If you’re on the hunt for a comforting, flavor-packed meal that’s almost effortless to make, the Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Chicken Recipe is about to become your new best friend in the kitchen. This dish combines tender, juicy chicken bathed in a luscious, creamy garlic Parmesan sauce, slowly simmered to perfection, then tossed with pasta to create a wonderfully hearty dinner. It’s one of those recipes that brings together simple ingredients in such a magical way that every bite feels like a warm, savory hug. Perfect for busy days or whenever you crave something truly satisfying with minimal fuss!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients together for this Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Chicken Recipe is refreshingly simple, yet each plays a crucial role in creating that rich, creamy sauce and tender chicken you’ll love. From the cream cheese adding a silky texture to the Parmesan cheese delivering bold, nutty flavor, every item is essential to the dish’s ultimate deliciousness.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The star protein that shreds beautifully after slow cooking, soaking up all the garlic Parmesan goodness.
- Salt and black pepper: Basic seasoning that enhances all the natural flavors and balances the richness.
- Cream cheese: Adds creamy, tangy layers that make the sauce irresistibly smooth and luscious.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Brings that sharp, savory punch and signature Parmesan flavor to the sauce.
- Buffalo Wild Wings Parmesan Garlic Sauce: Adds an authentic garlicky tang and depth—feel free to substitute with your favorite garlic Parmesan sauce.
- Whole milk or 2% milk: Helps create the perfect silky sauce consistency without overpowering the dish.
- Uncooked pasta (penne, rotini, or shells): The ideal vehicles to soak up the creamy sauce—choose your favorite shape for fun texture.
- Fresh parsley, chopped: A fresh, green garnish that adds a pop of color and a mild herbal note to finish the plate.
How to Make Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Layer the Ingredients
Start by placing your chicken breasts right into the slow cooker base. Give them a good sprinkle of salt and black pepper—the foundational seasoning that lets the chicken flavor shine through. Then, top the chicken with those beautiful cubes of softened cream cheese, sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese evenly, and drizzle your Buffalo Wild Wings Parmesan Garlic Sauce on top. Finally, pour the milk over everything to bring all the flavors together into a creamy sauce. This layering is key to creating that perfect meld of textures and tastes as it slow cooks.
Step 2: Slow Cook to Perfection
Put the lid on your slow cooker, and set it to LOW for 6 to 7 hours if you have the time, or HIGH for 3 to 4 hours if you need to speed things up. The magic here is in the slow, gentle heat that breaks down the chicken fibres, allowing them to soak up every bit of that cheesy, garlicky sauce, resulting in melt-in-your-mouth tenderness and rich flavor.
Step 3: Cook the Pasta
When your chicken is nearly done, cook the pasta according to the package directions until it’s perfectly al dente—meaning just tender but still with a slight bite. Don’t forget to save about half a cup of the pasta cooking water before draining, because that starchy liquid can be a lifesaver if your sauce needs loosening later on. It’s like a little secret ingredient that keeps everything silky smooth.
Step 4: Shred the Chicken and Combine
Carefully remove the chicken breasts from the slow cooker and shred them using two forks. This part is so satisfying—it turns the cooked chicken into tender strands ready to soak up even more sauce. Add the shredded chicken back into the slow cooker and stir everything together gently. Now your sauce, chicken, and seasonings are perfectly mingled and ready for the pasta jump in.
Step 5: Add the Pasta and Serve
Fold the cooked pasta into the slow cooker, mixing it gently so every piece gets coated with that creamy, garlicky Parmesan sauce. Scoop generous portions into bowls, garnishing each serving with freshly chopped parsley and, if you like, an extra sprinkle of Parmesan to make it extra special. This final step transforms the dish into a stunning, comforting meal that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Don’t underestimate the power of fresh garnishes here. Chopped fresh parsley adds a bright splash of green that visually lifts the dish and brings a subtle herbal freshness, cutting through the richness. A little extra grated Parmesan on top gives a lovely final touch of salty, nutty flavor, making each bite even more irresistible.
Side Dishes
This dish is hearty on its own, but you can round out your meal with some crisp, fresh sides. A simple green salad dressed with a zesty vinaigrette complements the creamy pasta beautifully, or roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccoli offer a lovely contrast in texture and a boost of color. Garlic bread or warm, crusty rolls are perfect for soaking up every last bit of sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a more casual family-style feast, serve the Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Chicken Recipe straight from the slow cooker on the table so everyone can help themselves. If you want to impress guests, plate it up individually in deep pasta bowls, topped with parsley and a Parmesan shaving. You could also stuff this creamy chicken mixture inside hollowed-out bell peppers or baked potatoes for a creative twist that’s sure to wow.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Chicken Recipe keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days. The flavors deepen even more after a day, so leftovers can be just as tasty as fresh. Make sure to cool it completely before sealing to preserve the creamy sauce texture.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, this dish freezes very well. Portion it out into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw in the fridge overnight for best results. The creamy sauce remains surprisingly intact through freezing and reheating, making it a fantastic make-ahead meal option.
