This easy peasy crockpot garlic parmesan chicken recipe is bursting with a combination of garlic, Parmesan, and herbs like basil and oregano that will transport your taste buds to the Italian countryside. The creamy sauce and juicy chicken create the ultimate comfort food that has that rustic, homey quality that is perfect for dishing up around the table with family. It’s also the perfect dish for busy weeknights or when you need a hearty meal with minimal effort. With tender chicken, a satisfying sauce that is rich with garlic and nutty parmesan cheese, and savory potatoes and mushrooms, this recipe creates a delicious meal that’s sure to be a hit with the whole family. Looking for more easy and tasty crockpot chicken recipes? Check out my Creamy Crockpot Italian Chicken, Cheesy Chicken Tortilla Soup, Slow Cooker Crack Chicken, Slow Cooker Applesauce Pulled Chicken Sandwiches, and Sheet Pan Ultimate Nachos with Slow Cooker Salsa Verde Ranch Chicken!
Why We Love This Recipe
This simple recipe is a hands-off, stress-free meal. You can set it and forget it while focusing on other tasks. The garlic Parmesan sauce is irresistibly creamy, with a savory blend of herbs that brings out the best in the chicken and vegetables. This dish is hearty and filling, making it a go-to for feeding the entire family. Plus, it’s easily adaptable to include extra veggies or sides.
What You’ll Need
Scroll down to the recipe card below this post for ingredient quantities and full instructions.
Chicken Thighs – Bone-in, skin-on thighs are perfect for this recipe because they stay juicy during slow cooking, but boneless, skinless thighs or chicken breasts work well too if that’s what you have. Chicken Broth – Adds depth of flavor and keeps the chicken moist while it cooks. You can also use vegetable broth as a substitute. Heavy Cream – This is what makes the sauce so irresistibly creamy. For a lighter version, you can substitute with half-and-half or even evaporated milk. Parmesan Cheese – The star ingredient for that bold, salty flavor. Freshly grated is always best, but pre-grated works in a pinch! Garlic – Fresh minced garlic infuses the dish with a deep, aromatic flavor. You can use garlic powder in a pinch, but fresh is almost always better. Dried Basil, Oregano, and Parsley – Classic Italian seasoning that enhances the overall flavor of the dish. If you don’t have dried, fresh herbs work too, just use about double the amount. Kosher Salt and Black Pepper – Essential for bringing out all the flavors in the dish. Olive Oil – Used to sear the chicken for a richer flavor before slow cooking. Russet Potatoes – These soak up the sauce beautifully. If you prefer, you can swap for red or baby potatoes. Mushrooms – Add a savory, earthy note to the dish. Baby Bella or white button mushrooms work perfectly. Cornstarch and Water – A simple slurry to thicken the sauce at the end of cooking. Fresh Parsley – For garnish, adding a pop of color and freshness to the final dish.
How to Make Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Chicken
Tips for Success
Sear the chicken before adding it to the slow cooker. This step locks in the juices and adds a layer of flavor that makes a big difference in the final dish. Don’t skip the cornstarch slurry as it thickens the sauce to that perfect creamy consistency, turning it into something you’ll want to drizzle over everything. Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese if you can – the flavor is more intense and the texture smoother, which elevates the whole dish. While potatoes and mushrooms are perfect, don’t hesitate to throw in extra veggies like carrots, asparagus, broccoli, or spinach to make it your own. Be patient as the longer you let it cook on low, the more flavorful and tender the chicken becomes—worth every minute of the wait!
Substitutions and Variations
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or even drumsticks can be used if you prefer. Just adjust the cooking time slightly for these different cuts. For a lighter version, you can use half-and-half or even evaporated milk instead of heavy cream, though the sauce won’t be quite as rich. A blend of Parmesan and mozzarella adds a stringy, melty texture if you’re in the mood for something extra cheesy! If you’re not a fan of mushrooms, swap them for bell peppers or zucchini for a different texture and flavor. You can use baby red potatoes or even sweet potatoes to add a slightly sweeter twist to the dish.
More Easy Slow Cooker Recipes You’ll Love
Slow Cooker BBQ Baked Beans Crockpot Cubed Steak Cincinnati Style Chili Slow Cooker Apricot Pulled Pork Slow Cooker Beef and Noodles Slow Cooker Tuscan White Bean Soup Slow Cooker Little Smokies in Honey Garlic BBQ Sauce Mississippi Pot Roast in Crock Pot
For a comforting option, serve it over al dente pasta, Brazilian White Rice, or Instant Pot Brown Rice to soak up all that extra creamy garlic Parmesan sauce. If you’re looking to balance things out with something fresh, try my Bacon Broccoli Salad, Zucchini Salad, Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon, or Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts to add a lovely crunch and freshness. And you can leave out the potatoes in the recipe in order to serve alongside some classic Homemade Mashed Potatoes, Fluffy Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes, or Garlic Brown Butter Mashed Potatoes, and they soak up that sauce beautifully. Serve with Creamy Mashed Cauliflower to keep things low carb!
