Slow Cooker Creamy Garlic Chicken

Introduction

There’s something magical about slow cooker meals, isn’t there? You throw a few ingredients in, press a button, and a few hours later, your house smells like you’ve been cooking for hours—yet you haven’t lifted a finger! This Slow Cooker Creamy Garlic Chicken is one of those dishes that does all the hard work for you while you sit back and enjoy the aroma that fills your home. It’s creamy, garlicky, and downright comforting.

The chicken becomes so tender it practically falls apart, and the creamy garlic sauce is rich and indulgent, but not overwhelming. Serve it over rice, mashed potatoes, or your favorite pasta, and you’ll have a hearty, satisfying meal that everyone will rave about. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you need dinner to be easy, or even for weekend gatherings where you want to impress without spending all day in the kitchen.

I first stumbled upon this recipe on a particularly hectic day when I needed something that would cook itself. The slow cooker was my savior that day, and since then, this dish has become a family favorite. My kids love it, and it’s always the first to disappear when I bring it to potlucks. If you’re someone who appreciates a dinner that’s both delicious and effortless, you’re going to love this creamy garlic chicken.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: The beauty of slow cooker meals is how little prep they require. This dish uses simple, everyday ingredients like chicken breasts, garlic, cream, and seasonings. There’s no fussing with complicated techniques—just toss everything in and let the slow cooker do its magic.
• Family-Friendly: The creamy, garlicky flavor is comforting and familiar, making it a hit with kids and adults alike. You can easily adjust the seasoning to suit your family’s taste buds, and if you want to make it a bit milder, you can tone down the garlic or replace the heavy cream with a lighter option.
• Rich and Flavorful: The sauce is the star of the show here. The garlic and chicken cook slowly, creating a sauce that’s as smooth and creamy as it is flavorful. The chicken itself becomes so tender that it practically melts in your mouth, making it a satisfying meal that feels special without being hard to make.

If you love comforting, no-fuss dinners that make everyone happy, then this creamy garlic chicken will quickly become a go-to. It’s the type of meal you can make on a lazy weekend or even when you’re rushing around on a busy weeknight.

Preparation Time and Servings

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 4 hours on high or 6-8 hours on low
• Total Time: 4-8 hours (depending on slow cooker setting)
• Servings: This recipe serves about 4 people. You can easily double the recipe for larger gatherings or to have leftovers for the week.

Nutrition Facts (per serving):

• Calories: 400
• Protein: 30g
• Carbs: 10g
• Fat: 30g

Ingredients

Here’s everything you need for this Slow Cooker Creamy Garlic Chicken:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs, if you prefer dark meat)
• 6 cloves garlic, minced (fresh garlic works best, but jarred garlic will do if you’re in a pinch)
• 1 cup chicken broth (low-sodium is ideal, but any broth will work)
• 1 cup heavy cream (you can swap this with half-and-half for a lighter version)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme (fresh thyme can also be used for a more vibrant flavor)
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary (optional, but adds a lovely depth)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (adds a little tang to balance the creaminess)
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch (for thickening the sauce)
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley (for garnish, optional)

The chicken breasts will cook beautifully in the slow cooker and absorb all the flavors from the garlic, herbs, and creamy sauce. The Dijon mustard adds a bit of brightness that makes the sauce extra irresistible.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Let’s break down how to make this Slow Cooker Creamy Garlic Chicken step by step. Don’t worry—it’s incredibly simple.

1. Prepare the chicken: Start by seasoning the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides. This is a simple step that helps bring out the flavor of the chicken. If you’re using thighs, feel free to remove the skin, though it’s not necessary.
2. Sear the chicken (optional but recommended): In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken breasts and sear them for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown. This step is optional, but searing the chicken locks in the juices and adds a deeper flavor to the dish. It also gives your chicken a nice color when you remove it from the slow cooker.
3. Set up the slow cooker: In your slow cooker, pour the chicken broth. This will serve as the base for your sauce. Then, add the minced garlic, dried thyme, rosemary, and Dijon mustard. Stir everything to combine. The garlic and herbs are going to infuse the broth, creating a delicious flavor base for the chicken.
4. Add the chicken to the slow cooker: Now that your broth mixture is ready, place the seared chicken breasts (or thighs) into the slow cooker. Make sure the chicken is submerged in the broth mixture. You want the chicken to absorb all the flavors as it cooks.
5. Slow cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook the chicken on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 4 hours. The low-and-slow method will give you the most tender, fall-apart chicken, but if you’re short on time, the high setting works great too.
6. Make the creamy garlic sauce: After your chicken is cooked, remove it from the slow cooker and set it aside. You’ll notice there’s a flavorful broth left behind. To make it creamy, add the heavy cream and stir well. If you want to thicken the sauce, mix 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with a little bit of cold water and stir it into the sauce. Let the sauce cook on high for 10-15 minutes to thicken up.
7. Shred the chicken: Using two forks, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. It should be so tender that it pulls apart effortlessly. Return the shredded chicken to the creamy sauce in the slow cooker and stir to combine.
8. Final touch: Once the chicken is well mixed with the creamy garlic sauce, taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning if needed. Add a pinch more salt or pepper if you like. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness.

