If you crave a dish that’s bursting with rich, savory flavor and melts in your mouth effortlessly, then this Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Chicken Recipe is your new best friend. Imagine tender chicken breasts slow-cooked to perfection with a creamy blend of Parmesan cheese, cream cheese, and a tangy garlic sauce creating a luscious sauce that clings to every bite of pasta. It’s so easy to make, wonderfully wholesome, and comforting enough to turn any weeknight dinner into a special occasion. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’ll become a staple in your menu rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a crucial role, from the creamy cheeses that add velvety richness to the garlic sauce that brings a zesty kick—together creating the perfect balance of flavors and textures.
- 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The lean protein base that stays juicy through slow cooking.
- Salt and black pepper, to taste: Essential seasonings to enhance and balance the flavors.
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened and cubed: Adds a creamy texture and slight tanginess to the sauce.
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Brings a nutty, savory depth that defines the dish’s character.
- 1 cup Buffalo Wild Wings Parmesan Garlic Sauce: The star that infuses bold garlic flavor with a hint of spice and richness.
- ½ cup whole milk or 2% milk: Creates the perfect consistency for the sauce, making it smooth and luscious.
- 8 ounces uncooked pasta (penne, rotini, or shells): A carby, satisfying companion that absorbs the flavorful sauce beautifully.
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish): Adds a fresh, vibrant touch and a pop of color to finish the dish.
How to Make Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Layer Ingredients
Start by placing the chicken breasts at the bottom of your slow cooker. Season them generously with salt and black pepper to bring out their natural flavor. Then, top the chicken with the softened cream cheese cubes, sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over it, and spread the Buffalo Wild Wings Parmesan Garlic Sauce on top. Finally, pour the milk gently over all the ingredients to help everything meld together during cooking.
Step 2: Slow Cook
Cover your slow cooker and let it do its magic—cooking on LOW for 6 to 7 hours allows the chicken to become incredibly tender and soak up all the cheesy garlic goodness. If you’re short on time, HIGH for 3 to 4 hours works just fine, but the longer, slower cook is where the real flavor develops.
Step 3: Cook Pasta
While the chicken finishes cooking, bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook your chosen pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Be sure to reserve half a cup of the pasta water before draining—this starchy water helps loosen and enhance the sauce later.
Step 4: Shred Chicken
Once the chicken is cooked, carefully remove it from the slow cooker and shred it into bite-sized pieces using two forks. This shredding step is key for that melt-in-your-mouth texture and helps the chicken absorb even more of the sauce when stirred back in.
Step 5: Combine and Serve
Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and mix it thoroughly with the creamy sauce. Then, add your cooked pasta and stir gently, letting each noodle soak up the garlicky Parmesan richness. Serve in warm bowls, garnished with freshly chopped parsley and extra Parmesan cheese if you want to amp up the flavor encore.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley isn’t just for color—it adds a subtle hint of herbaceous brightness that balances the dish’s richness. For extra flair, try sprinkling some freshly cracked black pepper or a little more Parmesan cheese on top before serving.
Side Dishes
This hearty chicken and pasta dish pairs beautifully with light, crisp sides. Think roasted or steamed vegetables like broccoli or asparagus, or even a fresh green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette to provide a refreshing contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
For a cozy dinner party, serve the dish family-style in a large shallow bowl so everyone can dig in together. Or, for a more elegant touch, plate individual servings with a small drizzle of extra garlic sauce around the edges and a sprinkle of microgreens on top to impress your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, place leftovers in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen as the dish sits, making the next-day meal even more satisfying.
Freezing
This dish freezes well! Portion it into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Keep in mind that the texture of the pasta might soften slightly after freezing, so you can freeze the chicken and sauce separately from the pasta for the best results.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. Adding a splash of milk or reserved pasta water will help restore the sauce’s creamy consistency. Alternatively, microwave in short bursts, stirring between intervals for even warming.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken breasts for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just increase the slow cooking time slightly to ensure the chicken is cooked through and tender. Cooking on LOW for about 7 to 8 hours is a safe bet when starting with frozen chicken.
What pasta works best for the Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Chicken Recipe?
Penne, rotini, or shell pasta are fantastic choices because their shapes hold onto the creamy sauce wonderfully. Avoid very thin pastas that may get mushy when mixed with the sauce.
Is there a way to make this recipe dairy-free?
You can try swapping the cream cheese and Parmesan for dairy-free alternatives, and use a plant-based milk like almond or oat milk. Keep in mind the texture and flavor might differ slightly from the original, but it will still be tasty!
Can I add vegetables to the slow cooker?
Definitely! Adding hearty vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach during the last hour of cooking can boost nutrition and add great flavor. Just be mindful not to overwhelm the dish with too many additions.
How spicy is the Buffalo Wild Wings Parmesan Garlic Sauce?
This particular sauce has a mild to moderate kick, mostly balanced by the creamy cheeses. If you’re sensitive to spice, you can reduce the amount or substitute with a milder garlic sauce.
Final Thoughts
This Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Chicken Recipe is a beautiful blend of comforting flavors and ease that brightens any dinner table. It’s a perfect go-to for busy days when you want something delicious without fussing over complicated steps. I encourage you to try it—you might just find it becomes your new dinner favorite that friends and family can’t stop asking for!
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Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Chicken is a creamy, flavorful dish featuring tender chicken breasts cooked slowly with cream cheese, Parmesan, and a rich garlic sauce. Paired with perfectly cooked pasta and garnished with fresh parsley, it’s an easy and comforting meal perfect for busy days.
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)
Instructions
- Layer Ingredients: Place the boneless, skinless chicken breasts at the bottom of the slow cooker. Season them evenly with salt and black pepper to your taste. Then layer the softened, cubed cream cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, and Buffalo Wild Wings Parmesan Garlic Sauce over the chicken. Pour the milk gently over the top to help create a creamy sauce as it cooks.
- Slow Cook: Cover the slow cooker with the lid and cook on LOW for 6 to 7 hours, or on HIGH for 3 to 4 hours. This slow cooking method allows the chicken to become tender and absorb the garlic Parmesan flavors deeply.
- Cook Pasta: While the chicken is finishing, cook your pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Be sure to reserve about ½ cup of the pasta cooking water before draining—it can be used to thin the sauce if needed.
- Shred Chicken: Once the chicken is fully cooked, carefully remove it from the slow cooker and shred it with two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir it well to combine with the creamy sauce.
- Combine and Serve: Add the cooked pasta to the slow cooker and gently stir everything together until the pasta is coated with the sauce. Serve the dish in bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley and extra Parmesan cheese if desired for an added flavor boost.
Notes
- You can substitute the Buffalo Wild Wings sauce with any garlic Parmesan sauce or make your own for a homemade touch.
- If the sauce is too thick after adding the pasta, use the reserved pasta water to loosen it to your preferred consistency.
- For a spicier version, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or hot sauce to the slow cooker.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- This recipe works best with boneless, skinless chicken breasts but can be adjusted to chicken thighs for a juicier result.
