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Crowd-Pleasing Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Thighs

Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Thighs - featured image

A rich, creamy, and incredibly easy slow cooker chicken dish that’s perfect for potlucks, dinner parties, or busy weeknights. Made with simple pantry ingredients, this hands-off recipe delivers tender chicken in a velvety garlic parmesan sauce that will have everyone asking for the recipe.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs (about 6–8 thighs)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 6 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
  • Extra grated parmesan (for garnish)
  • Red pepper flakes (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Season the chicken thighs: Pat them dry with paper towels. Sprinkle both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
  2. Layer the garlic and butter: Place the minced garlic and butter pieces in the bottom of your slow cooker.
  3. Add the chicken: Place the seasoned chicken thighs on top of the garlic and butter in a single layer.
  4. Pour in the liquids: Whisk together the heavy cream and chicken broth in a small bowl, then pour it over the chicken. Do not stir.
  5. Cook low and slow: Cover and cook on LOW for 4-5 hours or on HIGH for 2-3 hours, until the chicken reaches 165°F internally and shreds easily with a fork.
  6. Make the slurry: About 30 minutes before serving, mix the cornstarch and cold water in a small bowl until smooth.
  7. Thicken the sauce: Carefully remove the chicken to a plate and cover to keep warm. Whisk the cornstarch slurry into the liquid in the slow cooker. Cover and cook on HIGH for 15-20 minutes, until the sauce has thickened to a gravy-like consistency.
  8. Add the parmesan: Once the sauce is thick, whisk in the grated parmesan cheese until completely melted and smooth.
  9. Return the chicken: Place the chicken thighs back in the sauce, spoon some sauce over the top, and let them warm through for about 5 minutes.
  10. Serve immediately: Garnish with fresh parsley, extra parmesan, and red pepper flakes if desired.

Notes

For best results, grate your own parmesan cheese from a block to avoid graininess from anti-caking agents. Do not lift the lid during cooking. If using bone-in chicken thighs, increase cooking time to 5-6 hours on LOW. The sauce can be doubled for extra servings. Leftovers keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and freeze well for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: crockpot chicken, garlic parmesan chicken, slow cooker chicken thighs, easy chicken recipe, crowd-pleasing chicken, creamy chicken, potluck recipe