CROCKPOT GARLIC PARMESAN CHICKEN

Imagine sinking your teeth into tender, juicy chicken bathed in a luxuriously creamy, garlic-infused Parmesan sauce. Sounds divine, right? Well, stop dreaming and start doing, because I’m about to share my absolute favorite Creamy Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Recipe with you – a recipe so easy and delicious, it’ll become a weeknight staple. Get ready to experience a flavor explosion that requires minimal effort and delivers maximum satisfaction! You’ll be amazed at how simple it is to achieve restaurant-quality results in your own kitchen.

Gathering Your Heavenly Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create this masterpiece. Don’t worry; the list is short and sweet!

For the Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken:

• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 4 cloves garlic, minced (or 1 tablespoon garlic powder)
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• Optional: 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley, for garnish

Optional Add-ins:

• Sun-dried tomatoes
• Spinach
• Artichoke hearts

Step-by-Step to Creamy Crockpot Chicken Bliss

Let’s get this party started! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll be enjoying the most incredible chicken dinner in no time.

Getting Started:

1. Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of your crockpot.
2. In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, minced garlic (or garlic powder), Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix well until everything is smooth and creamy.

Cooking to Perfection:

3. Pour the cream cheese mixture evenly over the chicken breasts, making sure they are fully coated.
4. Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The chicken should be cooked through and easily shredded with a fork.

Finishing Touches:

5. Once the chicken is cooked, shred it directly in the crockpot using two forks.
6. Stir the shredded chicken into the sauce, ensuring it’s fully coated.
7. If desired, stir in your favorite add-ins, like sun-dried tomatoes or spinach, during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
8. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Why This Creamy Crockpot Chicken Recipe Rocks

Okay, so what’s the magic behind this dish? It’s the combination of rich flavors and the unbelievably tender chicken that only a slow cooker can deliver. The cream cheese creates a velvety sauce, the Parmesan adds a salty, nutty depth, and the garlic gives it that irresistible kick. And the best part? It’s practically foolproof!

Tips and Tricks for Crockpot Chicken Success

Even though this recipe is incredibly easy, a few little tricks can elevate it from good to outstanding. Let’s dive in!

Choosing the Right Chicken:

I highly recommend using boneless, skinless chicken breasts for this recipe. They cook evenly and shred beautifully. However, you *could* use boneless, skinless chicken thighs if you prefer darker meat; just be sure to adjust the cooking time slightly, as thighs tend to need a bit longer.

Dealing with Frozen Chicken:

While I always advocate for using fresh chicken, I understand that sometimes you just forget to thaw it! If you’re in a pinch, you *can* cook frozen chicken in the crockpot. However, you MUST add an extra 1-2 hours to the cooking time to ensure it cooks all the way through. Also, be aware that frozen chicken releases more moisture, which might thin out the sauce slightly. To combat this, you can mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water and stir it into the sauce during the last 30 minutes of cooking to thicken it up.

Customizing Your Flavors:

The beauty of this recipe is its versatility! Feel free to play around with different flavors to create your own signature dish. Here are a few ideas:

• Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a little heat.
• Go Italian: Use a blend of Italian cheeses, such as mozzarella and provolone, in addition to the Parmesan.
• Add veggies: Stir in some chopped broccoli, mushrooms, or bell peppers during the last hour of cooking.
• Make it herby: Experiment with different herbs, such as basil, oregano, or thyme.

Serving Suggestions: From Simple to Spectacular

Now that you’ve got this amazing chicken, what should you serve it with? The possibilities are endless! Here are a few of my favorite pairings:

• Pasta: Toss the chicken and sauce with your favorite pasta shape, such as fettuccine, spaghetti, or penne.
• Rice: Serve it over a bed of fluffy white or brown rice.
• Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are the perfect complement to the rich, savory chicken.
• Vegetables: Pair it with steamed broccoli, roasted asparagus, or a simple side salad.
• Sandwiches or Wraps: Shredded chicken also makes a delicious filling for sandwiches or wraps!

Perfecting the Creamy Sauce

The sauce is the star of the show in this Creamy Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Recipe. Here are a few tips to ensure its creamy, dreamy perfection:

Cream Cheese Considerations:

Make sure your cream cheese is softened before adding it to the crockpot. This will prevent lumps and ensure a smooth, creamy sauce. If you forget to take it out of the fridge ahead of time, you can microwave it for 15-20 seconds to soften it up.

Cheese Choices:

Freshly grated Parmesan cheese is always best! Pre-shredded Parmesan often contains cellulose, which can prevent it from melting properly. If you only have pre-shredded on hand, that will work, but the texture might be a bit grainier.

Controlling the Thickness:

If the sauce is too thin for your liking, you can thicken it by mixing 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water and stirring it into the crockpot during the last 30 minutes of cooking. Alternatively, you can remove the lid of the crockpot during the last hour of cooking to allow some of the excess moisture to evaporate.

Exploring Culinary Cousins: Similar Recipes to Try

If you loved this recipe, you might also enjoy some of these other delicious and easy chicken dishes:

• Craving Italian flavors? Try this CHICKEN PARM.
• For a comforting pasta dish, check out the GARLIC PARMESAN CHICKEN PASTA.
• Need a hearty and nourishing meal? The CHICKEN STEW will hit the spot.
• For a bright and flavorful option, give the LEMON HERB CHICKEN a try.
• If you love creamy garlic sauces, the CREAMY GARLIC CHICKEN is a must-try.
• And for a sweet and savory twist, don’t miss out on the HONEY GARLIC CHICKEN.

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers (they rarely last long in my house!), you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply microwave until heated through, or warm it up in a saucepan over medium heat. You may need to add a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce if it has thickened up during storage.

Now, Go Make Some Magic!

There you have it – my foolproof Creamy Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Recipe, complete with all the tips and tricks you need to make it perfectly every time. I know you’re going to love this recipe as much as I do. It’s the perfect combination of ease, flavor, and comfort, making it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. So, what are you waiting for? Grab your crockpot, gather your ingredients, and get ready to experience the deliciousness!

Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken

This creamy Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken recipe is an easy and delicious weeknight meal. Tender chicken breasts are slow-cooked in a rich and flavorful garlic Parmesan sauce, creating a restaurant-quality dish with minimal effort.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 6 hours hrs

Total Time 6 hours hrs 15 minutes mins

Servings: 6

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Calories: 450

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley, for garnish

Equipment

• Crockpot (Slow Cooker)
• Medium bowl
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Fork
• Knife
• Cutting board

Method

 

1. Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of your crockpot.
2. In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix well until smooth and creamy.
3. Pour the cream cheese mixture evenly over the chicken breasts, ensuring they are fully coated.
4. Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The chicken should be cooked through and easily shredded with a fork.
5. Once the chicken is cooked, shred it directly in the crockpot using two forks.
6. Stir the shredded chicken into the sauce, ensuring it’s fully coated.
7. If desired, stir in your favorite add-ins, like sun-dried tomatoes or spinach, during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
8. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Notes

For best results, use fresh, high-quality Parmesan cheese. To prevent lumps, ensure the cream cheese is fully softened before mixing. If the sauce is too thin, thicken it with a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water) during the last 30 minutes of cooking. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of milk or cream if needed.