Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan has become my absolute go-to for those nights when I want something incredibly comforting and flavorful without a fuss. I remember the first time I made this creamy garlic parmesan slow cooker recipe; the aroma that filled my kitchen was absolutely divine – a perfect blend of savory garlic, rich parmesan, and tender chicken. It’s honestly one of the easiest garlic parmesan slow cooker meals I’ve ever whipped up, and the way the vegetables become so tender is just magical. Let’s get cooking and make this deliciousness together!

Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan

This recipe is a weeknight dream come true! Here’s why you’ll be making this garlic parmesan slow cooker recipe again and again:

Incredibly Flavorful: The combination of garlic and Parmesan creates a rich, savory taste that’s simply irresistible.
Effortless Preparation: Most of the work is done by the slow cooker, meaning less time spent hovering over a hot stove.
Comforting and Hearty: It’s the perfect meal for a chilly evening or when you just need a bowl of pure comfort.
Versatile: This slow cooker chicken garlic parmesan is fantastic on its own or served over pasta or rice.
Minimal Cleanup: Using just one pot means easier cleanup after your delicious meal.
Crowd-Pleaser: Even picky eaters will devour this creamy garlic parmesan slow cooker recipe.
Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a big batch and enjoy leftovers throughout the week.

Ingredients for Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan

Gathering these simple ingredients is the first step to a fantastic slow cooker chicken garlic parmesan meal. The real magic happens in the slow cooker! Here’s what you’ll need for this flavorful dish:

1 lb red potatoes (cut into ½” pieces) – these become beautifully tender
2 large carrots (peeled and thinly sliced) – for a touch of sweetness and color
1 rib celery (chopped) – adds depth to the broth
½ medium onion (finely chopped) – the aromatic base
3 cloves garlic (minced) – because it’s garlic parmesan, after all!
1½ teaspoons salt – to enhance all the flavors
1 teaspoon dried parsley – for a hint of herbaceousness
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning – a classic blend that complements everything
½ teaspoon black pepper – for a little warmth
1½ cups low sodium chicken or vegetable broth – the liquid that makes it all happen
2 tablespoons corn starch – to thicken our creamy broth
⅔ cup heavy cream – for that luxurious, creamy texture
⅓ cup shredded Parmesan cheese – the star flavor, adding savory depth
3 boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lb) – the protein that soaks up all the deliciousness
1 cup frozen peas (optional) – adds a pop of green and sweetness

Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan: 1 Amazing Comfort Meal - Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan - additional detail

How to Make Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan

Get ready for an incredibly easy and delicious meal! This slow cooker chicken garlic parmesan recipe practically makes itself. Let’s walk through the simple steps to get this comforting stew cooking.

Step 1: Prepare Vegetables and Seasonings
Start by gathering all your beautiful ingredients. Place the cut potatoes, sliced carrots, chopped celery, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, salt, dried parsley, Italian seasoning, and black pepper directly into your slow cooker. Give everything a good stir to make sure those savory spices are evenly distributed among the veggies. The aroma starting to build is just amazing!
Step 2: Make Thickened Broth
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the low sodium chicken or vegetable broth and the corn starch until it’s completely smooth. This is our secret to a wonderfully thick and creamy sauce. Pour this mixture into the slow cooker, then add the heavy cream. Gently stir it all together, letting the creamy broth mingle with the vegetables. It’s already looking so inviting!
Step 3: Add Chicken
Now, nestle the boneless, skinless chicken breasts right into the slow cooker. Gently press them down so they are mostly submerged in the delicious liquid. This helps the chicken cook evenly and absorb all those fantastic garlic parmesan flavors.
Step 4: Slow Cook
Cover your slow cooker securely with the lid. Set it to the low setting and let it cook for 6 to 7 hours. You’re looking for the potatoes to be fork-tender and the chicken to be cooked through and easily shreddable. Cooking times can vary a bit depending on your specific slow cooker, so keep an eye on it after about 5 hours. If you’re in a hurry, cutting the potatoes a bit smaller can speed things up.
Step 5: Shred Chicken and Finish Stew
Once everything is tender, carefully remove the chicken breasts from the slow cooker. Place them on a cutting board and shred them into bite-sized pieces using two forks, or chop them up. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker. Now, add the optional frozen peas for a pop of color and sweetness, and stir in the shredded Parmesan cheese. Stir everything gently until the cheese is melted and everything is well combined. The stew is really coming together now!
Step 6: Adjust Seasonings and Serve
Give your amazing garlic parmesan slow cooker chicken a final taste. Adjust the salt or pepper if you think it needs it. Ladle this hearty and creamy stew into bowls and serve it up hot. It’s absolutely perfect with some crusty bread for dipping into that luscious garlic Parmesan broth. Enjoy every bite!

Pro Tips for the Best Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan

Want to elevate your slow cooker garlic parmesan recipe? Follow these simple tips for guaranteed deliciousness!

