay incredibly moist and tender in the crockpot. You can also use chicken breasts, but be careful not to overcook them.
• Garlic: Fresh garlic is always best! Mince it finely for the most flavor.
• Parmesan Cheese: Use freshly grated parmesan cheese for the best results. The pre-shredded stuff often contains cellulose, which can prevent it from melting properly.
• Italian Seasoning: This adds a lovely depth of flavor to the dish. You can use a store-bought blend or make your own.
• Chicken Broth: This helps to keep the chicken moist and creates a delicious sauce.
• Heavy Cream: For an extra creamy sauce! You can substitute with half-and-half or milk, but the sauce won’t be as rich.
• Butter: A little butter adds richness and flavor.
• Salt and Pepper: To taste, of course!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get cooking! Here’s how to make this incredible Garlic Parmesan Crockpot Chicken:

1. Prep the Chicken: Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. This will help them brown slightly and absorb more flavor. Season them generously with salt and pepper.
2. Combine Ingredients in the Crockpot: In the bottom of your crockpot, place the chicken thighs. Sprinkle with minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and half of the parmesan cheese. Pour in the chicken broth and dot with butter.
3. Cook: Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The chicken is done when it’s cooked through and easily shreds with a fork.
4. Shred the Chicken: Once the chicken is cooked, use two forks to shred it directly in the crockpot.
5. Add Cream and Parmesan: Stir in the heavy cream and the remaining parmesan cheese. Cover and let the sauce thicken for about 15-20 minutes.
6. Serve: Serve the Garlic Parmesan Crockpot Chicken over your favorite pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes. Garnish with fresh parsley or a sprinkle of extra parmesan cheese, if desired.

Tips for the Best Garlic Parmesan Crockpot Chicken

Here are a few tips and tricks to ensure your Garlic Parmesan Crockpot Chicken turns out perfectly every time:

• Don’t overcook the chicken: Overcooked chicken can be dry and tough. If you’re using chicken breasts, check them frequently towards the end of the cooking time. Chicken thighs are more forgiving, but still keep an eye on them.
• Use fresh garlic: Fresh garlic has a much stronger and more complex flavor than garlic powder. Trust me, it makes a big difference!
• Grate your own parmesan cheese: Pre-shredded parmesan cheese often contains cellulose, which can prevent it from melting properly. Freshly grated parmesan will melt beautifully into the sauce.
• Adjust the seasonings to your liking: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different herbs and spices. A pinch of red pepper flakes can add a nice kick, or you can add a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness.
• Thicken the sauce if needed: If the sauce is too thin, you can thicken it by whisking together a tablespoon of cornstarch with two tablespoons of cold water. Stir the cornstarch slurry into the crockpot and cook on high for about 10-15 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency.
• Brown the chicken for extra flavor (optional): For an extra layer of flavor, you can sear the chicken thighs in a hot skillet before adding them to the crockpot. This step is optional, but it can add a nice depth of flavor to the dish. Just be sure to sear them quickly on both sides so they don’t overcook.

Serving Suggestions

The beauty of this Garlic Parmesan Crockpot Chicken is its versatility. Here are some of my favorite ways to serve it:

• Over pasta: This is a classic pairing! Serve it over your favorite pasta shape, such as spaghetti, fettuccine, or penne.
• Over rice: Fluffy white rice or brown rice is a great option.
• Over mashed potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are the perfect comfort food side dish.
• In sandwiches: Shred the chicken and pile it onto toasted rolls with some melted mozzarella cheese.
• In lettuce wraps: For a lighter option, serve the chicken in lettuce wraps with your favorite toppings.
• With roasted vegetables: Roasted broccoli, asparagus, or Brussels sprouts are all great choices.

Variations and Substitutions

Want to mix things up a bit? Here are some variations and substitutions you can try:

• Add vegetables: Toss in some chopped vegetables like broccoli florets, sliced bell peppers, or diced zucchini during the last hour of cooking.
• Use different cheese: Try using a blend of parmesan and mozzarella cheese for a cheesier dish.
• Make it spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a little heat.
• Use different herbs: Experiment with different herbs like oregano, basil, or thyme.
• Make it dairy-free: Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and nutritional yeast instead of parmesan cheese.
• Add sun-dried tomatoes: Sun-dried tomatoes add a burst of flavor and a chewy texture.

What to Do With Leftovers

If you happen to have any leftovers (which is unlikely!), here are some ideas for using them up:

• Chicken salad: Shred the chicken and mix it with mayonnaise, celery, onion, and seasonings for a delicious chicken salad.
• Chicken quesadillas: Shred the chicken and use it as a filling for quesadillas.
• Chicken tacos: Shred the chicken and use it as a filling for tacos.
• Chicken pot pie: Use the chicken as a filling for a homemade or store-bought chicken pot pie.
• Chicken soup: Add the chicken to your favorite chicken soup recipe.

