This slow cooker Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken is an easy, flavorful dinner that’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want something comforting without a lot of effort. The chicken cooks up tender in a rich garlic parmesan sauce made with simple pantry ingredients, and it makes plenty of extra sauce — perfect for serving over pasta or rice so nothing goes to waste.
For more easy chicken breast dinners like this, check out my full collection of Slow Cooker Chicken Recipes. Don’t forget to save it for the next time you need an easy dinner!
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken
- Easy: No complicated steps, no fancy techniques — just simple ingredients doing their thing all day.
- Saucy: This recipe makes plenty of rich, DELICIOUS sauce — perfect for pasta, rice, mashed potatoes or even on top of veggies.
- Weeknight-friendly: Hands-off cooking makes this perfect for busy days. Truly a set-it-and-forget-it meal.
- Family-approved: Mild, familiar flavors that both kids and adults enjoy. Both of my daughters can’t get enough of this chicken! If you love simple slow cooker chicken dinners like this one, don’t miss my Slow Cooker Italian Chicken, one of the most popular recipes on here.
New to slow cooking? The right crockpot makes all the difference. See my top crockpot picks if you’re looking to upgrade or buy your first one.
Ingredient Notes for Crock Pot Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken
- Chicken breasts – I use boneless, skinless chicken breasts, but you can also use boneless chicken thighs if that’s what you have — they stay just as tender in the slow cooker.
- Chicken broth – Any boxed or canned chicken broth works. Low-sodium is a good choice so you can control the salt level at the end.
- Tomato sauce – Use plain canned tomato sauce (not pasta sauce). This is usually found near canned tomatoes in the grocery store.
- Garlic – Fresh garlic cloves are best, but jarred minced garlic works fine too. I usually use jarred minced garlic since it’s easier, but you can also finely chop 3-4 cloves.
- Butter – Adds richness and helps create a smoother, more flavorful sauce as everything cooks together.
- Heavy cream – Look for heavy cream or heavy whipping cream in the refrigerated dairy section. Half-and-half can be used, but the sauce will be thinner.
- Parmesan cheese – Use freshly grated parmesan from the cheese section for the smoothest sauce. Avoid shelf-stable powdered parmesan, as it won’t melt well.
- Seasonings – A simple mix of Italian seasoning, onion powder, paprika, salt and pepper infuse this sauce with extra flavor.
What to Serve with Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken
This dish makes a lot of sauce, which is honestly one of the best parts. Serve it over:
- Pasta (penne, rotini, or fettuccine work great)
- White or brown rice
- Mashed potatoes
- Steamed broccoli or green beans with extra sauce on top
Tips & Variations
- Thicker sauce: If you want a thicker sauce, stir in a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch + 1 tablespoon water) during the last 20-30 minutes and cook on HIGH uncovered.
- Chicken thighs: Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work just as well and stay extra juicy.
- Add veggies: Stir in spinach or peas during the last 20 minutes for a simple veggie boost.
- Don’t add the parmesan too early: Stirring in the parmesan near the end helps it melt smoothly into the sauce instead of clumping or sticking to the sides of the slow cooker.
- Season at the end: Because chicken broth and parmesan can vary in saltiness, it’s best to taste and adjust salt and pepper right before serving.
- Crockpot size matters: This recipe works best in a 4–6 quart slow cooker. See my favorite crockpots for size recommendations.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I store and reheat leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Reheat in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or cream if the sauce has thickened.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes. Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work great in this recipe and will be even more tender. The cooking time stays the same, and the sauce may be slightly richer due to the higher fat content.
Can I add the cream earlier in the slow cooker?
It’s best to add the heavy cream toward the end of cooking. This keeps the sauce smooth and creamy and prevents it from thinning or separating during long cook times.
Slow Cooker Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken
This slow cooker creamy garlic parmesan chicken is an easy dinner made with tender chicken cooked low and slow in a rich, flavorful sauce. With simple ingredients and plenty of sauce, it’s perfect served over pasta, rice or veggies for a delicious, family-friendly meal.
Servings 4
Calories 523kcal
Ingredients
- 1½-2 lbs chicken breast
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 1 tbsp minced garlic (or 3-4 cloves, finely diced)
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- ½ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
Seasonings:
- 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp paprika
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
Optional Toppings:
- fresh chopped basil
- red pepper flakes
Instructions
- In a small bowl, mix together the seasoning ingredients.
- Sprinkle about half of the seasoning evenly over the chicken breasts and gently rub it into the chicken. Then, lay the chicken pieces into the bottom of the crock pot.
- Add the tomato sauce, chicken broth, garlic and the rest of the seasoning mix to the crock pot. Lay the slices of butter on top of the chicken. Put the cover on.
- Cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours.
- Once chicken is done, you can either shred it, cut it into smaller pieces or leave it whole. (Chicken is done when internal temperature reaches 165℉ and is tender when cut.)
- Stir in the heavy cream and parmesan cheese. Cook on LOW uncovered for another 10-15 minutes to help sauce warm and thicken slightly. This creates a rich, pourable sauce, which is how we enjoy it. (Looks like the pictures but if you prefer it extra thick, see the recipe notes below.)
- Serve as is or top with red pepper flakes and fresh basil. Use that extra sauce to serve this over pasta, rice or vegetables.
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Notes
If you prefer a thicker sauce: In a small bowl, mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 1 tablespoon cold water to create a slurry. Add it to the crock pot at the end with the cream, stir and cook uncovered on HIGH for 20–30 minutes, or until thickened. The sauce must be hot for the cornstarch to fully activate.
Nutrition
Calories: 523kcal | Carbohydrates: 8g | Protein: 44g | Fat: 35g | Saturated Fat: 20g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 9g | Cholesterol: 201mg | Sodium: 1259mg | Potassium: 929mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 1611IU | Vitamin C: 7mg | Calcium: 236mg | Iron: 2mg
More Easy Crock Pot Chicken Dinners
If you love easy slow cooker chicken recipes like this one, here are a few more to add to your weeknight rotation:
- Easy Slow Cooker Italian Chicken – simple, bold flavors and practically zero effort
- Salsa Verde Chicken – tangy, tender, and perfect for tacos, bowls or rice
- Slow Cooker Coconut Curry Chicken – creamy and full of flavor, great for something a little different
- Chipotle Chicken Corn Chowder – smoky, hearty, and perfect for cooler nights
- Easy Chicken Tikka Masala – rich, saucy, and way easier than it sounds
