This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken is my new favorite Crockpot recipe! Not only is it super simple and easy to make, it’s absolutely delicious. Tender slow-cooked chicken in a creamy, cheesy sauce that takes only 10 minutes to put together … yum!
I’m a sucker for a lusciously creamy, cheesy sauce. And I love a good Crockpot recipe! So naturally, I am extra smitten with this creamy garlic chicken recipe.
We start with chicken breasts, seasoned then smothered with cream of chicken soup and lots of fresh garlic. Then it cooks, low and slow, in the Crockpot until moist, tender, and perfect. After that, we lift the chicken out temporarily and stir in both cream cheese and Parmesan, which makes the most creamy garlic sauce for chicken ever! Then, the chicken gets added back into the slow cooker, is covered with that luxuriously creamy sauce, and it’s time to eat.
Why I LOVE this recipe!
- Just 6 ingredients – I love the short list of ingredients for this easy garlic Parmesan chicken! The recipe is so simple, straightforward, and easy.
- Perfect for busy weeknights – Slow cooker dinners are a weeknight savior! Just a few minutes of prep earlier in the day and dinner’s ready when you get home.
- Family friendly – Tender and juicy chicken in a creamy, cheesy, garlicky sauce is a winner with everyone!
Recipe Notes
This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken recipe is as simple as promised! Just 6 ingredients for a family friendly meal.
In this section I am going to go through a few tips and tricks I use for how to make Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken to get the absolute best and most delicious results.
Make sure to scroll to the bottom for the FULL recipe card.
Ingredients + Substitutions
- Chicken – You’ll need two pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts. If you prefer thighs, those work well too.
- Salt & pepper – Adjust to your liking.
- Garlic powder & garlic – I like to use fresh garlic and garlic powder to double up on the garlic flavor.
- Cream of chicken soup – For a creamy base that helps create moist and tender creamy garlic chicken.
- Cream cheese – Adds cheesy, tangy flavor and helps create a decadent, creamy sauce.
- Parmesan cheese – For even more cheesy flavor!
- Parsley – Optional, but I love the subtle herbal flavor and the pop of color when I add parsley as a garnish.
Make sure to see the recipe card at the bottom of this post for the full quantities and ingredients list.
Recipe Variations
If you love this recipe as much as we do and want some quick ways to change it up for variety, these little tips will do the trick!
- Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pesto Chicken– Stir in 1/4 cup of store-bought or homemade pesto with the cream cheese and Parmesan.
- Creamy Lemon Garlic Chicken– Cut a lemon into slices and top the chicken with lemon slices before cooking. Remove the lemon slices when you pull out the chicken. Serve with lemon wedges for squeezing over the top.
- Creamy Garlic Cheddar Chicken– Stir in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese instead of the Parmesan.
- Creamy Garlic Herb Cajun Chicken Thighs– Swap out the chicken breasts for thighs. Add 1 tablespoon cajun seasoning along with the salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Top cooked chicken with chopped fresh parsley plus a little fresh oregano and thyme.
Recipe Step by Step
I am going to highlight a few key steps in the recipe here, but make sure to jump down to the recipe card for comprehensive instructions on how to make Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken.
Add the chicken to the bottom of the slow cooker. Season with the salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
Top the chicken with the cream of chicken soup and minced garlic.
Spread the soup over the chicken until covered.
Cook on low until the chicken is cooked through.
Remove the chicken from the Crock Pot. Add the cream cheese and Parmesan.
Whisk until the sauce is smooth, then add the chicken back to the pot.
Recipe Tips
- Use a meat thermometer to check doneness – Stick the probe into the thickest part of the chicken. If the temp reads 165°F (74°C), it’s done!
- Cook on low – Chicken cooked on low in the Crockpot is more tender and juicy vs. cooking it faster, on high.
- But don’t over-cook it! – If you cook the chicken for too long, it can get too tender. If you want the chicken to remain in whole pieces, take care not to cook it for longer than needed, or else your chicken may fall apart.
Recipe Short Cuts
If you need to make this recipe, but are extra short on time, here are a few ideas that can help make this recipe even faster!
- Use pre-minced garlic – If you’d like to save time on chopping, grab pre-minced garlic. You can find it at most well-stocked grocery stores.
- Use a Crockpot liner – You can find slow cooker liners at most grocery stores. After the meal is done, just remove the liner and throw it away. Now you don’t need to worry about scrubbing out your Crockpot!
