Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken has been my go-to for busy weeknights ever since I discovered how incredibly simple and flavorful it is. I remember one evening, staring into the fridge with absolutely no idea what to make, when I stumbled upon this recipe. The aroma of garlic and Parmesan filling my kitchen hours later was heavenly, and my family devoured every last bite! This slow cooker garlic parmesan chicken recipe is a true game-changer, transforming humble chicken into a creamy, dreamy meal. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken
- It’s incredibly easy – a true dump and go crock pot garlic parmesan chicken!
- The chicken comes out perfectly tender and juicy every single time.
- The creamy garlic Parmesan sauce is rich, savory, and utterly irresistible.
- This slow cooker chicken parmesan with garlic is a fantastic weeknight meal solution.
- Minimal prep means less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying your family.
- It’s versatile – serve it over pasta, rice, or even mashed potatoes.
- The aroma that fills your home while it cooks is simply divine.
- This crock pot chicken recipe garlic parmesan is a crowd-pleaser for sure.
Ingredients for Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken
Gather these simple items for an amazing garlic parmesan chicken slow cooker recipe. You’ll be amazed at how few ingredients create such a flavorful dish!
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs – I prefer thighs for extra moisture, but breasts work great too!
- 1 teaspoon salt – essential for bringing out all the flavors.
- 1 teaspoon black pepper – a classic pairing with salt.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder – this adds a foundational garlic flavor to our slow cooker garlic parmesan chicken.
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder – balances the garlic and adds a subtle savory note.
- 1 cup chicken broth – the liquid base that helps everything cook and meld together.
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened – this is the magic ingredient for that incredibly creamy crock pot garlic parmesan chicken sauce! Make sure it’s softened for easy blending.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese – for that signature salty, nutty Parmesan flavor we all love in this crock pot chicken recipe garlic parmesan.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced – fresh garlic adds an extra punch of flavor that complements the garlic powder beautifully.
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (for garnish) – adds a pop of color and freshness at the end.
- 12 ounces pasta, cooked – your favorite shape to serve this delicious garlic parmesan chicken crock pot sauce over.

How to Make Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken
Let’s get this simple crock pot garlic parmesan chicken recipe going! It’s so straightforward; you’ll wonder why you haven’t made it sooner. The aroma that starts to fill your kitchen as it cooks is just the beginning of the deliciousness to come.
- Step 1: Place your chicken breasts or thighs directly into the slow cooker. This is the perfect first step for our easy crock pot garlic parmesan chicken.
- Step 2: Season the chicken generously with 1 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon black pepper, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, and 1/2 teaspoon onion powder. This initial seasoning is key to building flavor.
- Step 3: Pour 1 cup of chicken broth over the seasoned chicken. This liquid will help create a moist environment for the chicken to cook in.
- Step 4: Cover the slow cooker and cook on the low setting for 4-6 hours or on the high setting for 2-3 hours. You’ll know it’s ready when the chicken is cooked through and tender. The kitchen will start smelling amazing!
- Step 5: Carefully remove the cooked chicken from the slow cooker. Using two forks, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
- Step 6: Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker. This simple crock pot garlic parmesan chicken is coming together beautifully!
- Step 7: Stir in the 4 ounces of softened cream cheese, 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, and 2 cloves of minced garlic. Stir everything together until the sauce is smooth, creamy, and coats the chicken beautifully.
- Step 8: Let it cook on low for another 30 minutes. This allows the sauce to heat through and thicken, creating that luscious texture for your garlic parmesan chicken slow cooker recipe.
- Step 9: While the sauce finishes, cook 12 ounces of your favorite pasta according to package directions.
- Step 10: Serve the creamy crock pot garlic parmesan chicken sauce generously over the cooked pasta. Garnish with 1/4 cup of chopped fresh parsley for a burst of color and freshness. Enjoy this delightful slow cooker chicken parmesan with garlic!
Pro Tips for the Best Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken
I’ve learned a few tricks over the years to make this garlic parmesan chicken slow cooker recipe absolutely perfect. Follow these tips, and you’ll have a restaurant-worthy meal every time!
- Don’t skip softening the cream cheese: Letting it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before adding it to the slow cooker ensures a super smooth and creamy sauce without any lumps.
- Use chicken thighs for extra flavor and moisture: While chicken breasts work fine, thighs have more fat and connective tissue, which break down beautifully in the slow cooker, resulting in incredibly tender and juicy chicken for your slow cooker garlic parmesan chicken thighs recipe.
- Taste and adjust seasoning: Before serving, always give the sauce a taste. You might want to add a little more salt, pepper, or even a pinch more garlic powder to suit your preference.
- Fresh garlic makes a difference: While garlic powder is great for the initial seasoning, adding fresh minced garlic towards the end of cooking really boosts that vibrant garlic flavor in your easy crock pot garlic parmesan chicken.
What’s the secret to perfect Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken?
The real secret to a perfect creamy crockpot garlic parmesan chicken is the combination of softened cream cheese and Parmesan cheese stirred in at the end. This creates a luscious, rich sauce that coats the chicken beautifully, making it a truly decadent dish.
Can I make Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken ahead of time?
Yes, you can definitely prepare the chicken and sauce ahead of time. Cook the chicken, shred it, and then mix in the cream cheese and Parmesan. Let it cool completely before refrigerating. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
How do I avoid common mistakes with Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken?
