When I first made this Crockpot Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken, it instantly became one of those dishes I couldn’t stop talking about. There’s something magical about letting the slow cooker do all the hard work while the house fills with the warm, inviting aroma of garlic and Parmesan melting into a velvety sauce. I remember serving it on a rainy Sunday evening, and my family couldn’t believe how tender the chicken turned out. The creamy sauce coated every bite, and paired with a simple side of pasta or rice, it felt like a restaurant-quality dinner made effortlessly at home.
This recipe is the kind you’ll want to return to again and again. Whether you’re looking for something cozy on a weeknight or an impressive main dish for a gathering, this chicken delivers. The slow cooking keeps the chicken juicy, while the garlic-Parmesan cream sauce adds comfort in every mouthful. The best part is that you only need a handful of everyday ingredients to create something that feels special.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Versatile: You can serve it with pasta, mashed potatoes, rice, or even crusty bread to soak up the sauce. Add vegetables like spinach, broccoli, or mushrooms for extra flavor.
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Budget-Friendly: Using basic pantry staples and affordable chicken breasts, this recipe stretches beautifully to feed a family without breaking the bank.
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Simple Yet Comforting: Even though the flavors are rich and complex, the actual process is straightforward. A little searing, some slow cooking, and you’re rewarded with a hearty dish that tastes like it took hours of effort.
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Family Favorite: Creamy, cheesy, and savory—this dish is one everyone at the table will happily dig into.
Ingredients for Crockpot Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken
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4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
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1 cup heavy cream
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1/2 cup chicken broth
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3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
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5 cloves garlic, minced
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1 teaspoon salt
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1/2 teaspoon black pepper
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1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
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2 tablespoons unsalted butter
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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Fresh parsley (optional)
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Lemon slices and cherry tomatoes (optional garnish)
How to Make Crockpot Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken
Making this recipe is simple, and the slow cooker ensures that the chicken stays juicy while the sauce becomes creamy and full of flavor. The step-by-step process is easy to follow, yet the results taste like something you’d order at a nice restaurant.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Making
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Prepare the chicken: Start by patting the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Season both sides evenly with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. This step builds the flavor right from the beginning.
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Sear for flavor: In a skillet over medium heat, add the olive oil and butter. Once the butter melts and starts to sizzle, place the chicken breasts in the pan. Sear each side for 3 to 4 minutes until golden brown. This step locks in juices and adds a caramelized crust. Transfer the chicken into the crockpot.
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Cook the garlic: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic. Stir for about one minute until it becomes fragrant but not burnt. Garlic adds depth to the sauce, so be careful not to overcook it.
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Deglaze the pan: Pour the chicken broth into the skillet and use a wooden spoon to scrape up any brown bits stuck at the bottom. These bits are full of flavor. Let the broth simmer for two minutes to enhance its richness.
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Make the sauce: Lower the heat slightly and add the heavy cream along with the grated Parmesan cheese. Whisk continuously until the cheese melts and the sauce turns smooth and creamy. The mixture should lightly coat the back of a spoon.
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Combine everything: Pour the creamy garlic-Parmesan sauce over the chicken breasts in the crockpot. If you like a fresh and slightly tangy touch, add lemon slices and cherry tomatoes at this stage.
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Slow cook to perfection: Cover the crockpot with its lid and cook on the LOW setting for 4 to 5 hours. The chicken will become tender and infused with the flavors of the sauce.
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Final touch before serving: Once cooking is complete, stir the sauce well to combine everything evenly. Transfer the chicken to a serving dish, spoon the sauce generously on top, and garnish with chopped parsley.
Quick and Easy
Even though the steps may look detailed, this recipe is quick to put together. The preparation takes about 15 minutes, and then the crockpot handles the rest. You can go about your day while the chicken cooks slowly, making it perfect for busy schedules.
Customizable
This recipe works wonderfully with small adjustments. If you prefer a lighter version, swap the heavy cream for half-and-half. For extra vegetables, stir in spinach, mushrooms, or broccoli about 30 minutes before the cooking ends. You can also serve it over pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes to fit your family’s taste.
Crowd-Pleasing
The combination of tender chicken and creamy garlic-Parmesan sauce always satisfies a crowd. It’s rich enough to feel indulgent but not overwhelming. Whether you make it for family dinner, meal prep, or hosting guests, this recipe is sure to be a favorite at the table.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs work very well in this recipe. They tend to be more flavorful and stay moist during long cooking times. Simply adjust the cooking time slightly, as thighs may cook faster than large chicken breasts.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely. You can prepare the sauce and sear the chicken a day in advance, then store them in the fridge. When ready, place everything in the crockpot and cook as directed. Leftovers also reheat beautifully, making this dish ideal for meal prep.
What can I serve with Crockpot Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken?
This chicken pairs perfectly with pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes. If you prefer something lighter, try serving it with roasted vegetables, zucchini noodles, or a crisp green salad to balance out the creamy sauce.
Can I freeze this dish?
Yes, you can freeze cooked portions. Allow the chicken and sauce to cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container. Freeze for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and warm on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream if the sauce is too thick.
Is it possible to make this dairy-free?
Yes, you can substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream and use a dairy-free Parmesan alternative. The flavor will be slightly different, but it still delivers a rich and creamy texture.
How can I thicken the sauce if it’s too runny?
If the sauce feels thinner than you’d like, remove the lid during the last 30 minutes of cooking to let some liquid evaporate. Another option is to whisk in a spoonful of cornstarch mixed with water near the end of cooking.
Crockpot Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken
This Crockpot Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken is a comforting dish made with tender chicken breasts slow-cooked in a rich, velvety garlic-Parmesan cream sauce. Perfect for cozy family dinners or when you want an easy yet impressive meal, it pairs beautifully with pasta, rice, or potatoes.
- Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
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4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
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1 cup heavy cream
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1/2 cup chicken broth
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3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
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5 cloves garlic, minced
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1 teaspoon salt
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1/2 teaspoon black pepper
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1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
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2 tablespoons unsalted butter
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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Fresh parsley (optional)
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Lemon slices and cherry tomatoes (optional garnish)
Instructions
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Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning.
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Heat olive oil and butter in a skillet over medium heat. Place the chicken breasts in the pan and sear for 3 to 4 minutes per side until golden brown. Transfer to the crockpot.
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In the same skillet, add the minced garlic. Stir for about 1 minute until fragrant.
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Pour in the chicken broth. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up the browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Let it simmer for 2 minutes.
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Lower the heat slightly and add the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Whisk continuously until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
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Pour the sauce over the chicken in the crockpot. Add lemon slices and cherry tomatoes if desired.
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Cover and cook on LOW for 4 to 5 hours until the chicken is tender and infused with the sauce.
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Once cooking is done, stir the sauce well. Transfer the chicken to a serving dish, spoon the sauce generously on top, and garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
Notes
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You can replace chicken breasts with chicken thighs for juicier results.
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Add vegetables such as spinach or mushrooms for extra flavor.
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If the sauce is too thin, uncover the crockpot during the last 30 minutes or stir in a cornstarch slurry.
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Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days or frozen for 2 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours