Slow-Cooked Creamy Garlic Chicken

This rich, indulgent crockpot creamy garlic chicken has transformed my weeknight dinner routine with its velvety sauce and tender chicken that practically melts in your mouth. The slow cooking process infuses every bite with deep garlic flavor while requiring minimal effort from you.

I first made this recipe during a particularly hectic week when I needed something that could cook while I was at work. My family was so impressed they requested it three more times that month. Now it's our go to comfort meal for cold evenings or when guests are coming.

Ingredients

• Boneless skinless chicken breasts: Provides the perfect canvas for the creamy garlic sauce; look for plump pieces of uniform thickness for even cooking
• Chicken broth: Forms the savory base of our sauce; use low sodium to control salt levels
• Heavy cream: Transforms the sauce into a luxurious velvety texture that clings to every bite of chicken
• Fresh garlic cloves: Delivers that unmistakable aromatic foundation; choose firm bulbs with tight skin for the best flavor
• Italian seasoning: Adds depth with its blend of Mediterranean herbs without requiring multiple spice jars
• Cornstarch: Creates the perfect thickness without making the sauce too heavy or floury
• Parmesan cheese: Contributes rich umami notes and helps thicken the sauce; seek freshly grated for superior melting and flavor

Step-by-Step Instructions

Layer the chicken:

Place chicken pieces in a single layer at the bottom of your crockpot to ensure even cooking throughout. This arrangement allows the meat to absorb the aromatic flavors while maintaining its tenderness. I find that slightly overlapping is fine if needed for larger batches.

Create the flavor base:

Pour chicken broth over the chicken then sprinkle all seasonings and add minced garlic. This order ensures the seasonings directly infuse the meat while the garlic perfumes the entire dish. The broth prevents any herbs from burning while creating steam that keeps everything moist.

Slow cook to perfection:

Cover and cook on low for 6 to 7 hours until chicken easily shreds with minimal resistance. This slow method allows collagen in the meat to break down properly creating that melt in your mouth texture we want. The longer cooking time develops deeper flavor profiles that quick cooking simply cannot achieve.

Enrich with cream:

Whisk cornstarch with water until completely smooth then stir into the crockpot along with heavy cream and Parmesan. The cornstarch mixture should have no lumps before adding to prevent clumps in your final sauce. This stage transforms the savory broth into the signature creamy garlic sauce.

Thicken and finish:

Allow the mixture to cook for another 15 minutes on high until the sauce reaches a silky consistency that coats the back of a spoon. The heat activates the cornstarch while the cream reduces slightly creating that perfect clingy texture. If desired shred the chicken for more surface area to hold the delicious sauce.

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My absolute favorite way to enjoy this dish is ladled over buttery mashed potatoes with a side of roasted asparagus. The combination of the creamy sauce soaking into the potatoes creates a comfort food experience that reminds me of Sunday dinners at my grandmother's house where garlic was always the star ingredient in her best dishes.

Storing Leftovers

This creamy garlic chicken actually improves overnight as the flavors meld together in the refrigerator. Store in airtight containers for up to four days ensuring the chicken remains submerged in sauce to prevent drying out. When reheating use gentle heat either in the microwave at 70% power or on the stovetop over medium low heat stirring occasionally. Add a splash of cream or broth if the sauce has thickened too much during storage.

Easy Substitutions

Creating this dish with what you already have on hand is simple with a few adjustments. Half and half can replace heavy cream for a lighter version though the sauce will be slightly less rich. Dried minced garlic works in a pinch using 1 teaspoon for every 2 fresh cloves. For dairy sensitivities coconut cream makes a surprisingly delicious alternative to heavy cream delivering similar richness with a subtle sweetness that complements the garlic beautifully.

Serving Suggestions

Transform this versatile chicken into multiple meals throughout the week. Toss with fettuccine for an effortless alfredo dinner that rivals any restaurant version. Pile onto toasted hoagie rolls with melted provolone for indulgent sandwiches. For lower carb options serve over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles where the flavorful sauce becomes the star. For an elegant presentation place whole chicken breasts over risotto and spoon the sauce generously overtop garnished with fresh herbs.

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Make Ahead Tips

This recipe shines as a freezer meal preparation option. Cook completely then cool before transferring to freezer safe containers leaving some headspace for expansion. Freeze for up to three months for quick future dinners. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator then reheat gently adding a splash of fresh cream to revitalize the sauce. Alternatively prep all ingredients except cream and cheese store in freezer bags then thaw and cook according to original instructions for a fresh made meal.

Common Recipe Questions

→ Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs work wonderfully in this dish and often result in even juicier meat. The cooking time remains approximately the same, but thighs are more forgiving if cooked a bit longer.

→ How can I make this dish dairy-free?

To make a dairy-free version, substitute the heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk and replace the Parmesan with nutritional yeast. The sauce won't be identical but will still have a rich, creamy texture.

→ What if my sauce is too thin?

If your sauce hasn't thickened enough after adding the cornstarch slurry, mix an additional tablespoon of cornstarch with a tablespoon of cold water and stir it in. Continue cooking on high with the lid off for 10-15 minutes to reduce and thicken.

→ Can I freeze leftovers of this chicken dish?

Yes, this dish freezes well for up to 3 months. Store in airtight containers, leaving some room for expansion. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently on the stovetop or microwave.

→ What vegetables pair well with this chicken?

Steamed broccoli, roasted asparagus, sautéed spinach, or green beans complement the creamy sauce perfectly. For a complete meal, serve alongside a simple green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette.

→ Can I make this in an Instant Pot instead?

Yes! Cook the chicken with seasonings and broth on high pressure for 10 minutes (15 for thighs), then quick release. Remove chicken, set to Sauté mode, and stir in the cream, Parmesan and cornstarch slurry until thickened before returning the chicken.