Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Thighs is a dish that brings comfort and flavor to your dinner table. This recipe uses the slow cooker to make tender and juicy chicken thighs, slathered in a rich and creamy garlic parmesan sauce. It’s perfect for busy days when you want a tasty meal without spending hours in the kitchen. You simply place the chicken in the crockpot, mix together a handful of ingredients for the sauce, and let the slow cooker do all the work. In just a few hours, you will have a delicious meal ready to serve.
Cooking with a slow cooker is not only easy, but it also helps to develop richer flavors. The low and slow cooking method allows the chicken to absorb the creamy sauce, ensuring every bite is packed with flavor. Whether you’re cooking for your family or for guests, this dish is sure to impress. Plus, it’s versatile and can be paired with a variety of sides, making it a great choice for any occasion.
Why Make This Recipe
There are plenty of reasons to try making Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Thighs. First, it’s incredibly easy. Just set it and forget it! The slow cooker takes care of the cooking while you can focus on other tasks or simply relax. Second, the flavors in this dish are simply delightful. The combination of garlic and parmesan creates a creamy sauce that perfectly complements the tender chicken thighs.
This recipe is also perfect for meal prep. You can make a big batch and have leftovers for lunch or dinner throughout the week. This way, you won’t have to worry about what to eat every day. Additionally, this dish is great for families. Kids love the creamy sauce and the mild flavor of chicken thighs. You can easily appeal to different taste preferences by serving it with pasta, rice, or roasted veggies.
Lastly, making garlic parmesan chicken thighs in a crockpot is a budget-friendly meal option. Chicken thighs are usually less expensive than chicken breasts, and the other ingredients are pantry staples. This means you can create a delicious and filling meal without breaking the bank. Whenever you need a comforting, tasty meal, this recipe fits the bill perfectly.
How to Make Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Thighs
Making Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Thighs is a straightforward process that anyone can do. Here are the ingredients and directions to guide you through the steps.
Ingredients
- 4 chicken thighs
- 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Pasta, rice, or roasted veggies for serving
Directions
Place chicken thighs in the slow cooker: Start by laying your chicken thighs in the bottom of the slow cooker. Ensure they are in a single layer for even cooking.
Mix ingredients for the sauce: In a separate bowl, combine the grated parmesan cheese, heavy cream, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir these ingredients together until the mixture is smooth. This creamy sauce is going to envelop the chicken and create a beautiful texture.
Pour sauce over chicken: Carefully pour the creamy mixture over the chicken thighs. Ensure that all the chicken pieces are well-covered with the sauce. This will help the chicken absorb all the flavors during cooking.
Cook: Cover the slow cooker and set it to low for 4 to 6 hours. Cooking on low allows the chicken to become tender, juicy, and infused with the flavors of the garlic and parmesan sauce. You can also cook it on high for about 2 to 3 hours if you’re in a hurry.
Serve: Once the cooking time is done, remove the chicken from the slow cooker. Serve the chicken over pasta, rice, or alongside roasted veggies. Make sure to spoon the creamy sauce over each serving for added flavor. Enjoy the wonderful taste of garlic parmesan chicken thighs with your favorite side.
How to Serve Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Thighs
Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Thighs can be served in many delicious ways. Here are some ideas for serving this wonderful dish:
Over Pasta: Serve the chicken over a bed of fettuccine, spaghetti, or penne pasta. The creamy sauce will cling beautifully to the pasta, creating a satisfying and delicious meal.
Over Rice: A bowl of rice is another great option. The rice soaks up the rich sauce, making for a hearty and comforting combination.
With Roasted Veggies: Pair the chicken thighs with roasted vegetables such as broccoli, carrots, or bell peppers. The freshness of the veggies balances the creaminess of the sauce.
In Salads: You can even chop up the cooked chicken and serve it on a bed of greens with your favorite salad ingredients, drizzled with some of the creamy sauce for added flavor.
By offering various serving options, you allow everyone to personalize their plate and enjoy the meal just the way they like it.
How to Store Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Thighs
If you have leftovers or want to prepare this dish in advance, storing it properly is important. Here are some easy steps to store your crockpot chicken:
Cool Down: Allow the chicken to cool completely at room temperature before storing. This helps prevent bacteria growth and keeps the chicken safe to eat.
Transfer to Airtight Container: Place the cooled chicken thighs and sauce into an airtight container. Make sure to seal it tightly to maintain freshness.
Refrigerate: Store the container in the refrigerator. The chicken will last for 3 to 4 days when stored properly.
Freeze for Longer Storage: If you want to keep the chicken for a longer time, consider freezing it. Place the cooled chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe container or a resealable freezer bag. Label it with the date and use it within 3 months for best quality.
When you’re ready to enjoy your stored chicken, simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight. You can reheat it in the microwave or on the stove until it is heated through.
Tips to Make Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Thighs
Here are some useful tips to help you make the best Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Thighs:
Use Bone-in Thighs: Bone-in chicken thighs tend to be more flavorful and juicy than boneless. However, boneless thighs can also work well if you prefer them that way.
Adjust the Seasoning: Feel free to adjust the amount of garlic, salt, and pepper based on your taste preference. If you love garlic, add an extra clove or two!
Add Veggies: For a one-pot meal, consider adding vegetables such as spinach, mushrooms, or peas during the last 30 minutes of cooking. This adds nutrition and flavor to the dish.
Thicken the Sauce: If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with two tablespoons of cold water and stir it into the sauce about 30 minutes before the cooking time ends.
Garnish Before Serving: For a lovely finish, sprinkle some chopped fresh parsley or more grated parmesan on top of the chicken before serving.
Variation
If you’d like to mix things up, here are some variations you can try:
Spicy Version: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce for a spicy kick. This adds an exciting twist to the creamy flavor.
Herb Variations: Instead of Italian seasoning, try using fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or thyme for a different flavor profile. Fresh herbs can elevate the dish and give it a new taste.
Cheese Variations: Swap out the parmesan for other cheeses like mozzarella for a gooey texture or feta for a tangy flavor.
These variations will keep the dish interesting, and you can adapt it based on the ingredients you have on hand or your personal preferences.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of chicken thighs?
Yes, you can use chicken breasts if you prefer. However, keep in mind that they may not be as juicy and flavorful as thighs when cooked. Adjust the cooking time to ensure they do not dry out.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the ingredients and place them in the slow cooker the day before. Store it in the refrigerator overnight and start cooking in the morning for a ready meal by dinner.
Is this recipe suitable for freezing?
Yes, you can freeze the cooked chicken in its sauce. Store it in an airtight container or freezer bag, and defrost it in the refrigerator when you’re ready to enjoy it again.
Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Thighs
Ingredients
Method
- Place chicken thighs in the slow cooker in a single layer.
- In a separate bowl, mix together the grated parmesan cheese, heavy cream, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken thighs, ensuring they are fully covered.
- Cover and cook on low for 4 to 6 hours or on high for 2 to 3 hours until the chicken is tender.
- Remove the chicken from the slow cooker and serve over pasta, rice, or veggies.
- Spoon some of the creamy sauce over each serving.