Crockpot Creamy Garlic Chicken is a delightful and comforting dish that combines tender chicken with a rich, garlicky cream sauce, all cooked slowly to perfection. This recipe is particularly appealing due to its simplicity and robust flavor, making it an ideal choice for a hearty family meal. Slow cooker recipes like this one are incredibly popular because they offer convenience, especially for busy weeknights. Just set it up, and let the slow cooker do the work, providing a delicious, home-cooked meal with minimal effort.

Ingredients Breakdown

The ingredients for Crockpot Creamy Garlic Chicken are carefully chosen to create a flavorful and creamy dish.

Chicken Breasts vs. Thighs: Chicken breasts offer a leaner option, while thighs provide richer flavor and juiciness. Your choice depends on preference.

Heavy Cream vs. Half-and-Half: Heavy cream delivers a thicker, richer sauce, while half-and-half offers a lighter option.

Fresh Garlic: Fresh garlic is essential for a robust, aromatic flavor that permeates the dish.

Optional Substitutions: Bone-in chicken can add more flavor, though it requires a longer cook time. Adding herbs like thyme or rosemary enhances the dish with earthy notes, offering a deeper complexity to the creamy garlic base.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions for Crockpot Creamy Garlic Chicken

1. Searing the Chicken for Extra Flavor
Begin by searing the chicken on both sides in a hot skillet with a bit of oil. This step is crucial as it locks in the juices and adds a deep, savory flavor to the chicken. Searing also helps to create a rich base for the sauce.

2. Preparing the Garlic Cream Sauce
In the same skillet, sauté minced garlic until fragrant. Add heavy cream or half-and-half, stirring constantly to prevent curdling. Season with salt, pepper, and any additional herbs like thyme or rosemary. Let the sauce simmer briefly to combine the flavors, but avoid boiling.

3. Cooking in the Slow Cooker: Time and Temperature Tips
Transfer the seared chicken to the slow cooker, then pour the garlic cream sauce over the top. Cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, depending on your schedule. The chicken should be tender but not falling apart.

4. Tips for Perfect Results

Avoiding Overcooking: To prevent overcooking, monitor the chicken closely as it nears the end of the cooking time. Chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.

Adjusting for Slow Cooker Size: If using a smaller or larger slow cooker, adjust the quantity of ingredients accordingly to ensure even cooking. Smaller cookers may need a bit more liquid to prevent burning, while larger ones may require less to avoid a watery sauce.

Variations and Customizations

This Crockpot Creamy Garlic Chicken recipe is versatile, allowing you to experiment with flavors and make it your own.

Adding Flavors:

Lemon Juice: A splash of lemon juice brightens the dish, adding a tangy contrast to the rich cream sauce.
Sun-Dried Tomatoes: For a Mediterranean twist, add sun-dried tomatoes. Their intense flavor pairs wonderfully with the garlic and cream, creating a more complex profile.

Adjusting Thickness:

Cornstarch: For a thicker sauce, mix a small amount of cornstarch with water and stir it into the sauce towards the end of cooking. Alternatively, omit this for a lighter, more broth-like consistency.

Making it a One-Pot Meal:

Vegetables: Incorporate vegetables like potatoes, carrots, or mushrooms to turn this dish into a complete meal. Add these at the beginning so they cook through alongside the chicken.

Serving Suggestions for Crockpot Creamy Garlic Chicken

Best Side Dishes:
This rich and flavorful chicken dish pairs beautifully with several starchy and vegetable sides. For a hearty meal, serve it over pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes, which will soak up the delicious garlic cream sauce.

For a lighter, balanced plate, consider roasted green beans or asparagus. The crispness of these vegetables complements the creaminess of the chicken, adding texture and freshness to the meal.

Presentation Tips:
To present this dish attractively, place the chicken on a bed of your chosen starch, then generously spoon the sauce over the top. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or chives for a pop of color. Arrange the vegetables neatly on the side, and consider serving in a shallow bowl or plate with a wide rim to keep the sauce contained and visually appealing.

Storing and Reheating Instructions

Refrigerating Leftovers:
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Ensure the chicken is fully cooled before sealing to maintain freshness.

Freezing Instructions for Meal Prep:
For longer storage, freeze the chicken in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag for up to 3 months. To prevent freezer burn, remove as much air as possible before sealing.

Reheating Tips:
Reheat the chicken gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave at 50% power. Add a splash of water or broth to maintain the sauce’s creamy texture and prevent drying out. Stir occasionally to ensure even heating.

FAQs Section

Can I use frozen chicken breasts?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts in this recipe. However, you’ll need to increase the cooking time by 1-2 hours on low. Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.

How to prevent the cream from curdling?
To prevent curdling, use heavy cream, which is less likely to separate. Also, avoid boiling the cream sauce, and if possible, temper it by gradually warming it up before adding it to the slow cooker.

Can I make this recipe in an Instant Pot?
Yes, you can make this recipe in an Instant Pot. Use the sauté function to sear the chicken and prepare the sauce, then cook on high pressure for about 10 minutes, followed by a quick release.

Conclusion and Final Tips

Crockpot Creamy Garlic Chicken is a versatile and forgiving recipe that invites experimentation. Don’t hesitate to try different herbs, add vegetables, or adjust the sauce to suit your tastes. The beauty of slow cooker recipes lies in their flexibility—they allow you to create a delicious meal with minimal effort. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting out, this dish is perfect for a busy day when you want something hearty and comforting without the hassle. Enjoy the process and make it your own!

Crockpot Creamy Garlic Chicken

Author: Christine

Print Recipe

Description

Crockpot Creamy Garlic Chicken is a rich, flavorful dish that combines tender chicken with a creamy garlic sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights, this slow-cooked meal is easy to prepare and provides a comforting, hearty dinner with minimal effort.

Instructions

Heat oil in a large skillet over medium high heat.

Season chicken with salt and pepper and fry on each side until golden (you might need to do two batches if your pan is small), about 3-4 minutes per side.
Meanwhile, whisk together the cream, broth. corn starch, garlic, parsley, salt and pepper.
Place the chicken breasts into a 2.5-4 quart slow cooker and cook on low for about 3 hours (the cook time could be a little shorter or longer depending on how hot your slow cooker is) until an internal temperature of 165 degrees F is reached.

Serve with sauce.

Notes

For best results, use fresh garlic and heavy cream to ensure a robust flavor and smooth sauce. Adjust cooking times if using frozen chicken or different cuts, and feel free to customize the dish with your favorite herbs and vegetables.