Easy Creamy Crockpot Garlic Chicken Recipe (2024) (2024)

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Sometimes, the best things in life are covered with cheese and garlic! That’s the truth about this chicken.

It’s delicious and so easy to prepare. I’ve made this cheesy chicken more than once, and the kids never complain!

Even people who don’t like cream cheese (how is this possible?!) adore this dish because they just can’t get over how creamy the cheese sauce is.

Key Takeaways

• Cook Time: High – 4 hours
• Main Ingredients: Chicken breast, garlic, cream cheese, ricotta, shredded mozzarella
• Servings: 4
• Extras: Add in broccoli, carrots, asparagus, or other veggies for a taste and nutrition boost
• Tip: For the best flavor and texture, sear boneless chicken breasts in a skillet for a few minutes on each side before adding them in to be slow cooked.
• Money Tip: If chicken thighs are on sale, go for it, Mama! Chicken thighs take the same time, but are juicy and tender in a great way.

Easy Creamy Crockpot Garlic Chicken Recipe

Here are all the ingredients I grabbed for this slow cooker chicken recipe!

The pasta I used is not in the ingredients picture; my bad, but you don’t have to cook it separately.

You just cook it right in the sauce with everything else.

For this recipe, I used penne, a quick-cooking pasta, to make life easier. I removed the chicken and stirred the pasta into the slow cooker sauce.

I put the lid back on and continued cooking on high for 10 more minutes. It was perfect, and I didn’t have to dirty another pot!

As you can see, I dumped in the seasonings, olive oil, chicken, and the rest, and that’s it!

To keep things from sticking, you can use cooking spray around the pot- it makes scoop out leftovers easier later.

Sometimes, I’ll sear chicken breasts in a pan to lock in those juices and give it a nice crust- plus, a seared chicken hits differently.

Oh, and another tip- the bullion and water make chicken broth: if you have some chicken broth in the fridge or pantry already, use that instead of buying bullion separately.

But it’s not necessary for the recipe- you can make it a dump-and-go recipe!

This recipe is also so easy to make ahead of time: freeze everything but the water, and then just dump it in the slow cooker and cover it with water for an easy weeknight meal.

I recommend throwing everything falt in a freezer bag so it freezes more evenly and then thaws easier.

When you’re ready to cook it, move the frozen bag to the refrigerator the night before. It should be almost thawed when you place it in the slow cooker.

Boom! Cook it on high for 4 hours, and dinner is served.

Recipe Substitutions

For those looking to modify the Creamy Crock Pot Garlic Chicken recipe to cater to dietary restrictions or simply to experiment with different flavors, here are some handy substitutions:

The Meat

If you prefer darker meat or want juicier slow cooker chicken, you can substitute boneless skinless chicken thighs for the chicken breasts.

They’re juicier and more flavorful, plus cost less at the store. I’ll load up the freezer when chicken thighs are on a great sale, and they do amazing in slow cooker recipes!

While chicken is the star of this dish, the sauce and flavor are incredibly versatile and can be complemented by a variety of other proteins.

For a different but equally delicious option, substitute an equal amount of pork tenderloin. Its mild flavor works wonderfully with the creamy garlic sauce.

Cook it the same way you would the chicken, but add more time if the pork is thicker.

If you’re a fan of beef, try using beef chunks or stew meat. Beef offers a richer flavor that pairs well with the robust garlic and herb notes.

Due to its denser texture, beef might need a longer cooking time to reach the desired tenderness.

For a vegan alternative, firm tofu or portobello mushrooms can be excellent substitutes.

Press the tofu to remove excess moisture, then cut it into cubes or slices before adding it to the crock pot. You can keep the mushrooms whole or make strips if you like.

Since tofu and mushrooms don’t need to cook as long as meat, cook this recipe closer to 2 hours on high, check in, and then add pasta if you’re making it.

The Cheese/Dairy

The sauce ingredients are primarily cream cheese and ricotta cheese, but I know that some people will need some substitutions.

For a dairy-free version of crock pot garlic chicken, use almond milk cream cheese or coconut cream. You want a little thickness that won’t make a watery sauce, though.

Now for ricotta- I know not everyone likes it, and that’s okay!

Cottage cheese can be a good substitute for ricotta if you’re looking for something with a similar texture but different taste.

Finally, if you’re looking for a different type of cheese, try provolone for a similar meltiness with a bit more bite or grated parmesan cheese for a sharper flavor.

Parmesan cheese is classic for many chicken and pasta dishes, and makes this almost more like alfredo.

The Seasonings

Remember, cooking is all about making a dish your own, so feel free to experiment with the seasonings to suit your palate.

