Go Back
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 6 cloves garlic, finely minced - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste Chicken is the star of this dish. I prefer boneless, skinless breasts for easy cooking. They soak up the sauce well. Heavy cream adds richness and smoothness. The Parmesan cheese gives a salty and nutty flavor. Garlic makes everything better! Italian seasoning adds extra depth to the taste. Seasoning with salt and pepper enhances all the flavors. - 1 cup chicken broth - 2 tablespoons olive oil Chicken broth adds moisture and flavor. It helps keep the chicken tender. I use olive oil to sear the chicken. It gives a nice golden crust. - Fresh parsley, finely chopped (for garnish) - Optional toppings like extra Parmesan cheese Fresh parsley brightens the dish. It adds a pop of green and freshness. You can sprinkle extra Parmesan on top for a cheesy touch. This makes the dish look fancy and appetizing. {{ingredient_image_2}} - Preparing the Chicken Start with four boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Rinse them under cool water and pat them dry. This helps the seasonings stick better. Season both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. - Cooking in the Skillet In a large skillet, heat two tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, place the chicken breasts in the skillet. Cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side. You want a nice golden-brown crust. This step adds flavor and makes the chicken juicy. After searing, remove the chicken and set it aside on a plate. - Combining Ingredients In a mixing bowl, whisk together one cup of chicken broth, one cup of heavy cream, six cloves of minced garlic, and one cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Make sure everything blends well. This will be your delicious sauce that makes the chicken creamy and rich. - Ensuring Smoothness Check the mixture for any lumps. It should be smooth and creamy. If needed, whisk again until you get the right texture. A smooth sauce ensures every bite is packed with flavor. - Layering Chicken and Sauce Place the seared chicken breasts in the crockpot in a single layer. Pour the creamy garlic sauce over the chicken. Ensure each piece is well-coated. This helps the chicken absorb all the flavors while cooking. - Setting Cooking Time Cover the crockpot with its lid. Set it to cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Check the chicken at the end of the cooking time. It should be tender and cooked through. This slow cooking makes the chicken so soft and flavorful. - Shredding Technique Once the cooking time is up, use two forks to shred the chicken inside the crockpot. This makes it easier to mix with the sauce. The chicken should fall apart easily. Stir the shredded chicken in the sauce to coat it well. - Serving Suggestions Serve the creamy garlic Parmesan chicken over rice, pasta, or alongside steamed veggies. For a nice touch, garnish with freshly chopped parsley and a sprinkle of extra Parmesan. This adds color and a fresh flavor to your dish. Enjoy your meal! Achieving Golden-Brown Chicken To get that nice golden color, heat olive oil on medium. Season your chicken with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken. Sear it for about 3-4 minutes on each side. This step adds flavor and texture. Seasoning Tips Don’t be shy with the seasonings! Generous amounts of salt and pepper work wonders. Garlic powder and Italian seasoning add depth. You’ll notice the difference in every bite. Adjusting for Different Heat Settings Cooking times vary with heat settings. On low, expect to cook for 6-7 hours. If you’re in a hurry, use high for 3-4 hours. Always check that the chicken is fully cooked before serving. Tips for Tender Chicken For the best texture, don’t rush the cooking. Cooking on low allows the chicken to soak up flavors. If you find your chicken is tough, it may need more time. Additional Seasonings Want to spice things up? Try adding red pepper flakes for heat. Herbs like thyme or rosemary can also enhance the dish. Mix and match to create your own twist! Pairing Suggestions This creamy dish pairs well with rice, pasta, or vegetables. Serve it over steamed broccoli or nestled next to mashed potatoes. Each option adds a nice balance to the meal. Pro Tips Perfectly Sear the Chicken: Make sure your skillet is hot enough before adding the chicken. A good sear will lock in juices and enhance flavor. Use Fresh Garlic: For the best flavor, use fresh garlic instead of pre-minced. It adds a vibrant taste to the dish. Adjust Consistency: If the sauce is too thick after cooking, you can thin it out with a little more chicken broth or cream to reach your desired consistency. Meal Prep Ready: This dish is perfect for meal prep! It reheats well and can be served with various sides throughout the week. {{image_4}} Healthier Options You can make this dish lighter by using chicken thighs instead of breasts. They have more flavor and stay juicy. For a lower-calorie sauce, swap heavy cream for Greek yogurt. This will still give you creaminess without the extra fat. Dairy-Free Alternatives If you want a dairy-free version, replace heavy cream with coconut milk. Use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese for a cheesy flavor. This keeps your meal creamy and delicious without dairy. Instant Pot Instructions To cook this in an Instant Pot, sear the chicken first in the pot. Then, mix the sauce ingredients as you would for the crockpot. Add the chicken and sauce, seal the lid, and cook on high pressure for 10 minutes. Quick release the pressure, shred the chicken, and mix it with the sauce. Oven-Baked Version For an oven-baked version, sear the chicken in a skillet. Then, place it in a baking dish. Pour the sauce over the chicken and cover it with foil. Bake at 375°F for about 30-35 minutes. This gives a nice baked texture while keeping it moist. Adding Vegetables You can easily add vegetables to this dish. Try adding spinach or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor. Bell peppers or mushrooms also work well. Just toss them in the crockpot with the chicken and sauce. Spicy Versions Want some heat? Add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the sauce. This will give your dish a nice kick. You can adjust the spice level based on your taste. Enjoy the creamy and spicy mix! To store leftovers, let the chicken cool first. Place it in an airtight container. This keeps it fresh for later meals. You can refrigerate it for 3-4 days. Make sure to check for any signs of spoilage before eating. To freeze this creamy chicken, let it cool completely. Place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. Squeeze out excess air to prevent freezer burn. It stays good for up to three months. For thawing, move it to the fridge overnight. This keeps the chicken safe and tasty. You can also use the microwave. Just be sure to use the defrost setting. You can reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop. For the microwave, put it in a safe dish. Heat it in short bursts, stirring in between. For stovetop, warm it in a pan over low heat. Add a splash of cream if it looks thick. This keeps the dish creamy and delicious. Enjoy your meal again! Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts in this recipe. When using frozen chicken, you need to adjust the cooking time. Cook it on high for about 5-6 hours. The chicken will stay juicy and tender. Just ensure the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F. If you want a lighter option, try using half-and-half instead of heavy cream. You can also mix milk with a little cornstarch. Use a ratio of 1 cup of milk with 2 tablespoons of cornstarch. This will help mimic the creaminess you want. To thicken the sauce, you can add a cornstarch slurry. Mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water. Stir this into the sauce about 30 minutes before the cooking ends. Alternatively, you can let the sauce cook longer with the lid off to reduce it. Yes, this dish can be gluten-free. Just ensure your chicken broth and any added seasonings do not contain gluten. Most chicken broths are gluten-free, but it’s best to check the label. Enjoy this creamy delight without any worries! This blog post gave you a clear path to a creamy chicken dish. We covered key ingredients, step-by-step cooking methods, and storage tips. You now know how to achieve the perfect sear and can even try different cooking styles. Remember, you can modify flavors and ingredients to fit your taste. This dish is both flexible and delicious, making it a great choice for meals. Enjoy your cooking, and don’t shy away from experimenting to make it your own!

