Go Back
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 1 cup chicken broth - 4 cloves garlic, finely minced - 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - 1 teaspoon onion powder - ½ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper - ½ teaspoon sea salt - ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped - 3 tablespoons olive oil - 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening) The main ingredients for this dish create a great base. The chicken breasts stay moist and tender in the slow cooker. The chicken broth adds flavor and keeps everything juicy. Garlic brings a wonderful aroma, while Parmesan cheese gives a rich, creamy taste. For the seasoning and garnish, I use a blend of Italian seasoning and onion powder. These spices add depth to the dish. Sea salt and black pepper enhance the flavors. Fresh parsley on top makes the meal look bright and fresh. The cooking components are simple but key. Olive oil helps sear the chicken to a golden brown. If you want a thicker sauce, cornstarch can help with that. Just mix it with water to form a slurry before adding it to the slow cooker. {{ingredient_image_2}} Start by patting the chicken dry with a paper towel. This helps the chicken sear well. Next, season both sides of the chicken with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and onion powder. This mix gives the chicken great flavor. Then, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. When the oil shimmers, carefully add the chicken. Sear each side for about 3-4 minutes. Look for a nice golden brown crust. If you are in a hurry, you can skip this step, but it adds more flavor. After searing, transfer the chicken to the slow cooker. Evenly sprinkle the minced garlic over the top of the chicken. This step adds an aromatic flavor that you will love. Now, pour the chicken broth over the chicken. Make sure the chicken is partly submerged. This keeps it moist while it cooks. Cover the slow cooker with its lid. Set it to cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The chicken will become tender and perfect for shredding or serving whole. About 30 minutes before you serve, stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese. This cheese will melt and create a creamy sauce. If you like a thicker sauce, mix cornstarch with a small amount of water to make a slurry. Stir this into the slow cooker and let it cook for another 15 minutes. This will thicken the sauce to your taste. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning if needed. Then, lift the chicken out of the slow cooker. Slice it if you want, and spoon the rich garlic Parmesan sauce on top. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a bright touch. Enjoy! Searing the chicken adds depth and richness. It creates a nice crust. This crust locks in juices and enhances the dish. If you skip searing, the chicken will still taste good but lack that extra flavor. Adjust seasoning to fit your taste. If you like more garlic, add extra cloves. For a kick, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes. Always taste as you go and tweak it. Choosing the right slow cooker makes a big difference. A 6-quart slow cooker works well for this recipe. It fits the chicken and allows for even cooking. Set your slow cooker to low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Cooking slowly helps the chicken become tender and juicy. Use a meat thermometer to check if the chicken reaches 165°F. Pair this chicken with crusty bread or a fresh salad. A light salad balances the rich flavors of the dish. Serve the chicken on a big platter. Drizzle the creamy sauce over the top. For a pop of color, sprinkle fresh parsley on the chicken. This adds freshness and makes the dish look great! Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and high-quality Parmesan cheese will elevate the dish, enhancing its flavor significantly. Sear for Flavor: Searing the chicken before adding it to the slow cooker creates a deeper flavor profile and adds a lovely texture. Adjust Seasoning: Always taste the sauce before serving; a pinch of salt or a squeeze of lemon can balance the flavors beautifully. Serve with Sides: Pair the chicken with crusty bread or a fresh salad to complement the rich, creamy sauce and create a complete meal. {{image_4}} You can switch up the main protein in this dish. Instead of chicken breasts, use chicken thighs for a juicier bite. If you're vegan or vegetarian, try tofu. Tofu absorbs flavors well and works great in this recipe. For a dairy-free option, look for plant-based Parmesan cheese. There are many brands that mimic the taste well. You can also use nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without dairy. Want to add more color and nutrition? Toss in some vegetables! Broccoli and spinach are great choices. They cook well in the slow cooker and soak up all the tasty garlic and Parmesan flavors. Feel free to experiment with spices and herbs. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat. You can also try fresh herbs like basil or thyme for extra freshness. Just remember to adjust the amounts to your taste. If you don’t have a slow cooker, you can use an Instant Pot. Set it to high pressure for about 10 minutes. This method will give you tender chicken in less time. Remember to use the same steps for seasoning and adding the broth. You can also bake this dish in the oven. Place the chicken in a baking dish, add garlic, broth, and cheese. Cover it with foil and bake at 375°F for about 30-40 minutes. This way, you'll still get that rich, creamy sauce. Store leftover Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Chicken in an airtight container. Place it in the fridge. It stays fresh for up to four days. For longer storage, freeze the chicken in a freezer-safe bag or container. It will keep well for three months. Label your container with the date to track freshness. You can reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop. For the microwave, place the chicken in a bowl. Heat on medium for 1-2 minutes. Stir halfway through. For stovetop reheating, use a skillet. Add a splash of chicken broth to keep the sauce moist. Heat on low until warm. Stir often to maintain sauce consistency. Prepare this dish ahead for easy meals. Cook a large batch and store in portions. You can freeze the chicken in single servings. This way, you can grab one for a quick meal. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. This method saves time on busy days and keeps meals exciting! Yes, you can skip searing the chicken. However, searing adds a rich flavor and a nice texture. When you sear, it creates a crust that locks in juices. Without this step, the chicken might taste a bit less savory. The final dish may also lack that golden color. If you are short on time, go ahead and skip it. Just know the taste might not be as strong. To make this recipe low-carb, focus on a few easy swaps. Use cauliflower rice instead of regular rice. You can also add more veggies, like zucchini or spinach. For a thicker sauce, use almond flour instead of cornstarch. This keeps the sauce creamy without extra carbs. Always check the labels on your chicken broth to ensure it fits your carb needs. There are many tasty sides that go well with this dish. You can serve it with: - Steamed broccoli - Cauliflower mash - A fresh garden salad - Zucchini noodles - Crusty bread for dipping in sauce These options pair nicely with the rich flavors of the chicken. They also make your meal colorful and fun. You can create a delicious Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Chicken using simple ingredients. We covered main components, seasoning, cooking steps, and tips for the best flavor. You have ideas for variations and storage too. Cooking this dish is easy and rewarding. Don't be afraid to adjust the flavors! Enjoy trying new ingredients and serving it your way. This recipe makes meal prep simple and tasty. Happy cooking!

