Crockpot Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken

Crockpot Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken is a rich, comforting dish made with tender chicken breasts slow-cooked in a creamy, cheesy garlic sauce. It’s simple to prepare and full of bold, savory flavor—perfect over pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes for an easy, satisfying dinner.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it delivers a restaurant-quality meal with almost no effort. The slow cooker does all the work, and the result is juicy, flavorful chicken in a silky, garlicky parmesan sauce. It’s a crowd-pleaser and one of those meals I turn to when I want something cozy and indulgent without standing over the stove.

ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs

• Garlic, minced

• Chicken broth

• Heavy cream or half-and-half

• Cream cheese, softened

• Grated Parmesan cheese

• Italian seasoning

• Salt

• Black pepper

• Cornstarch (optional, for thickening)

• Fresh parsley or basil (optional, for garnish)

• Cooked pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes (for serving)

directions

1. I season the chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, then place it in the bottom of the slow cooker.

2. I add the garlic, chicken broth, and cream cheese (cut into pieces) on top of the chicken.

3. I cover and cook on low for 5–6 hours or on high for 2.5–3.5 hours, until the chicken is tender and cooked through.

4. I remove the chicken and shred or slice it.

5. I whisk the sauce in the slow cooker until smooth, then stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan.

6. If the sauce is too thin, I whisk a tablespoon of cornstarch with cold water and stir it in, cooking on high for another 15–20 minutes to thicken.

7. I return the chicken to the sauce, stir to coat, and serve over pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes with a sprinkle of fresh herbs.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4–6 people. It takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 5–6 hours to cook on low (or 2.5–3.5 hours on high).

Variations

Sometimes I add spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or mushrooms near the end of cooking for extra flavor and texture. If I want a lighter version, I use half-and-half instead of cream or reduce the cream cheese slightly. I’ve also served this with zoodles or cauliflower mash for a low-carb twist.

storage/reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, I warm it on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or cream if the sauce has thickened too much. It also freezes well—just cool completely before storing in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken?

Yes, but I thaw it first for even cooking and best texture. I don’t recommend putting frozen chicken directly in the crockpot for food safety.

Can I use shredded rotisserie chicken?

Yes, I add it in the last 30 minutes of cook time and let it warm through in the sauce.

Is this dish very garlicky?

It’s full of garlic flavor, but not overpowering. I adjust the amount of garlic based on personal preference.

Can I make this dairy-free?

This recipe is dairy-heavy, but I’ve used dairy-free cream cheese and unsweetened non-dairy cream as substitutes with success.

What’s the best way to serve this?

I usually spoon it over pasta or mashed potatoes, but it’s also great with rice, quinoa, or even crusty bread.

Conclusion

Crockpot Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken is an easy, indulgent dinner that’s loaded with flavor and made with simple ingredients. It’s rich, comforting, and perfect for when I want something warm and satisfying with minimal prep. Whether I’m serving it to my family or making extra for leftovers, this dish is always a hit.