Ben Kenwood January 10, 2026

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Easy Crockpot Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Recipe You’ll Love

Name: Easy Crockpot Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 4 h 30 min
Total time: 4 h 45 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 4 pieces Boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 4 cloves Fresh garlic, minced; 1 cup Grated parmesan cheese; 8 ounces Cream cheese; 1 cup Heavy cream; 1 cup Chicken broth; 2 tablespoons Butter; 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning; 1 teaspoon Salt; 1 teaspoon Pepper; 0.25 cup Fresh parsley, chopped; 1 teaspoon Crushed red pepper flakes

Easy Crockpot Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Recipe You’ll Love

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The kitchen smells like warm butter and garlic on a slow, cozy afternoon, as the crockpot hums away and turns simple ingredients into a silky, comforting sauce. This Easy Crockpot Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Recipe You’ll Love is what weeknight dreams are made of, an effortless meal that fills the house with savory garlic and rich parmesan, perfect for family dinners, casual guests, or a quiet night in. If you want to see this same creamy flavor transformed into a pasta dish, you can also try the Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta recipe for a satisfying twist on leftovers.

What Makes This Special

This recipe works because it marries the slow, unhurried heat of a crockpot with bold, simple flavors. The chicken simmers gently in a garlic parmesan cream for hours, breaking down into tender, juicy pieces, while the cream cheese and parmesan melt together into a velvet sauce. It is forgiving, hands-off, and reliably delicious, so it is ideal for busy days when you want a comforting meal without fuss.

Comforting, creamy sauce that clings to every bite of chicken
Minimal prep, just a few minutes to assemble before you leave the house
Family friendly, easy to pair with sides like rice or roasted vegetables

Ingredients and Key Notes

A few pantry staples create the backbone of the sauce, while fresh garlic and parsley lift the whole dish. If you prefer a lighter touch, swap in low fat cream cheese or reduced fat parmesan, but keep the balance so the sauce still finishes silky and rich.

4 pieces Chicken breasts (Use boneless, skinless for tender meat.)
4 cloves Garlic cloves (Freshly minced to deliver flavor.)
1 cup Parmesan cheese (Grated for a rich flavor.)
8 ounces Cream cheese (Adds velvety creaminess.)
1 cup Heavy cream (Keeps the sauce smooth.)
1 cup Chicken broth (Provides a savory base.)
2 tablespoons Butter (Enhances richness.)
1 tablespoon Italian seasoning (A blend of herbs.)
1 teaspoon Salt (Essential for flavor.)
1 teaspoon Pepper (Essential for flavor.)
0.25 cup Fresh parsley (Chopped for freshness.)
1 teaspoon Crushed red pepper flakes (For heat.)

Note, these amounts yield a generous, creamy sauce that coats the chicken. Use freshly grated parmesan where possible, it blends more smoothly and tastes brighter.

Bringing It Together

Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of your crockpot, arranging them in a single layer if possible, so they cook evenly and soak up the sauce. The raw chicken will feel firm and cool to the touch.
In a small bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, heavy cream, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper until slightly foamy and fragrant. The garlic aroma should become immediate and inviting.
Dollop the cream cheese over the chicken evenly, then pour the cream and broth mixture across the top, allowing pockets of cream cheese to nestle against the meat. The cream cheese will slowly melt into the liquid while cooking.
Dot the butter across the top and sprinkle the grated parmesan over everything, gently pressing it down so it contacts the liquid and begins to dissolve during cooking. The butter helps the sauce become glossy.
Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 4 to 5 hours, or on high for 2 to 3 hours, until the chicken is opaque, tender, and flakes easily with a fork. During cooking the kitchen will fill with a warm, cheesy aroma and the sauce will thicken slightly.
Once the chicken is cooked, remove each breast and shred or slice as you like, then return the meat to the sauce and stir gently to coat. Taste and adjust seasoning, then sprinkle the chopped parsley and crushed red pepper flakes over the top for freshness and a touch of heat. The sauce should be silky and cling to the shredded chicken.

Prep ~ 15 minutes, Cook ~ 4 to 5 hours on low, Total ~ 4 hours 15 minutes, Servings ~ 4, Kcal ~ 520 per serving

Make-Ahead and Prep Tips

You can do most of the prep the night before to make mornings easy. Trim and pat the chicken dry, mince the garlic, and measure the parmesan and spices into small containers. Store everything covered in the refrigerator, then assemble in the crockpot liner right before cooking. The assembled crockpot can be refrigerated for up to 24 hours before cooking, which is handy for busy schedules.

If you want a true freezer meal, complete the recipe through the assembly step but do not cook. Seal the crockpot liner or a freezer-safe bag with the assembled ingredients and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before cooking on low for the same times, adding an extra 30 to 60 minutes if the ingredients are still a little chilly.

How to Store Leftovers

Refrigerate leftover Easy Crockpot Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Recipe You’ll Love in an airtight container for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months, leaving a little room at the top for expansion. Label containers with the date so you can track freshness.