Savory Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Chicken

A delicious and creamy chicken dish cooked slowly with garlic and Parmesan cheese.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 7 hours
Total Time 7 hours 15 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 4 cloves garlic, finely minced
  • 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 0.5 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
  • 0.5 teaspoon sea salt
  • 0.25 cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)

Instructions
 

  • Start by patting the chicken breasts dry with a paper towel to ensure a good sear. Season both sides generously with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and onion powder for a flavorful base.
  • Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, carefully place the seasoned chicken breasts in the skillet. Sear them for 3-4 minutes on each side until they develop a beautiful golden brown crust.
  • Once the chicken is seared, transfer it to the slow cooker. Scatter the minced garlic evenly over the top of the chicken for an aromatic flavor boost.
  • Pour the chicken broth over the chicken, ensuring that the chicken is partially submerged in the broth to keep it moist while cooking.
  • Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set it to cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
  • About 30 minutes before you’re ready to serve, stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese into the slow cooker.
  • If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix the cornstarch with a small amount of water to form a slurry. Stir this into the slow cooker and allow it to cook for an additional 15 minutes until the sauce thickens to your liking.
  • Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning if needed. Carefully lift the chicken out of the slow cooker, slice if desired, and generously spoon the creamy garlic Parmesan sauce over the chicken.
  • To finish, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the dish.

Notes

Serve with crusty bread and a fresh garden salad.
Keyword chicken, garlic, Parmesan, slow cooker