Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Creamy Garlic Chicken in the Crockpot is the kind of recipe that proves comfort food does not need to be complicated. It is rich, deeply flavorful, and requires very little hands-on time, which makes it ideal for busy days. I often rely on this dish when I want a home-cooked meal waiting for me at the end of the day. The slow cooker gently cooks the chicken until it becomes incredibly tender, while the garlic-infused cream sauce develops a smooth, well-rounded flavor. I tested this recipe with both chicken breasts and thighs, and each worked beautifully, although thighs were especially succulent. What makes this recipe stand out is its versatility; it pairs just as well with rice or pasta as it does with mashed potatoes or vegetables. If you appreciate meals that feel indulgent yet are practical to prepare, this crockpot recipe is a reliable favorite.
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Creamy Garlic Chicken in the Crockpot (Rich, Comforting, and Effortless)
- Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Halal
Description
A rich and comforting slow-cooker dish featuring tender chicken simmered in a creamy garlic sauce, perfect for an easy hands-off dinner.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 2 tbsp water
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Place the chicken in the crockpot.
- Add chicken broth, garlic, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Cover and cook on low for 5–6 hours or high for 3–4 hours, until the chicken is tender.
- Remove the chicken and set aside.
- In a small bowl, mix cornstarch with water and stir it into the crockpot.
- Add heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, stirring well.
- Return the chicken to the crockpot and cook for an additional 20–30 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.
Notes
- Serve over pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes.
- You can substitute half-and-half for a lighter sauce.
- Add mushrooms or spinach during the last hour for extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Chicken breasts provide a lean, tender protein that cooks gently in the crockpot without drying out when properly timed.
Garlic is the defining flavor of this dish. Freshly minced garlic creates a deep, aromatic base that permeates the sauce as it cooks.
Butter adds richness and a smooth mouthfeel to the sauce, balancing the sharpness of the garlic.
Chicken broth helps thin the sauce slightly while adding savory depth and preventing it from becoming overly heavy.
Heavy cream gives the dish its signature creamy texture and allows the sauce to thicken naturally during cooking.
Cream cheese contributes body and tang, creating a velvety sauce that coats the chicken evenly.
Parmesan cheese adds savory complexity and a subtle saltiness that enhances the overall flavor.
Italian seasoning brings mild herbal notes that complement the garlic without overpowering it.
Salt and black pepper are essential for seasoning the chicken and sauce evenly.
Fresh parsley is optional but adds a light, fresh finish that balances the richness.
Directions
Begin by lightly greasing the crockpot insert. Season the chicken breasts evenly with salt and black pepper and place them in a single layer at the bottom of the crockpot.
Sprinkle the minced garlic and Italian seasoning over the chicken. Add the butter in small pieces, distributing it evenly across the surface.
Pour the chicken broth around the chicken, then add the cream cheese in chunks. Cover and cook on low for 4 to 5 hours, or until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
Once the chicken is fully cooked, remove it briefly and whisk the sauce inside the crockpot until smooth. Stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
Return the chicken to the crockpot and spoon the sauce over the top. Cover and cook for an additional 20 to 30 minutes to allow the flavors to fully combine.
Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
Equipment needed :
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
Full-Size Blender – is a powerful kitchen appliance for making smoothies, soups, and sauces in large batches.
3-in-1 Air Fryer – This versatile 3-in-1 air fryer offers Air Fry for healthier meals with less oil, Bake for bakery-quality desserts and treats, and Reheat to bring leftovers back to life with crispy, flavorful results..
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 4 people. Preparation takes approximately 10 minutes. Cooking time is 4 to 5 hours on low, with a total time of about 5 hours.
Storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to maintain the sauce’s consistency.
Variations and Customizations
Creamy Garlic Chicken in the Crockpot is easy to adapt based on personal preferences. For a lighter version, substitute half of the heavy cream with milk, keeping the sauce creamy but less rich. I have tested this variation, and it still delivers excellent flavor.
If you enjoy vegetables in your main dish, add mushrooms or spinach during the last hour of cooking. Both pair exceptionally well with the garlic cream sauce. For added depth, a small amount of Dijon mustard stirred into the sauce provides subtle tang without dominating the dish.
You can also switch the protein by using boneless chicken thighs for a richer result. For those who enjoy a hint of heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes adds gentle warmth. This recipe adapts easily while maintaining its comforting character.
Nutrition and Dietary Info
| Nutrient | Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 520 |
| Protein (g) | 36 |
| Carbs (g) | 8 |
| Fat (g) | 38 |
| Saturated Fat (g) | 19 |
| Fiber (g) | 1 |
| Sugar (g) | 3 |
| Sodium (mg) | 640 |
Expert Tips & Customizations
Even seasoning
Season the chicken before slow cooking to ensure flavor throughout.
Sauce texture
Whisk the sauce well before adding cream to achieve a smooth consistency.
Serving ideas
This dish pairs especially well with rice, pasta, or mashed potatoes.
FAQs
Can I cook this on high instead of low?
Yes, cook on high for 2 to 3 hours, but low heat yields the most tender chicken.
Can I use chicken thighs?
Yes, boneless thighs work very well and produce a richer result.
Does the sauce thicken as it cools?
Yes, the sauce naturally thickens slightly after resting.
Can I add vegetables to the crockpot?
Yes, mushrooms, spinach, or green beans are good additions.
Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
It can be frozen, but cream-based sauces may change texture slightly.
How do I prevent the sauce from curdling?
Avoid overheating after adding the cream and stir gently.
Conclusion
Creamy Garlic Chicken in the Crockpot is a dependable, comforting recipe that delivers rich flavor with minimal effort. Its tender chicken and luxurious sauce make it suitable for both everyday dinners and special occasions. Once you try it, it is likely to become a regular part of your slow-cooker rotation.
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