Crockpot Creamy Garlic Chicken Recipe

If you’re looking for a cozy, fuss-free dinner that tastes like it took hours but actually doesn’t, I’ve got you covered with my Crockpot Creamy Garlic Chicken Recipe. This dish is one of my absolute favorites because it combines juicy, pan-seared chicken breasts with a luscious, garlicky cream sauce that simmers low and slow in the crockpot. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’ll quickly become a go-to for those busy weeknights when you want comfort without the stress.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients might look simple, but they work perfectly together to create a sauce that’s both rich and comforting without being overpowering. Plus, a quick tip: always use fresh garlic for the best flavor—it truly makes a difference!

• Oil: I love using olive or canola oil for searing chicken to get that beautiful golden color.
• Boneless skinless chicken breasts: About 2 pounds—so simple to find and easy to cook evenly.
• Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning the chicken, don’t skip it or everything tastes flat.
• Heavy whipping cream: The heart of the sauce—rich and creamy without getting too thick too fast.
• Low sodium chicken broth: It adds depth without making the sauce too salty.
• Corn starch: Acts as a thickener for that perfect silky sauce texture.
• Freshly minced garlic: I use 4-6 cloves—don’t be shy, garlic is the star here!
• Dried parsley: A subtle herbal touch that complements the garlic nicely.
• Salt and black pepper: Balance out the creaminess with just enough seasoning.

Variations

I love how versatile this Crockpot Creamy Garlic Chicken Recipe is. There are so many ways to tweak it depending on what you have on hand or your dietary needs. I encourage you to make it your own!

• Using chicken thighs: When I need juicier, more flavorful meat, I swap the breasts out for boneless skinless thighs—just adjust the cooking time slightly.
• Dairy-free version: I once used coconut cream and chicken broth instead of heavy cream, and it turned out beautifully rich and silky.
• Add veggies: Throw in sliced mushrooms or baby spinach for extra color and nutrients—my kids didn’t even notice!
• Spicy kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce if you want that subtle spicy warmth that balances the cream.

How to Make Crockpot Creamy Garlic Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Sear the Chicken for Maximum Flavor

Start by heating about 2 tablespoons of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season your chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper, then sear them on each side until golden brown—usually about 3-4 minutes per side. This step is totally worth it; it locks in those juices and adds a beautiful caramelized flavor that really makes this recipe shine. If your pan is on the smaller side, don’t overcrowd; sear them in batches so each piece gets nice and browned.

Step 2: Whisk Together the Creamy Garlic Sauce

While your chicken is browning, grab a medium mixing bowl and whisk together the heavy cream, chicken broth, corn starch, freshly minced garlic, dried parsley, salt, and pepper. This mixture is the magic sauce that’ll cook alongside the chicken in the crockpot, thickening as it simmers low and slow. Remember, whisk well to avoid any lumps from the corn starch.

Step 3: Slow Cook to Perfection

Place your seared chicken breasts into a 2.5 to 4-quart slow cooker, then pour the creamy garlic sauce over the top. Cover and cook on low for about 3 hours. Depending on your slow cooker’s temperature, the timing might vary a bit, so use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F before serving. When it’s done, the chicken will be tender, juicy, and soaked in that glorious garlic cream sauce—pure comfort in a bowl.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

Serve the chicken topped with plenty of that creamy sauce. Trust me, you’ll want to spoon it all over rice, mashed potatoes, or even pasta. This sauce is what takes the dish from simple to spectacular!

How to Serve Crockpot Creamy Garlic Chicken Recipe

Garnishes

I like to finish this dish with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or chives—it adds a pop of color and a fresh flavor contrast that brightens up the creamy sauce beautifully. A little sprinkle of grated Parmesan is also a lovely touch for added richness.

Side Dishes

This chicken pairs wonderfully with creamy mashed potatoes, buttery egg noodles, or even garlic roasted vegetables. Whenever I’m short on time, I serve it over instant rice—it soaks up the sauce perfectly, making every bite heavenly.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special occasion, I love plating this chicken on a bed of sautéed spinach with a side of colorful roasted carrots and a drizzle of extra sauce around the plate. It looks elegant but really, it’s just the same recipe dressed up—it always impresses guests!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers from this Crockpot Creamy Garlic Chicken Recipe keep beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The sauce thickens as it cools, so just give it a good stir when reheating to bring back its creamy magic.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this dish a few times without a hitch. Just pack the chicken and sauce into a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months. When thawed, the sauce sometimes separates a bit, but a quick gentle reheat and stir fixes it right up.

Reheating

For reheating, I prefer warming leftovers gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat to keep the sauce silky and the chicken tender—microwaving works in a pinch but can sometimes dry out the chicken or make the sauce separate.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love how this Crockpot Creamy Garlic Chicken Recipe turns dinner into a cozy, flavorful experience without any added stress. Every time I make it, my kitchen fills with the scent of garlic and cream, and my family can’t wait to sit down at the table. You’ll find that the blend of pan-seared chicken and slow-cooked sauce is a total winner for weeknights or casual gatherings. Give it a go—you might just discover your new favorite comfort dish!

Print