Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Chicken Recipe

This Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Chicken is a creamy and flavorful dish that’s perfect for a hassle-free weeknight dinner! Imagine tender chicken breasts, perfectly cooked pasta, and a rich and cheesy sauce, all made effortlessly in your slow cooker. This recipe is incredibly easy to prepare, requiring just a few minutes of hands-on time and a handful of simple ingredients. Your slow cooker does the rest of the work, resulting in a delicious and satisfying meal that’s perfect for the whole family.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Effortless Cooking: Let your slow cooker do the work! Simply combine the ingredients and let them simmer to perfection while you go about your day.
• Flavorful and Cheesy: The combination of garlic, Parmesan cheese, and creamy sauce creates a delicious and cheesy dish that’s perfect for cheese lovers. The slow cooking method ensures that the chicken stays tender and juicy.
• One-Pot Wonder: Minimal cleanup! Everything cooks together in the slow cooker, saving you time and effort.
• Versatile: Feel free to customize the flavors by adding your favorite vegetables or herbs to the slow cooker. You can also use different types of pasta to suit your preference.

this Recipe

Ingredients

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: A lean and healthy protein source.
• Salt and pepper: Season the chicken to perfection.
• Cream cheese: Softened and adds richness and tanginess to the sauce.
• Parmesan cheese: Grated and adds a salty and umami flavor to the sauce.
• Buffalo Wild Wings Parmesan Garlic Sauce: A convenient and flavorful sauce that adds a cheesy garlic flavor to the dish.
• Milk: Use whole milk or 2% milk for a creamy sauce.
• Uncooked pasta: Use your favorite type of pasta, such as penne, rotini, or shells.
• Fresh parsley: Chopped and adds a pop of color and fresh flavor as a garnish.

Note: For exact measurements, see the recipe card below!

How to Make Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Chicken

Step 1: Layer the Ingredients

Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of your slow cooker. Season with salt and pepper. Add the softened cream cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, and Buffalo Wild Wings Parmesan Garlic Sauce on top of the chicken. Pour the milk over all the ingredients in the slow cooker.

Step 2: Slow Cook

Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 6-7 hours, or on HIGH for 3-4 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and easily shreds.

Step 3: Cook the Pasta

While the chicken is cooking, prepare your pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve about ½ cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta.

Step 4: Shred the Chicken and Combine

Remove the cooked chicken breasts from the slow cooker and shred them into bite-sized pieces using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir to combine with the sauce. Add the cooked pasta to the slow cooker and gently stir to mix with the chicken and sauce.

Step 5: Serve

Ladle the Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Pasta into serving bowls. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and additional grated Parmesan cheese, if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

• Adjust the consistency: If the sauce is too thick, stir in additional milk or reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
• Spice it up: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the slow cooker if you prefer a spicy kick.
• Pasta options: Feel free to use any pasta shape you like, including whole wheat or gluten-free varieties.
• Extra veggies: Stir in steamed broccoli or spinach when adding the pasta for added nutrition and color.

How to Serve

This Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Chicken is delicious on its own, but here are some serving suggestions:

• Side Salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette adds a refreshing contrast to the richness of the dish.
• Garlic Bread: Crusty garlic bread is perfect for dipping and sopping up the extra sauce.
• Steamed Vegetables: Serve with additional steamed vegetables, such as broccoli, green beans, or asparagus, for a balanced and nutritious meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

This Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Chicken is great for making ahead of time or storing leftovers.

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover chicken and pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk or broth if needed to loosen the sauce.

FAQs

1. Can I use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts? Yes, you can! Chicken thighs are more flavorful and forgiving than chicken breasts, so they’re a great option for this recipe. Adjust the cooking time accordingly.

2. Can I use a different type of cheese? Absolutely! Feel free to use your favorite cheese, such as mozzarella, provolone, or a blend of Italian cheeses.

3. Can I make this recipe without the Buffalo Wild Wings Parmesan Garlic Sauce? Yes, you can! You can substitute it with a mixture of grated Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, and heavy cream.

4. Can I make this recipe in the oven? Yes, you can! Simply combine all the ingredients in a baking dish and bake covered at 350°F for about 30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

This Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Chicken Recipe is a simple, flavorful, and convenient way to enjoy a creamy and cheesy meal. With its easy preparation, versatile ingredients, and minimal cleanup, it’s a recipe you’ll want to make again and again!

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