If you’re a garlic enthusiast, don’t hesitate to double the amount of minced garlic for a more pronounced garlic flavor that infuses every bite.

I would sometimes add garlic powder to my bowl after serving, but just add more minced garlic when loading up the slow cooker!

I saw some recipes also use Italian seasoning mix, which would also be very tasty if you want something a bit more earthy.

But still add the garlic to the Italian seasoning; otherwise, it won’t be very garlicky, just form the mix.

Adding a teaspoon or two of red pepper flakes can introduce a welcome heat, creating a delightful contrast to the creaminess of the sauce.

For those who enjoy a rich, herbaceous profile, consider incorporating additional herbs like marjoram or sage.

Lastly, if you made it a bit more savory than you wanted, hit it with honey and fresh lemon juice for some sweetness and acidity. Honey garlic chicken is great, after all!

Serving Ideas

Pasta is my top pick for serving garlic chicken, but you can change this up based on your diet.

For a gluten-free option, feel free to use any gluten-free pasta. Many varieties made from rice, corn, or quinoa would work well in this recipe.

For a low-carb option, consider using zoodles or spaghetti squash in place of pasta. I like it better with zoodles; the crunch was much more satisfying for me!

Apart from serving succulent chicken breasts over pasta of any kind, another excellent and versatile base is rice.

Rice, with its subtle flavor, acts as a perfect canvas for the rich, creamy garlic sauce. It soaks in the creamy garlic sauce, which I love.

Whether you opt for white, brown, or even wild rice, it will absorb the sauce’s flavors beautifully, offering a satisfying and comforting meal.

Adding Veggies

To make the Creamy Crock Pot Garlic Chicken not only delicious but also more nutritious, consider adding a variety of vegetables. Vegetables can add color, flavor, and essential vitamins and minerals to your meal.

Here are some great options to include:

• Spinach: Add a couple of handfuls of fresh spinach during the last 30 minutes of cooking. It wilts into the sauce nicely, adding a subtle flavor.
• Broccoli: Small florets of broccoli can be stirred in during the last hour of cooking. They soak up the sauce’s flavor and provide a crunchy contrast to the creamy chicken.
• Carrots: Thinly sliced carrots can be added at the beginning of the cooking process. They’ll soften over the hours and add some sweetness to the dish.
• Bell Peppers: Sliced bell peppers in various colors can make the dish more vibrant and a little acidic. Add them during the last hour of cooking to retain some of their crispness.
• Zucchini: Zucchini slices or half-moons can be a great addition in the last 30 minutes of cooking. They meld well into the dish, providing crunch without overpowering the flavor.

Other Slow Cooker Recipes

And if you like this one, you might be interested in 40 other slow cooker dump recipes that are AMAZING!

FAQs

Can I make this recipe with frozen chicken?

Using frozen chicken directly in a slow cooker is not recommended due to safety concerns related to even cooking temperatures.

It’s best to thaw your chicken in the fridge overnight before adding it to any slow cooker recipe.

Is it possible to make this dish spicy?

Absolutely! For those who enjoy a kick to their meals, adding red pepper flakes or a bit of cayenne pepper to the recipe can introduce a delightful heat that complements the creamy sauce.

How long can leftovers be stored in the fridge?

Leftover slow cooker garlic chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Ensure it’s cooled to room temperature before storing.

Can this dish be made with different chicken?

Yes, any chicken types are welcome!

Chicken breasts are classic for many recipes, but boneless skinless chicken thighs or some drumsticks would be great.

They’re dark meat, which makes for juicy chicken- that, plus the garlic sauce, makes it so savory.

How should I reheat leftovers?

Leftovers don’t have to go back into the slow cooker; that would take a while!

These chicken breasts can be gently reheated over medium heat on the stovetop, adding a splash of milk or broth if the sauce needs thinning.

You can also reheat in the microwave, stirring at intervals to ensure even warming.

Final Thoughts

My Creamy Crock Pot Garlic Chicken recipe stands as a testament to the simplicity and versatility of slow-cooker meals.

This recipe caters to all, whether you’re seeking a comforting dish on a cold evening, want to impress guests with minimal effort, or need to adapt a meal to meet dietary requirements.

With a variety of substitutions and serving suggestions, you’re empowered to make this dish uniquely yours.

Slow cookers transform the art of cooking into a straightforward task. They allow flavors to meld perfectly over hours, resulting in dishes that are both flavorful and satisfying.

Give this creamy garlic chicken a try, and it might become a beloved addition to your cooking repertoire. It proves that sumptuous meals don’t require hours in the kitchen!

So, get the slow cooker out and get ready for a delightful dinner with no effort.

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