How to Serve

Here are a few serving ideas to pair with this creamy garlic chicken:

• Over rice: A simple white rice or garlic mashed potatoes would be the perfect bed for this creamy chicken.
• Pasta: Serve it over fettuccine, spaghetti, or any pasta you like. The creamy sauce will coat the noodles beautifully.
• With bread: A side of crusty bread or garlic bread is always a winner for dipping into the creamy sauce.
• Vegetables: For a well-rounded meal, serve with roasted or sautéed vegetables like green beans, broccoli, or a fresh salad.

Additional Tips

To make sure your Slow Cooker Creamy Garlic Chicken turns out perfectly every time, here are some helpful tips:

1. Use chicken thighs for extra flavor: If you prefer darker meat, chicken thighs will work wonderfully in this recipe. They’re also less likely to dry out, making them perfect for slow cooking.
2. Thicken the sauce: If you like a thicker sauce, use cornstarch or arrowroot powder to thicken it. Mix it with a little water before adding it to the slow cooker to avoid clumping.
3. Don’t overcook the chicken: Even though you’re using a slow cooker, it’s easy to overcook the chicken. If you can, check the chicken’s internal temperature—165°F is perfect.
4. Add extra garlic for more punch: If you’re a garlic lover like me, feel free to add extra cloves. You can also add roasted garlic for a sweeter, milder flavor.
5. Double the recipe: This dish is so tasty that you might want leftovers! Feel free to double the recipe and freeze the extras for later.

Recipe Variations

There are so many ways to make this recipe your own:

• Spicy Version: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a little heat. It balances perfectly with the richness of the creamy garlic sauce.
• Add vegetables: Throw in some baby spinach, mushrooms, or even zucchini slices during the last hour of cooking for added nutrition and flavor.
• Use lighter cream: If you’re looking for a lighter version, swap out the heavy cream for half-and-half or even coconut cream for a dairy-free alternative.
• Lemon zest: Add a teaspoon of lemon zest to the sauce for a bright, fresh flavor that complements the richness of the cream.

Serving Suggestions

Pair this creamy garlic chicken with any of these ideas:

• Roasted Vegetables: Roast some carrots, potatoes, or green beans to add color and crunch to your meal.
• Mashed Potatoes: The creamy sauce is perfect for pouring over mashed potatoes. It makes every bite feel indulgent.
• Wine Pairing: A crisp white wine like Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc pairs wonderfully with the creamy chicken.
• For the kids: Serve it with soft dinner rolls or over buttered noodles for a kid-friendly option.

Freezing and Storage

• Storage: Leftover creamy garlic chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat it gently on the stove, adding a splash of cream or chicken broth if needed to loosen up the sauce.
• Freezing: This dish freezes beautifully. Let the chicken cool completely, then place it in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. To reheat, let it thaw overnight in the fridge, then warm it on the stove over low heat.

Special Equipment

• Slow Cooker: A reliable slow cooker is essential for this recipe. Make sure yours is big enough to hold 4 chicken breasts.
• Searing Skillet (Optional): If you choose to sear your chicken before slow cooking, you’ll need a skillet for that step.
• Fine Mesh Strainer: If you’re using fresh garlic, a fine mesh strainer helps mince it evenly.

FAQ Section

Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes! You can use frozen chicken breasts, but they may need extra cooking time (around 1 hour more). Make sure the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Can I make this recipe ahead?
Absolutely! You can prep the ingredients and store them in the fridge overnight, then cook it the next day. Alternatively, cook it in advance and reheat when you’re ready to serve.

What if I don’t have a slow cooker?
No worries! You can make this recipe in a regular pot on the stovetop by simmering everything gently for about 45 minutes to 1 hour.

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Conclusion

This Slow Cooker Creamy Garlic Chicken is a comforting, easy meal that everyone will love. It’s perfect for a cozy family dinner or when you’re looking to impress friends without spending hours in the kitchen. The best part? You don’t need any special skills to make it—you just need to follow the simple steps, and you’ll have a mouthwatering meal on your table.

I’d love to hear how your dish turns out, so feel free to leave a comment below or tag me on social media with your photos. Happy cooking, and enjoy every creamy, garlicky bite!