The biggest mistake is overcooking the chicken, which can make it dry. Also, ensure the cream cheese is softened to prevent a lumpy sauce. Always taste and adjust seasoning at the end.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Overcooking chicken; using cold cream cheese; not tasting before serving.
Best Ways to Serve Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken
This rich and savory garlic parmesan chicken crock pot sauce is incredibly versatile and pairs beautifully with so many things! My absolute favorite way to serve it is tossed with your favorite pasta, like fettuccine or linguine. The creamy sauce clings perfectly to the noodles, making for a truly satisfying meal.
If you’re looking for something a little different, this slow cooker chicken parmesan with garlic is also divine served over fluffy mashed potatoes or even a bed of fluffy white rice. For a lighter option, try it alongside a fresh green salad with a simple vinaigrette to cut through the richness. It’s a wonderful slow cooker garlic parmesan chicken thighs recipe that’s adaptable to whatever you have on hand!
Nutrition Facts for Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken
This garlic parmesan chicken slow cooker recipe offers a satisfying meal with great flavor. Here’s a breakdown of the approximate nutritional information per serving, assuming the recipe yields 4 servings.
- Calories: 450
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Protein: 40g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 500mg
Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used in your crock pot chicken parmesan garlic.
How to Store and Reheat Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken
Leftovers of this amazing garlic parmesan chicken crock pot casserole are a treat! Once it’s cooled down a bit, I like to transfer the chicken and sauce into airtight containers. This helps keep it fresh. You can store it in the refrigerator for about 3 to 4 days. It’s perfect for quick lunches or dinners later in the week. This is where the magic of a dump and go crock pot garlic parmesan chicken really shines – easy to make, easy to store!
If you want to keep it even longer, freezing is a great option. Portion the crockpot chicken recipe garlic parmesan into freezer-safe bags or containers. It should last well in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, the best way to reheat is to let it thaw overnight in the refrigerator first. Then, you can gently warm it up on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, or in the microwave until it’s heated through. Both methods work wonderfully for this simple crock pot garlic parmesan chicken!
Frequently Asked Questions About Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken
What is Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken?
Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken is a delicious and incredibly easy dish where chicken is slow-cooked in a rich, creamy sauce infused with garlic and Parmesan cheese. It’s a popular comfort food that’s perfect for busy weeknights, often served over pasta. This recipe simplifies the process, making it a favorite for many home cooks.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts for this slow cooker garlic parmesan chicken?
Absolutely! In fact, I often prefer using chicken thighs for this slow cooker garlic parmesan chicken. They tend to stay more moist and tender in the slow cooker compared to breasts, leading to an even more succulent result. Just follow the same cooking times, and you’ll have fantastic garlic parmesan chicken crock pot thighs.
How do I make a healthier Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken?
To make a healthier version of this crock pot chicken parmesan garlic, you can use chicken breasts instead of thighs, opt for a reduced-fat cream cheese, and use low-sodium chicken broth. You can also reduce the amount of Parmesan cheese slightly or serve it over whole wheat pasta or a generous bed of steamed vegetables instead of traditional pasta.
What kind of pasta is best for Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken?
For this garlic parmesan chicken slow cooker recipe, any pasta shape that holds sauce well is a great choice. Fettuccine, linguine, penne, or rotini are all excellent options. The creamy sauce clings beautifully to these shapes, ensuring every bite is packed with flavor. You want a pasta that can stand up to the rich sauce.
Variations of Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken You Can Try
This versatile garlic parmesan chicken slow cooker recipe is fantastic as is, but I love experimenting with it! Here are a few ways to switch things up for a delicious twist on this classic crock pot chicken parmesan garlic.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño to the slow cooker along with the garlic. This gives your garlic parmesan chicken crock pot casserole a pleasant warmth that’s surprisingly addictive.
- Lemon Herb Twist: Stir in the juice of half a lemon and some fresh chopped rosemary or thyme during the last 30 minutes of cooking. This brightens up the rich sauce and adds a lovely aromatic quality to your slow cooker garlic parmesan chicken.
- Broccoli Cheddar Chicken: For a heartier meal, stir in a bag of frozen broccoli florets and about 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese along with the cream cheese and Parmesan. This transforms it into a complete garlic parmesan chicken slow cooker recipe with veggies and cheese all in one pot.
- Creamy Tomato Garlic Parmesan: Add a 14.5-ounce can of diced tomatoes (undrained) to the slow cooker with the chicken broth. This adds a lovely tang and color to the creamy crockpot garlic parmesan chicken.

Amazing Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Recipe
- Total Time: 4 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This easy Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken pasta recipe is a weeknight revelation. Tender chicken simmers in a rich, creamy garlic Parmesan sauce, ready to be tossed with your favorite pasta. It’s a delicious and simple Crockpot chicken recipe with garlic and Parmesan.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
- 12 ounces pasta, cooked
Instructions
- Place chicken breasts or thighs in the slow cooker.
- Season chicken with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Pour chicken broth over the chicken.
- Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, until chicken is cooked through.
- Remove chicken from the slow cooker and shred it with two forks.
- Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker.
- Stir in cream cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, and minced garlic until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Cook on low for another 30 minutes, or until the sauce is heated through and thickened.
- Serve the garlic Parmesan chicken sauce over cooked pasta.
- Garnish with fresh parsley.
Notes
- For a creamier crock pot garlic parmesan chicken, use heavy cream instead of chicken broth.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
- This slow cooker garlic parmesan chicken recipe is also delicious served over rice or mashed potatoes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4-6 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 1/4 of recipe)
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
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