Don’t skip the cornstarch slurry! It’s key to achieving that perfect, creamy consistency without a grainy texture.
Use good quality Parmesan cheese, preferably freshly grated. It melts better and offers a richer flavor than pre-shredded varieties.
Make sure your chicken breasts are submerged in the liquid as much as possible for even cooking.
Taste and adjust seasonings at the end. Freshly chopped parsley adds a lovely bright finish.

Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan: 1 Amazing Comfort Meal - Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan - additional detail

What’s the secret to perfect Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan?

The magic lies in the combination of a creamy base and the slow cooking process. Whisking the cornstarch with broth before adding it, along with the heavy cream and Parmesan, creates a luscious sauce. This method ensures a rich, savory flavor that infuses everything beautifully.

Can I make Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan ahead of time?

Yes, you can prep the vegetables and seasonings in the slow cooker the night before. Store them covered in the refrigerator, then add the broth, cream, and chicken in the morning before starting the cooking cycle. This makes for even faster morning prep!

How do I avoid common mistakes with Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan?

A common pitfall is overcooking the chicken, which can make it dry. Avoid this by cooking until just tender. Also, be sure to whisk the cornstarch thoroughly with the liquid to prevent lumps in your sauce.

Best Ways to Serve Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan

This hearty garlic parmesan slow cooker chicken is so versatile, it’s perfect for so many occasions! My favorite way to enjoy it is simply spooned into a bowl with a side of crusty bread for dipping into that luscious garlic Parmesan broth. You could also serve it over fluffy mashed potatoes or a bed of your favorite pasta, like fettuccine or penne, to make it an even more substantial meal. A simple side salad with a light vinaigrette would also be a lovely addition to balance the richness.

Nutrition Facts for Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan

This slow cooker garlic parmesan recipe offers a wonderfully comforting meal. Here’s a breakdown of the approximate nutritional information per serving, based on the ingredients used:

Calories: 330
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Protein: 28g
Carbohydrates: 20g
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 4g
Sodium: 550mg

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.

How to Store and Reheat Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan

Don’t let those delicious leftovers go to waste! Properly storing and reheating this garlic parmesan shredded chicken slow cooker meal ensures you can enjoy it again just as much as the first time. Once the stew has cooled slightly, transfer any leftovers into airtight containers. You can keep them in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days. For longer storage, this dish freezes beautifully for about 3 months. Just make sure it’s in a freezer-safe container.

When you’re ready to reheat, you have a couple of great options. You can gently warm it in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. Alternatively, you can reheat individual portions in the microwave. If reheating from frozen, allow it to thaw in the refrigerator overnight first for best results. Enjoy your flavorful slow cooker garlic parmesan leftovers!

Frequently Asked Questions About Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan

What’s the secret to perfect Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan?

The secret to that incredible flavor and creamy texture in my garlic parmesan slow cooker chicken recipe lies in a few key things. First, using quality Parmesan cheese makes a huge difference. Second, making a cornstarch slurry with the broth and heavy cream before adding it to the slow cooker is crucial for achieving that luxurious, velvety sauce without any lumps. It really transforms the dish!

Can I make Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan ahead of time?

Absolutely! This recipe is fantastic for meal prep. You can chop all your vegetables and measure out your seasonings the night before and store them in the slow cooker insert in the fridge. In the morning, just add the chicken, broth, cream, and cornstarch mixture, and start your slow cooker. It makes busy mornings so much easier when you’re making this slow cooker recipe with garlic and parmesan.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan?

Two common pitfalls are overcooking the chicken and ending up with a thin sauce. To avoid dry chicken, cook until it’s just tender and easily shreds. For a thicker sauce, ensure you whisk the cornstarch and broth together thoroughly to avoid lumps, and don’t be tempted to add extra liquid unless absolutely necessary. This easy garlic parmesan slow cooker meal is forgiving, but these steps ensure perfection!

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts for Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan?

Yes, you definitely can! Chicken thighs are actually quite forgiving in the slow cooker and tend to stay more moist. If you use thighs, you might need to cook them for an extra hour or so on low, depending on their size. The flavor profile of this slow cooker cheesy garlic parmesan chicken will be just as delicious with thighs!

Variations of Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan You Can Try

Looking to switch things up with your slow cooker recipe with garlic and parmesan? This dish is wonderfully adaptable! Here are a few ideas to explore:

Make it Creamier: For an even richer experience, add a dollop of cream cheese along with the heavy cream and Parmesan in the final step. This makes for an incredibly decadent creamy garlic parmesan slow cooker recipe.
Add Veggie Power: Toss in some broccoli florets or chopped bell peppers during the last hour of cooking for extra nutrients and color. This is a great way to make your slow cooker chicken garlic parmesan even healthier.
Spice it Up: If you enjoy a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes with the other seasonings at the beginning. This subtle warmth can really complement the garlic and Parmesan flavors.
Vegetarian Option: Swap the chicken for firm tofu or extra vegetables like cauliflower and mushrooms. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a delicious vegetarian meal.