Name: Crockpot Creamy Garlic Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 3 h
Total time: 3 h 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons oil; 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 2 lbs); Salt and pepper, to taste; ¾ cup heavy whipping cream; ½ cup low sodium chicken broth; 1 tablespoon corn starch; 2 tablespoons freshly minced garlic (4-6 cloves); ½ teaspoon dried parsley; ¼ teaspoon salt; ⅛ teaspoon black pepper

If you’re craving something that feels cozy, comforting, and just downright delicious with hardly any fuss, wait until you try this Crockpot Creamy Garlic Chicken Recipe. I absolutely love how the chicken turns out so tender, soaked in this rich, garlicky cream sauce that practically melts in your mouth. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or just want an easy dinner that feels a little fancy, this recipe is a total win.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Effortless Flavor: The slow cooker lets the garlic and cream sauce develop deep, rich flavors with minimal hands-on time.
Perfectly Tender Chicken: Pan-searing locks in juices before slow cooking ensures the meat stays moist and tender.
Versatile and Crowd-Pleasing: This recipe feels fancy but is simple enough for any weeknight and loved by the whole family.

On a white plate, there is a dish with three main layers. The bottom layer is a bed of light yellow fettuccine pasta, soft and slightly curled. On top of the pasta sits a piece of light golden-brown grilled chicken, covered with a thick, creamy white sauce that has small green herbs sprinkled on it. To the side of the chicken and pasta, there are green beans, dark green in color, also drizzled with the same creamy white sauce. The plate is set on a white marbled surface, and there is a blue and white cloth in the background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Crockpot Creamy Garlic Chicken Recipe comes together with just a handful of everyday ingredients that create such a comforting sauce—you’ll appreciate how each item plays its part.

Oil: I use a neutral oil like canola or vegetable oil to get that perfect golden sear on the chicken without burning.
Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts: Easy to work with and cook evenly, they soak up the sauce beautifully.
Salt and Pepper: Simple but essential for seasoning the chicken and the sauce well.
Heavy Whipping Cream: The heart of the creamy sauce—makes it luxuriantly smooth and rich.
Low Sodium Chicken Broth: Adds depth without overpowering the garlic flavor.
Corn Starch: A quick way to thicken the sauce so it clings perfectly to the chicken.
Freshly Minced Garlic: I’m a garlic lover and this fresh addition truly elevates the taste—4 to 6 cloves really pack a punch!
Dried Parsley: Adds a subtle earthiness and vibrant look.
Salt & Black Pepper (for the sauce): Just enough to balance and season everything perfectly.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

One of my favorite things about this Crockpot Creamy Garlic Chicken Recipe is how easy it is to make your own. Feel free to tweak it to suit your tastes or pantry staples—you’ll find some variations keep it just as delicious.

Use Chicken Thighs: I’ve tried this with boneless skinless chicken thighs, and they come out even juicier with the creamy sauce clinging beautifully.
Add Mushrooms: Toss in sliced mushrooms for earthiness and texture—you’ll think you’re dining out!
Spice It Up: A pinch of crushed red pepper flakes adds a gentle heat that pairs amazingly with the creamy garlic sauce.
Dairy-Free Version: Swap heavy cream for coconut cream and use vegetable broth for a tasty dairy-free twist.

How to Make Crockpot Creamy Garlic Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Sear the Chicken for That Golden Goodness

Begin by heating the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat—you want the pan hot enough to get a nice sear. Season your chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper on both sides. Don’t rush this part, giving each side about 3-4 minutes until the chicken gets a beautiful golden crust. You’ll likely need to do this in batches if your pan is on the smaller side. This little extra step locks in juices and adds a lovely texture before the slow cooker magic.

Step 2: Whisk Together the Creamy Garlic Sauce

While your chicken is sizzling, whisk up the sauce with heavy cream, chicken broth, corn starch, freshly minced garlic, dried parsley, salt, and pepper. The corn starch is your best friend here—it thickens the sauce as it cooks low and slow.