To reheat from the refrigerator, warm gently in a saucepan over low heat, stirring often and adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen the sauce as it warms. If reheating from frozen, thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then reheat slowly on the stove. A good freshness cue is a bright aroma and a glossy sauce, if the sauce smells flat or sour, discard it.

Perfect Pairings

Steamed white rice or buttery mashed potatoes to soak up the creamy sauce
Buttered egg noodles for a cozy, classic pairing
Sautéed green beans with lemon for a crisp, bright contrast
Roasted Brussels sprouts tossed with a little olive oil and salt
Garlic bread or a warm baguette to mop up the last of the parmesan cream

Make It Your Own

Add mushrooms, sliced and sautéed, for an earthy note that pairs beautifully with parmesan. Sauté them first so they do not release too much water into the sauce.
Stir in sun dried tomatoes for a hint of sweetness and tang, which brightens the richness. Chop them finely to distribute their flavor.
Use shredded rotisserie chicken near the end for an even faster version, simply warm the sauce and fold in the pre-cooked meat until heated through.
Swap in ground turkey if you prefer a different texture, brown it first in a skillet and add it to the crockpot without excessive liquid.
Fold in a handful of baby spinach at the end until it wilts for added color and nutrition, it will soften quickly in the hot sauce.
For a smoky twist, swap in turkey bacon, chopped and crisped, stirred in at the end for a salty crunch without pork.
Turn this into a one pot pasta dish by adding cooked pasta to the crockpot at the end, tossing until well coated, or use it as a rich sauce spooned over your favorite noodles like in the Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta for a different presentation.

Cook’s Notes and Secrets

Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts to keep the dish lean and the texture smooth.
Brown the chicken briefly in a skillet if you want a deeper flavor and slightly caramelized edges before adding to the crockpot.
Avoid lifting the crockpot lid frequently while it cooks, the slow heat builds the sauce and keeps the chicken tender.
If the sauce is too thin at the end, stir in a teaspoon of cornstarch mixed with water, then cook on high for 15 to 20 minutes to thicken.
Aim for an internal chicken temperature of 165 F to ensure it is fully cooked and safe to eat.
Let the chicken rest in the sauce for 10 minutes after cooking, this helps the juices redistribute and keeps the meat moist.

Your Questions, Answered

• What cut of chicken is best for Easy Crockpot Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Recipe You’ll Love?
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts work best for an even, lean texture and they absorb the sauce nicely. You can use thighs if you prefer richer, more forgiving meat, but adjust cooking time slightly, as thighs sometimes need a bit longer to become tender.

• Can I use low fat dairy in this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute reduced fat cream cheese or light cream to cut calories, but expect a slightly thinner sauce and a less luxurious mouthfeel. Adding a small extra ounce of cream cheese or a splash of full fat cream at the end can help recover some creaminess.

• How can I make this recipe spicier?
Increase the crushed red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce before cooking. You can also stir in a spoonful of harissa or a few dashes of hot sauce at the end for a layered, spicy kick.

• Is it possible to cook this on the stovetop instead of a crockpot?
Yes, simmer the sauce gently in a covered skillet over low heat for about 25 to 30 minutes, turning the chicken once, until it reaches 165 F and the sauce is thickened. Keep the heat low to prevent the cream from scorching.

• Can I make this dairy free or vegan?
This recipe relies heavily on dairy for its signature taste and texture, so converting to dairy free requires major changes. Try vegan cream cheese, plant based cream, and dairy free parmesan alternatives, but expect a different flavor and texture profile.

• Will the sauce separate if I reheat it?
If reheated too quickly on high heat, the sauce can break, appearing oily or grainy. Reheat gently over low heat and stir often, adding a splash of broth or cream to bring it back together.

Final Thoughts

Easy Crockpot Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Recipe You’ll Love feels like a warm hug on a plate, it is simple to prepare and full of soul-satisfying flavor. With minimal hands on time and a creamy, garlicky sauce to show for it, this crockpot favorite will become a trusted weeknight staple. Gather the ingredients, set your slow cooker, and come back to a dinner that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen, inviting everyone to enjoy something truly comforting.

Easy Crockpot Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken

Author: anastasia-rice
Total Time: 285 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten-free

Print Recipe

Description

A comforting and creamy chicken dish made effortlessly in a crockpot, filled with garlic and rich parmesan flavors.

Instructions

Place chicken breasts at the bottom of the crockpot in a single layer.
In a bowl, whisk together chicken broth, heavy cream, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
Dollop cream cheese over the chicken, then pour the cream mixture on top.
Dot with butter and sprinkle grated parmesan over the mixture.
Cover and cook on low for 4 to 5 hours, or high for 2 to 3 hours.
Remove chicken, shred or slice, and return to the sauce.
Stir gently, adjust seasoning, then sprinkle with parsley and crushed red pepper flakes before serving.

Notes

For a lighter version, use low-fat cream cheese or reduced-fat parmesan. The assembled crockpot can be refrigerated for up to 24 hours before cooking.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 270 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Crockpot
Cuisine: Italian