When you’re in need of an easy yet delicious meal, the Crockpot Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken recipe is a winner. This comforting dish allows you to enjoy tender, juicy chicken breasts enveloped in a rich, creamy sauce with the robust flavors of garlic and Parmesan. Just pop everything into your slow cooker, and a few hours later, you’ll have an incredible meal ready to impress your family or guests.
Why We Love This Crockpot Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Recipe
This dish stands out for many reasons. Firstly, it requires minimal prep time, making it perfect for busy weeknights. You can prepare your ingredients in a matter of minutes and let the Crockpot do the work while you focus on other tasks. The creamy garlic sauce complements the chicken beautifully, resulting in a mouthwatering combination that is truly irresistible. Whether served over your favorite pasta or accompanied by steamed veggies, this recipe will easily become a staple in your meal rotation. It’s versatile, straightforward, and crowd-pleasing—which is precisely why you’ll want to keep this recipe handy.
Ingredients about Crockpot Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken
To whip up this creamy delight, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Pasta or steamed veggies for serving
How to Make Crockpot Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Directions
Making Crockpot Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken is simple and quick. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
- Start by preparing your slow cooker. Take the chicken breasts and place them at the bottom of the Crockpot. Make sure they are evenly spaced to allow for even cooking.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the heavy cream, grated Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Whisk these ingredients together until you achieve a smooth sauce. This delightful mixture is what will make your chicken incredibly flavorful.
- Pour the creamy mixture over the chicken in the Crockpot, ensuring that each piece of chicken is well-coated. The sauce will eventually seep through and infuse the chicken with all those delicious flavors.
- Cover the Slow Cooker and set your cooking time. You can choose to cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours. Both options yield tender, flavorful chicken—you just have to plan for different cooking times.
- About 30 minutes before serving, check the doneness of the chicken. You want it to be juicy and fully cooked, so ensure that the internal temperature reaches at least 165°F. If you prefer a shredded chicken texture, you can shred it at this point with two forks.
- Give the sauce a good stir before serving, ensuring everything is mixed evenly. Serve the chicken over pasta or alongside steamed veggies, and don’t hesitate to drizzle some extra sauce on top. For a lovely finishing touch, sprinkle fresh herbs and additional Parmesan cheese to elevate the dish even further.
How to Serve Crockpot Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken
Serving Crockpot Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken is just as easy as preparing it. This dish pairs beautifully with pasta or can be served alongside a medley of steamed vegetables. Consider a bed of fettuccine tossed with olive oil and herbs to complement the creamy sauce. Alternatively, fresh, vibrant veggies like broccoli or green beans add color and nutrients that enhance the meal.
Another great option is to serve it over rice, offering a satisfying vehicle for the creamy sauce. Whatever you choose, top your dish with a sprinkle of fresh herbs—like parsley or basil—and an extra dash of grated Parmesan for a restaurant-worthy presentation. Enjoy this dish straight out of the Crockpot, keeping the serving casual yet delicious.
Expert Tips: Crockpot Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken
- Choose High-Quality Ingredients: The key to a flavorful dish is using high-quality chicken and fresh ingredients. Opt for organic chicken breasts if possible, and use fresh garlic rather than pre-minced varieties.
- Adjust the Sauce: If you prefer a thicker sauce, consider adding a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons of cold water) during the last 30 minutes of cooking. This will thicken the sauce beautifully.
- Spice it Up: If you enjoy a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce mixture. This can add a nice kick and elevate the overall flavor profile.
- Make it Herbaceous: Fresh herbs such as thyme or rosemary can be added for an additional layer of flavor. Add these herbs a few hours into the cooking time for the best results.
- Use Leftovers Creatively: If you have any leftovers, consider using them in wraps, salads, or sandwiches. The creamy chicken can really enhance the flavors in different dishes.
How to Store Crockpot Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken
Storing your delicious Crockpot Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken is simple. Allow the dish to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through, making sure not to overheat as that might dry out the chicken.
If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing the chicken. Place portions in freezer-safe bags and lay them flat in the freezer for easy storage. This way, you can enjoy this creamy chicken at a later date, saving you precious time in meal prep.
Variation of Crockpot Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken
You can easily customize this Crockpot Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken to suit your taste or dietary preferences. Here are some ideas for variations:
- Add Veggies: Throw in some fresh spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers into the slow cooker while cooking. This will not only add extra flavor but also boost the nutritional content of your meal.
- Go Dairy-Free: If you’re avoiding dairy, try substituting the heavy cream with coconut cream and using nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese. This will provide a creamy texture and a rich flavor.
- Use Different Proteins: While this recipe showcases chicken, you can swap in turkey breasts or even chicken thighs for a different texture. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
- Flavor Variations: Experiment with different seasonings such as lemon zest, Cajun spice, or even a hint of mustard for a new spin on the classic flavors.
- Pasta Variety: Change up your pasta choice; try whole wheat or gluten-free pasta for those following specific diets. Each type can provide a unique taste and texture.
FAQ
- What is Crockpot Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken? This is a comforting dish featuring boneless, skinless chicken breasts cooked in a rich, creamy garlic Parmesan sauce made in a slow cooker.
- Can I cook Crockpot Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken on high? Yes, you can cook this dish on high for 3 to 4 hours. However, cooking on low for 6 to 8 hours yields the most tender results.
- What can I serve with Crockpot Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken? It pairs wonderfully with pasta, rice, or steamed vegetables. You can also serve it atop mashed potatoes for a heartier meal.
- Is it easy to prepare Crockpot Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken? Absolutely! With minimal ingredients and direct steps, this recipe is straightforward enough for anyone, even if you’re new to cooking.
- How do I store leftovers? Allow your leftovers to cool, then transfer to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to three days or freeze for longer storage.
Crockpot Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts Use high-quality chicken for best results.
- 1 cup heavy cream Can substitute with coconut cream for a dairy-free version.
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese Opt for fresh Parmesan for enhanced flavor.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced Fresh garlic is recommended.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning Can adjust to taste.
- to taste Salt and pepper Season according to preference.
For Serving
- to taste Pasta or steamed veggies Fettuccine or broccoli pairs well.
Instructions
Preparation
- Prepare your slow cooker by placing the chicken breasts at the bottom, spaced evenly.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Whisk until smooth.
- Pour the creamy mixture over the chicken, ensuring each piece is well-coated.
Cooking
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours, or on high for 3 to 4 hours.
- Check the doneness of the chicken 30 minutes before serving; it should reach an internal temperature of at least 165°F.
- For shredded chicken, shred it with two forks at this point.
- Stir the sauce before serving.
Serving
- Serve the chicken over pasta or alongside steamed veggies, drizzling extra sauce on top.
- Garnish with fresh herbs and additional Parmesan cheese for a delicious presentation.
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