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Crockpot Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken - Comforting, Easy, and Flavor-Packed

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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 4 hours
Total Time 4 hours 10 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs for extra tenderness)
  • 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter sauce)
  • 4 ounces cream cheese, softened and cubed
  • 3/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (plus more for serving)
  • 5–6 garlic cloves, minced (or 1–1.5 tablespoons pre-minced)
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (or a mix of basil, oregano, and thyme)
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika (optional, for color and warmth)
  • 1/2–1 teaspoon kosher salt, to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1–2 tablespoons cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (optional, to thicken)
  • Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
  • Cooked pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes, for serving

Method
 

  1. Prep the chicken: Pat the chicken dry and season both sides with salt, pepper, onion powder, and paprika. This helps build flavor from the start.
  2. Make a simple base: Add chicken broth to the crockpot. Whisk in the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and butter. The butter melts as it cooks and enriches the sauce.
  3. Add the chicken: Nestle the seasoned chicken into the broth mixture in a single layer if possible.
  4. Slow cook: Cover and cook on Low for 3.5–4.5 hours or High for 2–3 hours, until the chicken is just cooked through and tender. Avoid overcooking to keep it juicy.
  5. Build the creaminess: In the last 30–45 minutes, add the heavy cream, cream cheese, and Parmesan. Stir gently to help the cheeses melt. If your crockpot runs hot, switch to Low during this step.
  6. Thicken if needed: If the sauce seems thin, stir in a cornstarch slurry (1–2 tablespoons cornstarch mixed with equal water). Cook for 10–15 more minutes until it reaches a silky consistency.
  7. Shred or slice: Remove the chicken and shred with two forks or slice into thick pieces. Return it to the sauce and toss to coat.
  8. Taste and finish: Add more salt, pepper, or Parmesan as needed. Sprinkle with chopped parsley for freshness.
  9. Serve: Spoon over pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes. Add extra Parmesan on top if you like.