Unleash Flavor with Crock Pot Parmesan Garlic Chicken
Get ready to elevate your dinner game with our tantalizing Crock Pot Parmesan Garlic Chicken recipe. This slow cooker masterpiece combines tender chicken breasts with a creamy garlic parmesan sauce that’s bursting with flavor. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal effort, you can create a mouthwatering meal that will impress even the pickiest eaters. Let’s dive into the deliciousness of slow-cooked perfection!
Ingredients:
- 2/3 cup chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 cup diced yellow onion
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 4 oz cream cheese, cut into cubes
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1/2 cup shredded parmesan cheese
- 1/3 cup fresh chopped parsley
- 1/4 cup water
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
- Topping:
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella
- 2 tablespoons fresh chopped parsley
Instructions:
- Prepare Crock Pot: Grease the insert of your crock pot lightly to prevent sticking.
- Combine Ingredients: In the crock pot, mix together chicken broth, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and diced onion.
- Add Chicken: Place the boneless, skinless chicken breasts in the crock pot, ensuring they are submerged in the liquid mixture.
- Cook on Low: Cover and cook on low heat for 4-5 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
- Make Creamy Sauce: In a separate saucepan, combine cream cheese, heavy cream, shredded parmesan cheese, and chopped parsley. Cook over medium heat until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Thicken Sauce: In a small bowl, mix water and cornstarch until well combined. Stir the cornstarch mixture into the creamy sauce and continue cooking until thickened.
- Combine Sauce and Chicken: Once the chicken is cooked, pour the creamy garlic parmesan sauce over the chicken breasts in the crock pot. Gently stir to coat the chicken evenly.
- Add Topping: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese and chopped parsley over the chicken and sauce mixture.
- Finish Cooking: Cover the crock pot again and cook for an additional 30 minutes on low heat, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve: Once ready, serve the Crock Pot Parmesan Garlic Chicken hot, garnished with additional parsley if desired. Enjoy the creamy, flavorful goodness!
Cook Notes and Variations:
- Extra Flavor: Enhance the sauce with additional herbs and spices such as basil, oregano, or red pepper flakes for a burst of flavor.
- Vegetable Additions: Incorporate vegetables like diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach into the sauce for added nutrition and texture.
- Protein Swap: Substitute chicken breasts with boneless chicken thighs or even pork tenderloin for a variation in protein.
Keto and Low Carb Versions:
- Keto Option: Replace cornstarch with xanthan gum or guar gum as a thickening agent. Use heavy cream and cream cheese for richness, and ensure the chicken broth is low in carbs or homemade to control the carb content.
- Low Carb Option: Similarly, opt for low-carb alternatives like almond milk or coconut milk instead of heavy cream. Adjust the amount of onions and garlic to fit your carb goals, and skip the cornstarch altogether or use a minimal amount for thickening.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
- Can I use frozen chicken breasts for this recipe? While fresh chicken breasts are preferred for optimal flavor and texture, you can use frozen chicken breasts. Just ensure they are fully thawed before placing them in the crock pot to ensure even cooking.
- Can I make this recipe dairy-free? Yes, you can make this recipe dairy-free by substituting the cream cheese, heavy cream, and parmesan cheese with dairy-free alternatives such as coconut milk, cashew cream, or nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.
- What if I don’t have a crock pot? If you don’t have a crock pot, you can prepare this recipe in a large skillet or Dutch oven on the stovetop. Simply follow the instructions, adjusting the cooking time as needed until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce is thickened.
- How should I store leftovers? Store any leftover Crock Pot Parmesan Garlic Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat individual servings in the microwave or on the stove until heated through.
In conclusion, Crock Pot Parmesan Garlic Chicken is a game-changer for busy weeknights or lazy weekends when you want a satisfying meal with minimal effort. With its creamy garlic parmesan sauce and tender chicken, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re following a keto lifestyle, seeking low-carb options, or simply craving comfort food, this dish has you covered. So dust off your crock pot, gather your ingredients, and get ready to indulge in the irresistible flavors of slow-cooked perfection. Your taste buds will thank you!
