This 4 Ingredient Crockpot Garlic Parm Chicken is super easy and tasty! Just chicken, garlic, Parmesan, and butter mix together perfectly for a delicious meal.
I love how flavorful it is while being so simple. Just toss everything in the slow cooker and let it do its thing—no fuss, just yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: You can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts for this recipe. If you need a lighter option, go for chicken thighs. They can be juicier and add more flavor. I usually keep both on hand for variety!
Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan is essential here for that rich flavor. If you’re looking for a dairy-free version, try nutritional yeast for a similar cheesy taste, though it won’t have the same creaminess.
Cream Cheese: This is key to achieving a creamy texture. For a lighter option, you could use Greek yogurt. It adds creaminess, but be mindful it may change the flavor slightly. Sometimes I mix in a bit of sour cream for extra tang!
Minced Garlic: Fresh garlic packs a punch in flavor! If you’re in a pinch, you can substitute with garlic powder. Just keep in mind that a little goes a long way, so start with a teaspoon.
How Do I Ensure the Perfect Creamy Sauce?
The key to a great creamy sauce lies in mixing the cheeses properly. Use room temperature cream cheese so it mixes easily with the Parmesan and garlic. Here’s how to get it right:
- In a bowl, add the softened cream cheese first and use a fork or spatula to break it up.
- Mix in the grated Parmesan and minced garlic until smooth and well combined.
- Cover the chicken completely with this mixture in your crockpot to keep it moist during cooking.
By making sure the cheese is well mixed, you’ll have a lovely creamy sauce to shred the chicken into at the end!
4 Ingredient Crockpot Garlic Parm Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 pound chicken breasts
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup cream cheese
- 2 tablespoons minced garlic
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious chicken dish takes just a few minutes to prep. Cooking in the crockpot will take about 4-6 hours on low or 2-3 hours on high. So, you can set it and forget it while you go about your day!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
Start by placing the chicken breasts in the bottom of your slow cooker. You want them nice and snug so they can soak up all the flavors!
2. Mix the Cheese and Garlic:
In a separate bowl, combine the grated Parmesan cheese, cream cheese, and minced garlic. Use a fork to mix everything together until it’s nice and creamy. This will be the savory sauce for your chicken!
3. Combine in the Crockpot:
Spread the creamy cheese mixture evenly over the chicken breasts in the crockpot. Make sure to cover all the chicken so it gets that delicious flavor while it cooks.
4. Cook the Chicken:
Cover the slow cooker with the lid and cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours. You’ll know it’s done when the chicken is fully cooked and tender. It should shred easily with a fork!
5. Shred and Stir:
Once the chicken is cooked, use two forks to shred it right in the crockpot. Mix the shredded chicken into the creamy sauce for a delightful blend of flavors.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your Garlic Parm Chicken over pasta or alongside some steamed vegetables. If you like, sprinkle some fresh parsley on top for an extra touch. Enjoy your easy and yummy meal!
## FAQ Section
Can I Use Frozen Chicken Breasts for This Recipe?
Yes, you can! Just make sure to add an extra hour of cooking time for frozen chicken on low and about 30 minutes on high. If possible, thaw the chicken in the fridge overnight to ensure even cooking, but frozen works too. Just be sure it’s cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F!
What Can I Substitute for Cream Cheese?
If you don’t have cream cheese, you can use Greek yogurt or sour cream as a lighter alternative. Keep in mind that the texture will be slightly different, and you might want to add a tablespoon or two of heavy cream to achieve the desired creaminess.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months. To reheat, just warm them in the microwave or on the stove, adding a splash of milk or cream to revive the sauce’s creaminess.
Can I Add Vegetables to This Recipe?
Absolutely! You can add vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or broccoli in the last hour of cooking to keep them tender yet crisp. Just chop them into bite-sized pieces and toss them in when there’s an hour left on the cooking time!
