Easy Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Chicken
Highlighted under: Quick & Easy
This Easy Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Chicken is a delightful dish that combines tender chicken with rich garlic and creamy Parmesan flavor, all cooked to perfection in your slow cooker.
This recipe for Easy Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Chicken is perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy family dinner. The slow cooker does all the work, infusing the chicken with the rich flavors of garlic and Parmesan cheese, making it a crowd-pleaser!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Tender chicken that falls apart with a fork
- Rich and creamy garlic Parmesan sauce
- Minimal prep time for a delicious meal
- Perfect for busy weeknights or gatherings
The Perfect Weeknight Dinner
Finding time to prepare a hearty meal during busy weeknights can be a challenge. With this Easy Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Chicken, you can have a delicious dinner waiting for you after a long day. Simply prep in the morning, set your slow cooker, and return home to the enticing aroma of garlic and Parmesan. This dish is not only simple but also incredibly satisfying, making it the ideal meal for families on the go.
Moreover, slow cooking helps to enhance the flavors of the ingredients, resulting in a dish that tastes like it took hours to prepare. The chicken becomes incredibly tender, practically melting in your mouth, while the garlic and Parmesan create a rich sauce that can elevate any side dish you choose to serve with it.
Customization Options
One of the best features of this recipe is its flexibility. You can easily customize it to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs. For instance, if you're a fan of vegetables, consider adding some chopped spinach or sun-dried tomatoes to the slow cooker for added nutrition and flavor. Alternatively, you can experiment with different cheese varieties, such as mozzarella or asiago, for a unique twist on the sauce.
If you're looking to spice things up, adding a pinch of red pepper flakes can introduce a subtle heat that complements the richness of the sauce beautifully. By making these small adjustments, you can create a dish that's uniquely yours, while still enjoying the base recipe.
Serving Suggestions
To complement the creamy garlic Parmesan sauce, consider serving this dish with a variety of sides. Creamy mashed potatoes or buttery rice are excellent options that soak up the delicious sauce. Alternatively, serve it over pasta for a comforting meal that feels indulgent yet easy to prepare.
For a lighter option, steamed vegetables or a fresh salad can provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of the chicken. Don't forget to drizzle some of the flavorful sauce over your sides for an extra burst of taste. This versatile dish is sure to impress your family and friends, making it perfect for gatherings or a cozy night in.
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Gather all ingredients before starting for a smooth cooking process.
Instructions
Prepare the Chicken
Place the chicken breasts in the slow cooker. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
Mix the Sauce
In a bowl, combine the chicken broth, heavy cream, minced garlic, and grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until well mixed.
Cook the Chicken
Pour the sauce over the chicken in the slow cooker. Cover and cook on low for 6 hours, or until the chicken is tender and fully cooked.
Serve
Once cooked, shred the chicken in the slow cooker and stir to combine with the sauce. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.
Enjoy your delicious meal with a side of vegetables or over rice!
Storing Leftovers
Storing any leftovers from your Easy Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Chicken is simple. Allow the dish to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be safely stored in the refrigerator for up to three days. When you're ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat in the microwave or on the stove until warmed through.
If you find yourself with more leftovers than you can use in a few days, consider freezing the chicken. Place the cooled chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe container, and it can last for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for a quick meal that tastes just as good as the first time.
Nutritional Information
This Easy Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Chicken is not only delicious but also offers a good source of protein. Each serving provides a hearty amount of lean chicken, along with the nourishing benefits of garlic. The addition of heavy cream and Parmesan cheese does elevate the calorie count, but these ingredients also contribute to the dish's rich flavor and satisfaction.
If you're looking to make this dish a bit healthier, consider reducing the amount of heavy cream or opting for a lighter version. You can also incorporate more vegetables into the meal to increase the fiber content, making it a balanced choice that aligns with various dietary needs.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts; just ensure to cook for an additional hour.
→ What can I serve with this dish?
This chicken pairs well with pasta, rice, or steamed vegetables.
→ Can I make this recipe in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the ingredients the night before and set them in the slow cooker in the morning.
→ Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free chicken broth.
Easy Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Chicken
This Easy Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Chicken is a delightful dish that combines tender chicken with rich garlic and creamy Parmesan flavor, all cooked to perfection in your slow cooker.
Created by: Eden Clarke
Recipe Type: Quick & Easy
Skill Level: Easy
Final Quantity: 4 servings
What You'll Need
For the Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
How-To Steps
Place the chicken breasts in the slow cooker. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
In a bowl, combine the chicken broth, heavy cream, minced garlic, and grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until well mixed.
Pour the sauce over the chicken in the slow cooker. Cover and cook on low for 6 hours, or until the chicken is tender and fully cooked.
Once cooked, shred the chicken in the slow cooker and stir to combine with the sauce. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Total Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Cholesterol: 195mg
- Sodium: 85mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 32g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 24g
- Protein: 6g