Name: Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 4 h
Total time: 4 h 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1/2 cup heavy cream; 1/2 cup chicken broth; 2 tablespoons butter, melted; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional); Chopped fresh parsley for garnish

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If you’re searching for dinner inspiration that’s truly comforting and incredibly easy, look no further than Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Chicken. This crowd-pleasing dish weaves together tender chicken, velvety Parmesan cream sauce, and an irresistible garlic aroma that fills your kitchen with anticipation. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or planning a cozy meal for yourself, this recipe brings big flavors, minimal fuss, and endless versatility to your table.

Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Chicken Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the right ingredients for Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Chicken is simple — each item plays a special role in building those iconic creamy, savory layers. With only a handful of everyday staples, you’ll unlock the magic of homemade comfort food, ready to impress at any weeknight dinner.

Chicken thighs or breasts: These juicy cuts soak up the sauce and stay tender during slow cooking, giving you a melt-in-your-mouth bite every time.
Fresh garlic (minced): Nothing beats the punch of fresh garlic to infuse the whole dish with irresistible aroma and depth.
Grated Parmesan cheese: Brings a nutty, salty richness that thickens the sauce and highlights every other flavor.
Heavy cream: Adds luxurious silkiness and ensures the sauce is decadently creamy.
Chicken broth: Provides a savory foundation, balancing creaminess with a hint of meaty warmth.
Butter (melted): Gives the sauce extra richness and helps blend the flavors beautifully.
Italian seasoning: Lends an herby backbone that complements both garlic and cheese perfectly.
Salt: Just enough to sharpen all the flavors and bring harmony to the dish.
Black pepper: Finishes everything with a gentle bite and floral aroma.
Red pepper flakes (optional): For those who like a gentle kick of heat in the background.
Fresh parsley (chopped): Gives the finished dish a pop of color and brightness that balances the rich sauce.

How to Make Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Chicken

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

First things first: nestle your chicken thighs or breasts directly into the bottom of your slow cooker. Don’t worry about pre-searing — the slow cooking process keeps the chicken perfectly juicy and allows it to pick up all the goodness from the sauce as it bubbles around.

Step 2: Whisk Up the Sauce

In a medium-sized bowl, combine the minced garlic, grated Parmesan, heavy cream, chicken broth, melted butter, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes if you’re feeling adventurous. Give it all a thorough whisk so everything’s fully blended — this creamy, fragrant mixture is what takes Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Chicken from good to unforgettable.

Step 3: Pour and Cover

Pour the garlic-Parmesan mixture evenly over your chicken, making sure every piece is generously coated. Pop the lid on and set your slow cooker to low (4 to 5 hours) or high (2 to 3 hours), depending on how much time you have. Now, just let the slow cooker work its magic while you sit back and look forward to dinner!

Step 4: Finish and Serve

When the chicken is fork-tender and the sauce is bubbling, gently stir the sauce and spoon it over the top for maximum flavor. Right before serving, scatter plenty of chopped fresh parsley for a beautiful burst of color and freshness that complements the creamy, garlicky sauce.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Chicken

Garnishes

Don’t underestimate the power of a thoughtful garnish! A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley not only adds color, but also brightens each bite with its fresh, slightly peppery flavor. If you’re feeling extra fancy, try a little extra grated Parmesan right on top for melt-in-your-mouth richness.

Side Dishes

This dish is practically made for cozy “sauce-catching” sides. Think creamy mashed potatoes, fluffy rice, or a twirl of pasta — each will become a canvas for that luscious garlic-Parmesan sauce. If you enjoy a pop of green, lightly steamed broccoli or a simple green salad rounds everything out perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Chicken shines in more ways than one. Try serving the chicken nestled on toasted ciabatta or inside a crusty baguette for a dreamy sandwich. Or shred the leftovers and stuff them into baked potatoes, top with sauce, and finish with parsley for a full meal in one bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Chicken tastes just as fantastic the next day. Let everything cool, then store chicken and sauce together in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen overnight, making lunch the next day something to look forward to.

Freezing

This recipe is very freezer-friendly! Place cooled portions into freezer-safe containers or bags, and label them clearly. Store in the freezer for up to 2 months. Just remember to thaw in the refrigerator overnight when you’re gearing up for an easy, delicious meal later.

Reheating

For best results, reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is warmed through and the sauce becomes creamy again. If it thickens too much, a splash of broth or cream brings it right back to saucy perfection.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Absolutely! Both work beautifully, though chicken thighs tend to stay juicier after slow cooking. Just take care not to overcook breasts — they’ll still soak up the sauce’s flavor and stay tender.

How do I make the sauce thicker?

If you prefer a thicker sauce, stir in a quick cornstarch slurry (just 1 teaspoon cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of cold water) about 30 minutes before serving, then let it cook until the sauce reaches your perfect consistency.

Can I add vegetables to Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Chicken?

Absolutely! Toss in fresh spinach or sliced mushrooms during the final hour of cooking for extra flavor and nutrition. The greens or veggies will soak up the garlicky creaminess without getting mushy.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! As written, Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Chicken is naturally gluten-free. Just double-check your chicken broth to make sure it’s certified gluten-free if that’s a concern for you.

What’s the best way to use leftovers?

Leftovers make an incredible lunch. Pile the chicken and sauce over toast, stuff it inside wraps, or toss with cooked pasta. It’s one of those meals that only gets better with time!

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about sharing a comforting, flavor-packed meal like Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Chicken with the people you care about. Every bite is creamy, savory, and satisfying — and with a dish this simple and delicious, you’ll want to put it on repeat all year long. Don’t wait: grab those ingredients, let your slow cooker do the work, and get ready to fall in love with an unbeatable weeknight classic!

Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Chicken Recipe

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4.6 from 27 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Delicious and creamy Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Chicken recipe that is easy to prepare and perfect for a comforting meal. Tender chicken cooked in a flavorful Parmesan cream sauce, this dish is sure to become a family favorite.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken:

2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts

Sauce:

4 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup chicken broth
2 tablespoons butter, melted
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Chopped fresh parsley for garnish

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Instructions

Place the chicken in the slow cooker: Arrange the chicken in the bottom of the slow cooker.
Prepare the sauce: In a medium bowl, combine garlic, Parmesan cheese, heavy cream, chicken broth, melted butter, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Pour over the chicken.
Cook: Cover and cook on low for 4 to 5 hours or on high for 2 to 3 hours until the chicken is tender.
Finish and serve: Stir the sauce gently, spoon it over the chicken, and garnish with chopped parsley before serving.