If you love set-it-and-forget-it comfort food that is equal parts creamy, garlicky, and irresistibly rich, Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Chicken is about to become your new weeknight favorite. Imagine juicy chicken soaking up all the beautiful flavors of garlic, Italian herbs, and cheese as it simmers slowly, blanketed in a velvety Parmesan cream sauce. It practically cooks itself and fills your kitchen with an aroma that everyone will gather around for—plus, it’s as versatile as it is easy. This dish checks every box for a drool-worthy, show-stopping dinner that the whole family will request again and again.

Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Chicken Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

What makes Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Chicken so magical is the clever blend of simple, easy-to-find ingredients that each add their own special flair. Every single item pulls its weight, whether it’s bringing creaminess, savoriness, or that gorgeous golden hue that makes this dish so tempting.

2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts: Thighs give you a super-juicy, tender bite, while breasts keep it a little lighter—choose your favorite or use a mix!
1 tablespoon olive oil: Adds subtle richness and helps the seasonings adhere perfectly to the chicken.
6 garlic cloves, minced: The true flavor hero here, bringing out that warmly aromatic, savory kick.
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A blend of dried herbs that provides a savory, slightly floral backbone for the dish.
½ teaspoon paprika: For a gentle smokiness and a touch of golden color in the finished sauce.
½ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors and ties everything together—adjust to taste!
¼ teaspoon black pepper: Just enough for a little warmth without overpowering the creaminess.
1 cup heavy cream: The superstar for thick, luscious sauce that clings to every bite.
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese: Sharp, nutty, and utterly crave-worthy—use freshly grated if possible for the best melt.
¼ cup cream cheese (softened): Adds extra smoothness and richness to the sauce.
½ cup low-sodium chicken broth: Lightens up the sauce’s texture and amplifies all the savory notes.
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional): Sprinkled on top for a burst of color and freshness.
Extra Parmesan for garnish: For that irresistible, cheesy finish—because there’s no such thing as too much Parmesan.

How to Make Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Chicken

Step 1: Make the Garlic Herb Paste

In a small bowl, stir together your olive oil, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and black pepper to create a wonderfully fragrant paste. This is where all that signature flavor for your Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Chicken begins! Don’t skimp on mixing—the more evenly it’s blended, the better it’ll coat your chicken.

Step 2: Season the Chicken

Rub your seasoned garlic paste all over the chicken pieces, making sure every nook and cranny is coated. This upfront boost of flavor means every single bite is as tasty as the next. If you have a few extra minutes, let the chicken sit for a little while to soak up that goodness.

Step 3: Arrange in the Slow Cooker

Place the seasoned chicken into your slow cooker in a single layer, making sure there’s enough space for the sauce to seep all around the pieces. You want the chicken nestled but not overcrowded, so every piece cooks evenly and stays wonderfully tender.

Step 4: Whisk the Creamy Sauce

In a separate bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, grated Parmesan, softened cream cheese, and chicken broth until completely smooth. This creamy medley will bathe your chicken in all that cheesy, dreamy richness as it cooks.

Step 5: Combine and Cook

Pour the cheese sauce evenly over the chicken. Snap on the slow cooker lid and let it work its magic—cook on low for 4 to 5 hours or on high for 2 to 3 hours. The chicken will become fork-tender and the sauce will thicken into a decadent blanket of flavor.

Step 6: Finish and Serve

Once the chicken is done, give the sauce a quick stir. Shred the chicken directly in the sauce for easy serving, or leave the pieces whole for an elegant presentation. Serve immediately, topped with fresh parsley and a generous flurry of extra Parmesan.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Chicken

Garnishes

Add a final touch by scattering freshly chopped parsley and extra grated Parmesan right before serving. The parsley not only looks pretty but also adds a hint of freshness that brightens the creamy sauce beautifully against the golden Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Chicken.

Side Dishes

This chicken is practically begging to be ladled over a bed of mashed potatoes, rice, or your favorite pasta to soak up every last drop of that lush sauce. For some extra nutrition and flavor, sauté up simple greens or toss in some spinach or mushrooms toward the end of cooking.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving in shallow bowls with crusty bread for dipping, pile it high on a toasted sandwich bun for the ultimate creamy chicken sandwich, or spoon it over cooked gnocchi for an Italian-inspired twist. However you serve it, Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Chicken always steals the show.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers keep beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making this an excellent next-day lunch as well as a repeat dinner treat!

Freezing

Let the Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Chicken cool completely, then transfer to freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags. It will freeze well for up to three months. For best results, freeze the chicken in the sauce to keep everything moist and flavorful.

Reheating

When it’s time to enjoy your leftovers, gently reheat the chicken and sauce together in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally. If the sauce looks too thick, thin it with a splash of milk or broth until it’s creamy again. You can also microwave in short bursts, stirring often.

FAQs

Can I use bone-in chicken for this recipe?

Absolutely! Just keep in mind that bone-in pieces may need a little more cook time, but they’ll add even more flavor to the final dish. Make sure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.

Is it possible to use light cream or half and half instead of heavy cream?

You can, though the sauce will be slightly less rich and thick. If using half and half, consider adding a touch more cream cheese to ensure you get that decadent consistency Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Chicken is famous for.

How can I make this dish gluten-free?

This recipe is naturally gluten-free, as written! Just double-check all your labeled ingredients, especially the broth and cheese, to be sure there’s no hidden gluten added.

Can I add vegetables to the slow cooker?

Definitely! Spinach, mushrooms, or even broccoli florets work well. Add them during the last hour of cooking so they become tender but still keep their color and texture.

What’s the best way to serve leftovers?

Leftover Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Chicken makes a killer sandwich filling, a top-notch salad protein, or even a next-morning breakfast with eggs. This is a dish as versatile as your imagination.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a no-fuss, flavor-packed dinner that brings everyone running to the table, give Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Chicken a try. It’s creamy, savory, impossibly comforting, and just as easy as it is delicious. Once you taste that first bite, I guarantee it’ll be a regular on your dinner rotation—happy slow cooking, friends!

Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Chicken Recipe

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4.6 from 16 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 5 hours 10 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the creamy and flavorful delight of Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Chicken. This easy-to-make dish is a perfect blend of tender chicken, rich cream, and savory Parmesan cheese, all cooked to perfection in a slow cooker. A comforting and satisfying meal for any day of the week!

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken:

2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts
1 tablespoon olive oil
6 garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon paprika
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper

For the Sauce:

1 cup heavy cream
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
¼ cup cream cheese, softened
½ cup low-sodium chicken broth

2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Extra Parmesan for garnish

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Instructions

Prepare the Chicken: Mix olive oil, garlic, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper to create a paste. Rub the mixture over the chicken.
Cook in Slow Cooker: Place seasoned chicken in the slow cooker. Whisk together heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, cream cheese, and chicken broth until smooth. Pour the sauce over the chicken.
Cook: Cover and cook on low for 4–5 hours or on high for 2–3 hours until chicken is tender.
Finish: Shred or leave chicken whole. Serve topped with parsley and extra Parmesan.