Reheating
To reheat, warm your leftovers gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave at medium power. If the sauce appears too thick, stir in a little reserved pasta water or milk to loosen it up. Avoid high heat which can cause the sauce to separate or dry out the chicken. Stir frequently for even warming and to bring back that velvety texture.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will add extra juiciness and slightly richer flavor, making this dish even more succulent. Just adjust the cooking time slightly if needed, as thighs sometimes take a bit longer to become tender in the slow cooker.
Is there a way to make this recipe dairy-free?
To make a dairy-free version, you can substitute cream cheese and Parmesan with vegan alternatives, and choose a dairy-free milk like almond or oat milk. Keep in mind, the texture and flavor will be a bit different, but it’s still delicious and creamy.
Can I prepare this in an Instant Pot instead of a slow cooker?
Yes! Use the sauté function to brown the chicken briefly, then add all ingredients and cook on high pressure for about 10 minutes, followed by a natural release. Just cook pasta separately, then combine at the end as per the recipe.
What type of pasta works best with this recipe?
Short pasta shapes like penne, rotini, or shells are ideal because they hold the creamy sauce well and add great texture. However, feel free to use your personal favorite—this dish is quite forgiving!
Can I double the recipe for a bigger crowd?
Definitely! Just make sure your slow cooker is large enough to hold the doubled ingredients without overflowing, and increase the cooking time as needed. Keep an eye on it the first time to make sure everything cooks evenly.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend making the Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Chicken Recipe enough—it’s a total game-changer for family dinners or casual gatherings. The combination of creamy, garlicky sauce with juicy, tender chicken is simply unbeatable, and the ease of dumping it all in the slow cooker means less time stressing and more time enjoying. Give it a try soon, and I’m sure it will become one of your go-to comfort meals just like it is for me!
Print
Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 to 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Chicken recipe is a creamy, flavorful dish perfect for a comforting meal. Tender chicken breasts are slow-cooked with a savory blend of cream cheese, Parmesan, and garlic Parmesan sauce, then mixed with perfectly cooked pasta for a hearty, cheesy dinner that’s easy to prepare and sure to please the whole family.
Ingredients
Chicken and Sauce
- 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened and cubed
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup Buffalo Wild Wings Parmesan Garlic Sauce
- ½ cup whole milk or 2% milk
Pasta
- 8 ounces uncooked pasta (penne, rotini, or shells)
Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Additional Parmesan cheese (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare Chicken and Sauce: Place the chicken breasts into the slow cooker. Season them generously with salt and black pepper. Then, layer the softened cream cheese cubes, grated Parmesan cheese, and Buffalo Wild Wings Parmesan Garlic Sauce evenly over the chicken. Pour the milk over all the ingredients to help create a creamy sauce as it cooks.
- Cook the Chicken: Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 6 to 7 hours, or alternatively on HIGH for 3 to 4 hours, until the chicken is thoroughly cooked and tender enough to shred easily.
- Cook the Pasta: While the chicken is cooking, prepare the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Be sure to reserve half a cup of the pasta cooking water before draining, as it can be used to adjust the consistency of the sauce if needed.
- Shred Chicken: Remove the cooked chicken breasts from the slow cooker and shred them using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and mix well with the creamy sauce to combine all the flavors.
- Combine Pasta and Serve: Add the drained pasta into the slow cooker and gently stir to coat the pasta with the sauce and chicken mixture. Spoon the prepared garlic Parmesan chicken pasta into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley and extra Parmesan cheese if desired for an added touch of flavor and presentation.
Notes
- Use any short pasta you prefer, such as penne, rotini, or shells, for the best texture and sauce adherence.
- For a richer sauce, use whole milk, but 2% milk works well as a lighter option.
- To make the sauce thinner if it gets too thick, stir in some reserved pasta water a little at a time.
- Buffalo Wild Wings Parmesan Garlic Sauce can be substituted with any good quality garlic Parmesan sauce for a similar flavor.
- This recipe can be doubled for larger gatherings; just adjust slow cooker size and cooking time accordingly.
