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
Scale
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
