This slow cooker garlic parmesan chicken is a simple and flavorful dish that the whole family will love. And I give you a version with pasta, rice, and also a variation with potatoes! So below, get all the details on my CrockPot garlic parmesan chicken.
Made with skinless chicken breasts or thighs, garlic, and a creamy parmesan garlic sauce, it’s perfect for busy days and can be served over cooked pasta or with a side of mashed potatoes.
The recipe is designed for the slow cooker, allowing you to enjoy tender chicken cooked to perfection. With ingredients like chicken broth, heavy cream, and Italian seasoning, this dish packs tons of flavor and is sure to become a favorite for weeknight dinners.
Creating the Perfect Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Chicken
This slow cooker garlic parmesan chicken is a delightful dish that promises to satisfy the entire family. With skinless chicken breasts or thighs simmered in a creamy parmesan garlic sauce, it’s a fantastic option for busy weeknights.
Utilizing the slow cooker allows for tender chicken that practically falls apart. The combination of chicken broth, heavy cream, and Italian seasoning creates a rich flavor profile that elevates this meal.
Whether served over al dente pasta or with a side of mashed potatoes, this dish is sure to become a staple in your home. For a complete meal, pair it with green beans and a fresh side salad, making it not just a dinner, but a dining experience.
Ingredients That Make a Difference
To achieve the best results, using quality ingredients is key. The main components include skinless chicken breasts or thighs, which provide a juicy base for the dish.
In addition, a block of cream cheese at room temperature adds extra richness to the sauce, while grated parmesan cheese brings a delightful sharpness.
Seasoning is crucial; garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian seasoning work together to infuse the chicken with tons of flavor. A hint of red pepper flakes can be added for those who enjoy a little heat.
Don’t forget the fresh parsley for garnish, which not only enhances the presentation but also adds a fresh note to the dish.
Slow Cooking for Maximum Flavor
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. Start by spraying the inside of your crockpot with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
In a small bowl, combine the garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper to create a seasoning mixture.
Rub this mixture over the chicken, ensuring each piece is well-coated. Place the seasoned chicken in the crockpot, then pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream.
Top it off with the block of cream cheese and grated parmesan cheese, creating a luscious sauce that will envelop the chicken as it cooks.
Cooking Time and Techniques
Cover the crockpot and set it to cook on high for 3-4 hours or on low for 4-6 hours. The slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld beautifully, resulting in tender chicken.
Once cooked, remove the chicken and shred it with two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the crockpot and stir to combine with the creamy sauce.
This step is essential for ensuring that every bite is infused with flavor.
Serving Suggestions for a Complete Meal
When it comes to serving, the options are plentiful. This garlic parmesan chicken is best enjoyed over a bed of cooked pasta, allowing the creamy sauce to cling to each strand.
For those who prefer a lighter option, serving it alongside green beans or a fresh side salad is a great choice. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and flavor.
For an added touch, consider drizzling a little bit of the parmesan garlic sauce over the pasta before serving.
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This dish can last for up to three days, making it perfect for meal prep.
When reheating, a gentle approach is best. Warm it on medium heat in a stainless steel pan, adding a splash of whole milk or a cup of pasta water to maintain the creamy texture.
Enjoying this slow cooker garlic parmesan chicken on a busy weeknight is a breeze, ensuring that you can savor a delicious meal without the hassle.
Easy One-Pot Crock-Pot Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Pasta
This variation lets the pasta cook right in the slow cooker, soaking up the creamy garlic parmesan sauce along with the chicken. It’s a true one-pot meal — hearty, flavorful, and ready to serve straight from the crockpot. Perfect for busy nights with minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 block (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 12 ounces uncooked pasta (penne or rotini work best)
- Non-stick cooking spray
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Crockpot: Spray the inside of your slow cooker with non-stick cooking spray.
- Season the Chicken: In a small bowl, mix garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Rub evenly over the chicken.
- Layer Ingredients: Place the chicken in the crockpot. Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream. Top with cream cheese and parmesan cheese.
- Cook the Chicken: Cover and cook on low for 4–5 hours or high for 2.5–3 hours, until chicken is tender.
- Shred the Chicken: Remove chicken, shred with two forks, then return it to the crockpot and stir into the sauce until smooth and creamy.
- Add the Pasta: Stir in the uncooked pasta. Add an extra 1/2–1 cup broth if sauce looks too thick. Cover and cook on high for 20–30 minutes, stirring once halfway, until pasta is tender.
- Serve: Stir well, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve hot straight from the slow cooker.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4–5.5 hours
- Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes – 5 hours 40 minutes
Nutrition Information
- Servings: 6 servings
- Calories: 550kcal
- Fat: 32g
- Protein: 36g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
Easy One-Pot Crock-Pot Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Potatoes
This hearty version uses potato chunks instead of pasta or rice. The potatoes simmer with the chicken, soaking in the creamy garlic parmesan sauce for a satisfying comfort meal.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 block (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 1/2 pounds baby potatoes or Yukon gold potatoes, cut into 1-inch chunks
- Non-stick cooking spray
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Crockpot: Spray the inside with non-stick cooking spray.
- Season the Chicken: Mix garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Rub evenly over the chicken.
- Layer Ingredients: Place the potato chunks at the bottom of the crockpot. Add the chicken on top, then pour in broth, cream, cream cheese, and parmesan.
- Cook: Cover and cook on low for 5–6 hours or high for 3–4 hours, until potatoes are fork-tender and chicken is cooked through.
- Shred Chicken: Remove chicken, shred with two forks, then stir it back in with the potatoes and sauce.
- Serve: Stir gently, garnish with parsley, and serve hot.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5–6 hours
- Total Time: 5 hours 10 minutes – 6 hours 10 minutes
Nutrition Information
- Servings: 6 servings
- Calories: 600kcal
- Fat: 33g
- Protein: 38g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
Easy One-Pot Crock-Pot Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Rice
This version uses rice instead of pasta, creating a creamy, risotto-style dish cooked entirely in your slow cooker. The rice absorbs the garlic parmesan sauce for a comforting, all-in-one meal.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 2 1/2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 block (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 1/2 cups uncooked long-grain rice (not instant rice)
- Non-stick cooking spray
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Crockpot: Spray the inside with non-stick cooking spray.
- Season the Chicken: Mix garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Rub evenly over the chicken.
- Layer Ingredients: Place chicken in the crockpot. Add broth, cream, cream cheese, and parmesan.
- Cook the Chicken: Cover and cook on low for 4 hours or high for 2 hours.
- Add the Rice: Stir in the uncooked rice, making sure it is submerged in liquid. Cover and cook on high for 40–50 minutes, until rice is tender. Stir once halfway through and add more broth if needed.
- Shred Chicken: Remove chicken, shred with two forks, then stir back into the rice mixture.
- Serve: Garnish with parsley and serve hot.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours 45 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 55 minutes
Nutrition Information
- Servings: 6 servings
- Calories: 575kcal
- Fat: 32g
- Protein: 37g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
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