GARLIC PARMESAN CROCKPOT CHICKEN PERFECT

Imagine tender, juicy chicken, infused with the rich, savory flavors of garlic and parmesan, all cooked to perfection in your crockpot. The aroma alone will make your mouth water! This Garlic Parmesan Crockpot Chicken recipe is so simple, it practically makes itself, guaranteeing a delicious and satisfying meal the whole family will love.

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 2-3 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Garlic Parmesan Sauce:

• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 tbsp cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
• 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)

Let’s Get Started: Prepping Your Chicken

Step 1: Season the Chicken

First things first, let’s give that chicken some love! Pat your chicken breasts dry with paper towels. This helps them get a little bit of a sear later (although it’s optional in a crockpot, it adds flavor!). Then, in a small bowl, mix together the garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Sprinkle this mixture generously over both sides of the chicken breasts, making sure they’re nicely coated. Don’t be shy!

Step 2: Sear (Optional, But Recommended!)

This step is totally optional, but trust me, it adds a depth of flavor you won’t regret. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, carefully add the seasoned chicken breasts to the skillet. Sear them for about 2-3 minutes per side, until they’re lightly golden brown. You’re not trying to cook them through, just get a little color on them. This locks in the juices and adds a lovely caramelized flavor. If you’re short on time, you can skip this step, but I highly recommend giving it a try!

Crafting the Creamy Garlic Parmesan Sauce

Step 3: Get Saucy!

Now for the star of the show: that luscious Garlic Parmesan sauce! In a medium bowl (or even directly in the crockpot, if you’re feeling lazy!), whisk together the minced garlic, chicken broth, heavy cream, grated Parmesan cheese, and butter. If you want a slightly thicker sauce, you can add the cornstarch, whisking until it’s completely dissolved. This prevents any clumps. I personally love a thicker sauce, so I always add a little cornstarch slurry.

Putting It All Together in the Crockpot

Step 4: Crockpot Magic!

Time to let the crockpot do its thing! Place the seared (or unseared, if you skipped that step) chicken breasts in the bottom of your crockpot. Pour the Garlic Parmesan sauce evenly over the chicken, making sure each breast is nicely coated. Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. Cooking times can vary depending on your crockpot, so keep an eye on it. The chicken is done when it’s cooked through and easily shreds with a fork.

Serving Suggestions & Extra Tips

Step 5: Shred and Serve!

Once the chicken is cooked through, use two forks to shred it directly in the crockpot. This allows the shredded chicken to soak up even more of that delicious sauce! Give everything a good stir to make sure the chicken is evenly coated. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley, if desired. And there you have it: effortless, flavorful Garlic Parmesan Crockpot Chicken! Serve it over rice, pasta, mashed potatoes, or even in sandwiches. The possibilities are endless!

Tips for Success

• Don’t Overcook: Overcooked chicken in a crockpot can become dry and stringy. Check the chicken after the minimum cooking time and adjust accordingly.
• Adjust the Sauce: If you prefer a thinner sauce, reduce the amount of Parmesan cheese or heavy cream. If you want it thicker, add more Parmesan or a cornstarch slurry (1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp cold water).
• Add Veggies: Feel free to add vegetables to the crockpot along with the chicken. Broccoli florets, sliced mushrooms, or chopped spinach would all be delicious additions.
• Cheese Choice: Freshly grated Parmesan cheese is best for flavor and melting. Avoid using pre-shredded Parmesan, as it often contains cellulose that can prevent it from melting smoothly.
• Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a little kick.

Variations to Explore

One of the best things about this Garlic Parmesan Crockpot Chicken recipe is how versatile it is! Here are a few ideas to get your creative juices flowing:

• Creamy Garlic Parmesan Crockpot Chicken & Potatoes: Add cubed potatoes to the crockpot along with the chicken for a complete one-pot meal. Check out this Creamy Garlic Parmesan Crockpot Chicken & Potatoes recipe for inspiration.
• Garlic Parmesan Chicken Potatoes: For a slightly different take, try this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Potatoes recipe that focuses on larger potato chunks.
• Garlic Parmesan Chicken Perfection: If you want to ensure the best outcome, this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Perfection recipe has refined instructions.
• Air Fryer Parmesan Chicken: Craving that crispy texture? Air Fryer Parmesan Chicken is quick and easy!
• Parmesan Garlic Chicken Pasta: Toss the shredded chicken and sauce with your favorite pasta for a comforting and flavorful meal. This Parmesan Garlic Chicken Pasta recipe will be right up your alley.
• Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken: For another slow cooker method, refer to this Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken for details on the slow cooking process.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

My sauce is too thin!

No worries, this is easily fixable! If your sauce is too thin after the chicken is cooked, there are a couple of options. First, you can remove the chicken from the crockpot and set it aside. Then, turn the crockpot to high and let the sauce simmer for about 15-20 minutes, allowing it to reduce and thicken. Alternatively, you can mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water to create a slurry. Whisk this slurry into the sauce and let it cook for a few minutes until it thickens.

My chicken is dry!

Oh no! Dry chicken is never fun. To prevent this from happening, make sure you don’t overcook the chicken. Start checking it after the minimum cooking time and adjust accordingly. Also, make sure there’s enough sauce to keep the chicken moist. If you’re still having trouble, try adding a little extra chicken broth or heavy cream to the crockpot. And remember, searing the chicken beforehand helps to lock in the juices.

My sauce is too salty!

Oops! Saltiness can be tricky. If your sauce is too salty, try adding a tablespoon of sugar or honey to balance out the flavors. You can also add a splash of lemon juice or vinegar to cut through the saltiness. If all else fails, you can try adding a little extra chicken broth or heavy cream to dilute the sauce. Be careful not to add too much, or you’ll end up with a thin sauce!

Enjoy Your Delicious Creation!

This Garlic Parmesan Crockpot Chicken is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. The simplicity of the recipe combined with the incredible flavor makes it a winner every time. So go ahead, give it a try! I know you’ll love it just as much as I do. Happy cooking!