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Creamy Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken

creamy crockpot garlic parmesan chicken - featured image

This creamy crockpot garlic Parmesan chicken is the ultimate easy dinner, perfect for potlucks, dinner parties, or a comforting weeknight meal. With just 10 minutes of prep, the slow cooker does all the work, delivering tender, flavorful chicken in a rich, velvety sauce.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 6 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth, low-sodium
  • 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water (optional, for thickening)
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
  • Extra Parmesan for sprinkling (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Season the chicken. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. Sprinkle both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Set aside.
  2. Sauté the garlic. In a small skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until fragrant and just starting to turn golden. Do not let it burn.
  3. Layer the crockpot. Place the seasoned chicken in the bottom of a 6-quart slow cooker in a single layer. Pour the sautéed garlic and butter over the top. Add the chicken broth and Italian seasoning, then sprinkle in the red pepper flakes if using.
  4. Cook low and slow. Cover and cook on LOW for 4-5 hours or on HIGH for 2-3 hours, until the chicken is tender and easily shreds with a fork.
  5. Shred the chicken. Carefully remove the chicken from the crockpot using tongs and place on a cutting board. Let rest for a minute or two, then shred using two forks.
  6. Finish the sauce. While the chicken is resting, stir the heavy cream and freshly grated Parmesan into the liquid in the crockpot. Whisk gently until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth. If a thicker sauce is desired, stir in the cornstarch slurry and let cook for another 10-15 minutes, uncovered, until thickened.
  7. Return the chicken. Add the shredded chicken back into the sauce and stir to coat evenly. Let heat through for about 5 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning.
  8. Serve and garnish. Transfer to a serving dish or serve directly from the crockpot. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan. Serve immediately over pasta, rice, or with crusty bread.

Notes

For best results, use freshly grated Parmesan and fresh garlic. Add cream and cheese at the end to prevent curdling. Chicken thighs stay juicier than breasts. The dish tastes even better the next day.

Nutrition

Keywords: crockpot chicken, creamy garlic parmesan chicken, slow cooker chicken, easy dinner, potluck recipe, chicken thighs, comfort food