If you are looking for a comforting, flavorful, and easy meal that practically cooks itself, you will fall head over heels for this Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Chicken Recipe. It brings tender, juicy chicken together with a luscious creamy garlic and Parmesan sauce that’s rich but never overwhelming. Every bite feels like a warm hug, making it perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends. Once you try it, this dish will have a permanent spot in your recipe rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple yet essential ingredients come together to create the magic of this Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Chicken Recipe. Each component adds its own personality—from the bold Parmesan cheese to the fragrant garlic and smooth cream—resulting in the perfect blend of taste, texture, and inviting color.
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts: Chicken thighs offer more juiciness and flavor, but breasts work well if you prefer a leaner meal.
- 1/2 cup unsalted chicken broth: Adds moisture and subtle depth to the sauce.
- 1/2 cup heavy cream: Creates a rich, silky base that clings to every morsel of chicken.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Brings savory, nutty notes that define the dish.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic is the aromatic soul of this recipe, delivering warmth and zing.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A fragrant blend of herbs that lift the flavors beautifully.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances and enhances the overall taste.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a gentle heat and complexity.
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional): Gives a subtle kick if you like a bit of spice.
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter: Adds richness and a velvety finish.
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water (optional): Use this slurry if you prefer a thicker sauce.
- Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish: A splash of green freshness to brighten the plate.
How to Make Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Begin by placing your choice of chicken, either thighs or breasts, in the bottom of your slow cooker. The chicken is the hearty foundation here, soaking up every bit of that delicious sauce as it cooks low and slow.
Step 2: Mix the Sauce
In a medium bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if you’re using them. This combination creates a rich, flavorful sauce that will infuse the chicken with creamy, garlicky goodness.
Step 3: Combine and Cook
Pour the sauce mixture evenly over the chicken in the slow cooker. Then, dot the top with unsalted butter, which melts into the sauce adding layers of flavor and silkiness. Cover and cook on low for 4 to 5 hours or on high for 2 to 3 hours, until the chicken is tender and fully cooked through.
Step 4: Thicken the Sauce (Optional)
If you prefer a creamier, thicker sauce, stir in the cornstarch slurry during the last 30 minutes of cooking. This step gives the sauce a luscious coating consistency that clings perfectly to the chicken.
Step 5: Final Touch and Serve
Once the chicken is done, shred or slice it and toss it back in the sauce, making sure every bite is beautifully coated. Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness before serving.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley is the classic finishing touch, adding vibrant color and a fresh, herbaceous note. You can also add a little extra grated Parmesan or a drizzle of good-quality olive oil to enhance aroma and flavor.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with creamy mashed potatoes, fluffy rice, or your favorite pasta, which soak up the irresistible sauce. For a lighter option, serve it alongside sautéed greens or roasted vegetables to add texture and balance.
Creative Ways to Present
Think outside the bowl by serving the chicken over a bed of zoodles or cauliflower rice for a low-carb twist. You can also stuff it into toasted sandwich rolls for a delicious garlic Parmesan chicken sandwich or turn it into a hearty casserole by layering with bread and cheese. The versatility here is truly exciting!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Chicken Recipe can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The sauce will continue to infuse the chicken, making leftovers taste even better the next day.
Freezing
This dish freezes beautifully. Place cooled leftovers in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to maintain the best texture and flavor.
Reheating
To reheat, warm leftovers gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can add a splash of cream or broth if the sauce has thickened too much. Alternatively, microwave in short bursts, stirring in between, to keep the chicken moist.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Absolutely! While chicken thighs stay juicier and more tender during slow cooking, breasts can be used for a leaner option. Just keep an eye on the texture to avoid overcooking.
Do I need to brown the chicken first?
No need to brown the chicken before placing it in the slow cooker. The long, slow cooking process ensures the meat becomes tender and flavorful without extra steps.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
You can try substituting the heavy cream and Parmesan with dairy-free alternatives, but the classic rich and creamy texture might be different. Nutritional yeast may add a cheesy flavor if you want to experiment.
Is this recipe suitable for gluten-free diets?
Yes! All the ingredients used here are naturally gluten-free, making it a fantastic choice for those avoiding gluten.
How spicy is this dish if I add the red pepper flakes?
The red pepper flakes add just a gentle touch of heat that complements the creamy garlic sauce without overpowering it. You can adjust the amount or skip them if you prefer no spice.
Final Thoughts
This Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Chicken Recipe is one of those feel-good meals that delivers big flavor with minimal effort. It’s creamy, garlicky, comforting, and downright delicious. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, this dish is sure to impress and become a treasured favorite. Give it a try—you’ll be thanking yourself on those busy nights when you want something special without all the fuss.
Print
Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Chicken Recipe
- Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Chicken is a creamy, flavorful dish made with tender chicken thighs or breasts cooked low and slow in a rich Parmesan and garlic sauce. Perfect for an easy weeknight meal, it’s simple to prepare and pairs wonderfully with pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes.
Ingredients
Chicken and Sauce
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- 1/2 cup unsalted chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
Thickening (Optional)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water
Garnish
- Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare Chicken: Place the boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts in the bottom of the slow cooker, spreading them out evenly.
- Make Sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together chicken broth, heavy cream, grated Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes if using.
- Combine and Cook: Pour the prepared sauce mixture over the chicken in the slow cooker. Dot the top with unsalted butter.
- Slow Cook: Cover and cook on low for 4 to 5 hours or on high for 2 to 3 hours, until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
- Thicken Sauce (Optional): If a thicker sauce is desired, stir in the cornstarch slurry about 30 minutes before the cooking time ends and continue cooking to allow the sauce to thicken.
- Shred and Coat: Once done, shred or slice the chicken, return it to the sauce, and stir well to coat all the pieces evenly.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve over pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes for a complete meal.
Notes
- For a lower-fat version, substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream.
- Chicken thighs provide more flavor and retain juiciness better, but chicken breasts can be used for a leaner option.
- Add sautéed spinach or sun-dried tomatoes to the slow cooker for extra flavor and nutrition.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours (on low)
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