Crockpot Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken

A delicious and creamy chicken dish cooked in a crockpot, featuring garlic and Parmesan flavors.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 6 hours
Total Time 6 hours 15 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 450 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 6 cloves garlic, finely minced
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • to taste Salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • for garnish Fresh parsley, finely chopped

Instructions
 

  • In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Season the chicken breasts generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Carefully place the chicken in the hot skillet and sear for approximately 3-4 minutes on each side or until they develop a beautiful golden-brown crust. Once seared, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
  • In a mixing bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, heavy cream, minced garlic, and grated Parmesan cheese until the mixture is smooth and well-combined.
  • Place the seared chicken breasts into the crockpot in a single layer. Pour the creamy garlic mixture evenly over the chicken, making sure each piece is generously coated.
  • Cover the crockpot with its lid and set it to cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
  • Once the cooking time is complete, use two forks to shred the chicken directly in the crockpot. Stir the shredded chicken to incorporate it with the creamy sauce.
  • Before serving, taste the dish and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
  • Dish out the creamy garlic Parmesan chicken over a bed of rice, pasta, or alongside steamed vegetables for a delightful meal.

Notes

For an elegant touch, garnish with freshly chopped parsley and a sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese.
Keyword chicken, creamy, crockpot, garlic, Parmesan