Name: Slow Cooker Creamy Garlic Chicken and Veggies
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: PT-487915H13M6S
Total time: 6 h 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs; 4 carrots, peeled and chopped; 1 lb baby potatoes, halved; 1 cup green beans or peas (optional, added near the end); 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 1/2 cups chicken broth; 1/2 cup heavy cream or half-and-half; 4 oz cream cheese or 1/2 cup sour cream; 1 tsp Italian seasoning; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/4 tsp black pepper; 1 tbsp olive oil or butter; 1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water (optional, for thickening); Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Slow Cooker Creamy Garlic Chicken and Veggies is a cozy, hearty dish where tender chicken, hearty vegetables, and a garlicky cream sauce come together effortlessly. It’s a true one-pot comfort meal that simmers all day while I go about my day—and it always smells incredible when it’s ready.

Slow Cooker Creamy Garlic Chicken and Veggies

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how easy this meal is to throw together. With just a few minutes of prep, the slow cooker does all the work. The chicken turns out tender and flavorful, the veggies are soft but not mushy, and the creamy garlic sauce ties everything together with rich, savory goodness. It’s perfect for busy weekdays or lazy Sundays when I want a comforting homemade dinner 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
Carrots (peeled and chopped)
Baby potatoes (halved)
Green beans or peas (optional, added at the end)
Garlic (minced)
Chicken broth
Heavy cream or half-and-half
Cream cheese or sour cream (for creaminess)
Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper
Olive oil or butter
Cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
Fresh parsley (for garnish)

Directions

I lightly grease the inside of my slow cooker or spray it with cooking spray.
I place the chicken in the bottom, then layer the carrots and baby potatoes over the top.
In a bowl, I whisk together the broth, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper, then pour it evenly over everything.
I cover and cook on low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and the veggies are tender.
About 30 minutes before serving, I remove the lid and stir in the cream cheese and heavy cream. I let it melt and blend into the sauce.
If I want a thicker sauce, I mix a little cornstarch with water and stir it in, then let it cook uncovered for a bit.
I add green beans or peas during the last 20–30 minutes so they don’t overcook.
Before serving, I shred the chicken slightly or leave it whole, then garnish with fresh parsley.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 4 to 6 servings.

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 6–7 hours on low or 3–4 hours on high
Total time: 6 hours 10 minutes

Variations

I’ve used mushrooms, pearl onions, or celery for extra flavor and texture.
For a lighter version, I use half-and-half and skip the cream cheese.
I’ve added Dijon mustard or a splash of white wine to the sauce for a richer, tangy twist.
Sometimes I swap potatoes for cooked pasta or rice and serve the chicken and sauce over top.

storage/reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, I warm it on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or cream if the sauce thickens too much. This dish can also be frozen—though the sauce may slightly separate, it still tastes great after reheating.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken?

I don’t recommend adding frozen chicken directly to the slow cooker for safety reasons. I always thaw it completely before cooking.

What kind of potatoes work best?

I prefer baby Yukon Golds or red potatoes because they hold their shape well and get beautifully tender without falling apart.

Can I make it dairy-free?

Yes. I’ve used full-fat coconut milk and a dairy-free cream cheese alternative, and it still comes out creamy and flavorful.

How do I thicken the sauce?

I mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water and stir it in during the last 30 minutes. It thickens as it cooks uncovered.

Can I add the cream ingredients at the beginning?

I wait until the end to add cream or cream cheese so they don’t curdle or separate after long cooking.

Conclusion

Slow Cooker Creamy Garlic Chicken and Veggies is one of my favorite set-it-and-forget-it meals. It’s rich, comforting, and packed with flavor—and the best part is how little effort it takes to pull it together. Whether I’m serving it for family dinner or meal prepping for the week, this creamy, garlicky goodness always hits the spot.