Crockpot Chicken vs. Other Cooking Methods

Why choose the crockpot for Garlic Parmesan Chicken? While you *could* make a similar dish on the stovetop or in the oven, the slow cooker offers some unique advantages:

• Ease and Convenience: As we’ve discussed, the crockpot is incredibly hands-off. You simply combine the ingredients and let it do its thing. No constant stirring or monitoring required.
• Tender Chicken: The slow cooking process results in incredibly tender and juicy chicken that practically melts in your mouth.
• Flavor Infusion: The long cooking time allows the flavors to meld together beautifully, creating a rich and complex dish.

Of course, other methods have their own benefits. Stovetop cooking is faster, and oven baking can create a slightly crispier texture. But for sheer ease and flavor, the crockpot reigns supreme!

Explore Other Delicious Chicken Recipes

If you’re a fan of easy and flavorful chicken recipes, be sure to check out some of my other favorites! You might particularly enjoy Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken if you’re looking for something similar. For a sweeter option, try Honey Garlic Chicken Perfection. Craving pasta? Then Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is the answer. If you’re looking for a really creamy dish, Creamy Garlic Chicken is another great option. And don’t forget Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken for another effortless meal. And of course, Garlic Parmesan Chicken Perfection is another version you can try!

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Even with the simplest recipes, things can sometimes go awry. Here are a few common issues you might encounter and how to fix them:

• Chicken is dry: This usually happens when chicken breasts are overcooked. To prevent this, use chicken thighs instead or check the chicken frequently towards the end of the cooking time. You can also add a little extra chicken broth to the crockpot.
• Sauce is too thin: As mentioned earlier, you can thicken the sauce by whisking together a tablespoon of cornstarch with two tablespoons of cold water. Stir the cornstarch slurry into the crockpot and cook on high for about 10-15 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency.
• Sauce is too thick: If the sauce is too thick, simply add a little more chicken broth or heavy cream until it reaches your desired consistency.
• Chicken is not cooked through: If the chicken is not cooked through, continue cooking it in the crockpot until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Garlic Parmesan Crockpot Chicken Recipe

Alright, are you ready for the full recipe? Here it is!

Yields: 6 servings

Prep time: 5 minutes

Cook time: 6-8 hours on low, 3-4 hours on high

Ingredients:

• 6 boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or 3 chicken breasts)
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons butter, cut into pieces
• Salt and pepper to taste

Equipment

• Crockpot

Instructions

1. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Season them generously with salt and pepper.
2. In the bottom of your crockpot, place the chicken thighs. Sprinkle with minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and half of the parmesan cheese. Pour in the chicken broth and dot with butter.
3. Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The chicken is done when it’s cooked through and easily shreds with a fork.
4. Once the chicken is cooked, use two forks to shred it directly in the crockpot.
5. Stir in the heavy cream and the remaining parmesan cheese. Cover and let the sauce thicken for about 15-20 minutes.
6. Serve over pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes. Garnish with fresh parsley or a sprinkle of extra parmesan cheese, if desired.

Nutritional Information (Approximate)

Please note that the following nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients you use.

• Calories: 450
• Protein: 40g
• Fat: 30g
• Carbohydrates: 5g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 1g

Final Thoughts

There you have it – my foolproof recipe for Garlic Parmesan Crockpot Chicken! I truly believe this will become one of your go-to weeknight meals. It’s easy, delicious, and satisfying. I hope you love it as much as my family and I do. Now, go forth and make some amazing chicken! And don’t forget to come back and let me know how it turned out!

Easy Garlic Parmesan Crockpot Chicken

This Garlic Parmesan Crockpot Chicken recipe is a lifesaver for busy weeknights. It’s a dump-and-go meal that delivers incredibly tender, flavorful chicken with minimal effort. Perfect over pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 8 hours hrs

Total Time 8 hours hrs 5 minutes mins

Servings: 6

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Calories: 450

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 6 boneless, skinless chicken thighs or 3 chicken breasts
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons butter, cut into pieces
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste

Equipment

• Crockpot
• Paper towels
• Two forks
• Measuring cups
• Measuring spoons

Method

 

1. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Season them generously with salt and pepper.
2. In the bottom of your crockpot, place the chicken thighs. Sprinkle with minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and half of the parmesan cheese. Pour in the chicken broth and dot with butter.
3. Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The chicken is done when it’s cooked through and easily shreds with a fork.
4. Once the chicken is cooked, use two forks to shred it directly in the crockpot.
5. Stir in the heavy cream and the remaining parmesan cheese. Cover and let the sauce thicken for about 15-20 minutes.
6. Serve over pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes. Garnish with fresh parsley or a sprinkle of extra parmesan cheese, if desired.

Notes

Don’t overcook the chicken, especially chicken breasts. Use fresh garlic and freshly grated parmesan cheese for the best flavor. Adjust the seasonings to your liking. For a thicker sauce, whisk together 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water and stir into the crockpot during the last 10-15 minutes of cooking. You can sear the chicken for additional flavor before adding it to the crockpot. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.