Step 3: Slow Cook Until Perfectly Tender

Transfer those golden chicken breasts into your slow cooker and pour the creamy garlic sauce all over them. Cover and cook on low for about 3 hours, but keep an eye on it since slow cooker heat can vary. The goal is juicy chicken with an internal temp of 165°F, soaked in that luscious sauce. I’ve noticed sometimes it only takes 2.5 hours in a hotter slow cooker—so check a bit early to avoid overcooking.

Step 4: Serve It Up with All That Sauce

Once cooked, serve your chicken breasts smothered with the creamy garlic sauce from the crockpot. Trust me, spoon plenty over each serving because that sauce is what makes this dish irresistible.

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Pro Tips for Making Crockpot Creamy Garlic Chicken Recipe

Don’t Skip the Sear: Pan-searing the chicken before the slow cook adds flavor and locks in moisture—totally worth the little extra effort.
Check Slow Cooker Temperature: My slow cooker runs a little hot, so I always start checking chicken tenderness around 2.5 hours to avoid drying it out.
Use Fresh Garlic: Freshly minced garlic makes a world of difference here; pre-minced just won’t deliver the same punch of flavor.
Avoid Over-Thickening: If the sauce gets too thick after cooking, just stir in a splash of chicken broth to loosen it right up.

How to Serve Crockpot Creamy Garlic Chicken Recipe

The dish shows three layers on a white plate sitting on a white marbled surface: the bottom layer is pale yellow fettuccine pasta with a soft texture, the middle layer is a piece of light beige chicken with a smooth surface, and the top layer is creamy white sauce with green herb specks evenly covering the chicken and a little on the pasta. On the side, there is a small pile of green beans with a slight sheen, also topped with the creamy white sauce. Some small green herb pieces are sprinkled across the dish, adding color contrast. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I love finishing this dish with a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or chives—it adds a pop of color and fresh flavor that brightens the creamy sauce. A little cracked black pepper on top also amps up the look and taste.

Side Dishes

If you want the perfect comfort meal, creamy mashed potatoes or buttery egg noodles soak up this sauce like a dream. For something lighter, steamed green beans or a crisp side salad balance the richness wonderfully.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to plate the chicken on a bed of garlic Parmesan risotto and drizzle extra sauce over the top. Garnish with roasted garlic cloves and a sprig of thyme for a restaurant-worthy presentation without the hassle.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and find they keep beautifully for up to 3 days. The sauce thickens as it chills, so I give it a good stir or gentle reheat before serving again.

Freezing

This recipe freezes surprisingly well! I portion the chicken and sauce into freezer-safe containers and it lasts for about 2 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently on the stove or in the microwave.

Reheating

To reheat, I prefer warming the dish on low heat in a skillet or saucepan, stirring occasionally to keep the sauce smooth and creamy. If it thickens too much, a splash of broth or cream brings it back to life nicely.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts in this Crockpot Creamy Garlic Chicken Recipe?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs work great and tend to stay even more tender during slow cooking. Just adjust the cooking time if needed to make sure they’re cooked through but not falling apart.
Do I have to sear the chicken before slow cooking?

Searing is highly recommended as it adds a delicious golden crust and locks in juices, resulting in better flavor and texture. But if you’re pressed for time, you can skip this step—the dish will still be tasty!
How do I thicken the sauce if it’s too runny?

The recipe includes cornstarch to thicken the sauce, but if it’s still a bit thin after cooking, you can remove the chicken and simmer the sauce on the stove until it reduces and thickens to your liking.
Is this recipe freezer-friendly?

Yes! This Crockpot Creamy Garlic Chicken Recipe freezes really well. Just portion it out into airtight containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Final Thoughts

I still remember the first time I made this Crockpot Creamy Garlic Chicken Recipe—it was a lifesaver on a hectic weeknight and instantly became a family favorite. It’s one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug in dinner form, and knowing it kind of cooks itself is just the cherry on top. So seriously, give it a go—I promise you won’t regret it!