- Make it a freezer meal – Read “Freezer Meal Instructions” below for directions.
Freezer Meal Instructions
Making this Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken recipe into a freezer meal is simple! Follow the steps below and you can store this recipe in the freezer for up to 6 months.
How to Freeze Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Before Cooking
- In a medium bowl, mix the cream of chicken soup and garlic together.
- Season the chicken on both sides and place in a freezer-safe, airtight container or freezer bag.
- Pour the soup over the top.
- Label and freeze.
- When you want to cook your creamy Parmesan garlic chicken, thaw overnight in the fridge.
- Add the thawed contents to your slow cooker and proceed with the recipe as directed.
How to Freeze Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken After Cooking
- Allow the chicken to cool to room temp.
- Place in a freezer-safe container or storage bag.
- Label and freeze.
- Thaw overnight in the fridge.
- Reheat in the microwave or in the oven.
What to Serve with Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken
Since this protein based dinner has the delicious flavors of garlic and Parmesan, it will pair well with many of your favorite classic American or Italian-inspired side dishes.
Choose one or several of these side dishes to create a wholesome, well-rounded dinner. There are both classic options and some healthy options to keep it light.
Side Dish Ideas
- Easy Homemade Mashed Potatoes, Garlic-Parmesan Mashed Potatoes, or Boursin Mashed Potatoes
- Lemon Rice
- Italian House Salad
- Pesto Roasted Vegetables
Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Leftovers
If you have leftovers after making this recipe, then it is your lucky day! They save and reheat well, and can make the start of another delicious dish.
To save leftovers, separate into meal sized portions and then place in an airtight container and store:
- in the refrigerator for 3-4 days
- in the freezer up to a month
Leftover Recipes
Here are a few ways to repurpose those leftovers and give them a delicious makeover!
- Garlic Creamy Chicken Pasta– Chop up the chicken and warm it with the leftover sauce. Cook up a pot of pasta and save some of the pasta water. Toss the pasta in with the warmed sauce and chicken, thinning it with pasta water if needed.
- Creamy Chicken Enchiladas– Chop leftover chicken finely and mix it with leftover sauce and a can of mild green chiles. Place a little bit of the mixture inside corn or flour tortillas, roll them up, and line them in a baking dish. Cover with shredded Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack cheese and bake until melted, bubbly, and warmed through.
- Creamy Chicken & Biscuits– Shred leftover chicken and warm it with the sauce. Serve over warm buttermilk biscuits.
Recipe FAQ’s
Is creamy garlic sauce the same as Alfredo?
No. Traditionally, Alfredo sauce is made with only butter and Parmesan cheese, which forms a creamy sauce when mixed with hot pasta. Many modern Alfredo sauces are made to mimic that buttery creaminess, and they’re made with butter, heavy cream or milk, and Parmesan cheese. They may also include cream cheese or garlic. Creamy garlic sauces are often made the same way as heavy cream Alfredo sauces but with garlic added.
Can I use frozen chicken in this creamy garlic chicken recipe?
Absolutely. I recommend allowing the chicken to thaw overnight in the fridge before using it.
More EASY Chicken Recipes
If you enjoyed this recipe, I really hope you will take a moment to grab a few more easy recipes for another busy night!
You can check out all of my easy chicken recipes here, or see a few of our readers favorite recipes below.
- Creamy Dijon Chicken
- Slow Cooker Chicken Pot Pie
- Crockpot Lemonade Chicken
- Crockpot Marry Me Chicken
Crockpot Creamy Garlic Chicken
Ingredients
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breast, or chicken thighs
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ⅛ teaspoon salt
- 10.5 ounce can cream of chicken soup, (1 can)
- 6 garlic cloves, minced or pressed
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- ⅓ cup grated parmesan cheese
Garnish (optional)
- freshly chopped parsley
Instructions
- Add the chicken to the bottom of the slow cooker. Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Then, top with cream of chicken soup and minced garlic and spread to cover the chicken.
- Cover and cook on low for about 3-3½ hours, or until chicken is cooked through.
- Remove chicken from the crockpot and add cream cheese and parmesan to the pot and whisk until smooth. Then add chicken back into the sauce.
- Garnish with fresh chopped parsley if desired, and serve warm.
Recipe Notes
- Chicken breast: Can substitute boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead.
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