This 4 Ingredient Crockpot Garlic Parm Chicken is a dream for busy days! Juicy chicken gets coated in a creamy garlic and Parmesan sauce, simmering to perfection while you kick back.
Who knew four simple ingredients could make such a tasty dish? I love tossing everything in the crockpot and coming back to a delicious meal without the fuss!
Pair it with rice or pasta for an easy dinner. Trust me, that sauce is just begging to be soaked up—it’s hard not to go back for seconds!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: I recommend using boneless, skinless chicken breasts for easy shredding. If you’re looking for alternatives, you can use thighs for more flavor and moisture. Just ensure you adjust the cooking time as thighs may take slightly longer.
Garlic Parmesan Sauce: While store-bought is convenient, homemade is always great! You can mix olive oil, garlic powder, grated parmesan, and a bit of cream or sour cream. If you need a dairy-free option, try a cashew cheese sauce instead.
Cream Cheese: Softened cream cheese gives a rich creaminess. If you’re dairy-free, use a vegan cream cheese or even silken tofu blended until smooth. I’ve also tried it with ricotta, which adds a nice texture and flavor!
Pasta: Penne is perfect as its shape holds the sauce well, but feel free to swap it out! Fusilli or rotini are great alternatives. Also, if you’re gluten-free, look for gluten-free pasta options made from rice or lentils.
How Do I Ensure the Chicken Is Perfectly Cooked and Shredded?
Cooking chicken in a crockpot is great for breaking it down into tender shreds, but timing is crucial! Here’s how to check for doneness:
- Always cook on low for the best results; high heat can make chicken dry.
- About 30 minutes before the cooking time ends, check the chicken using a fork. If it’s shredding easily, it’s done!
- If it seems tough, let it cook a bit longer, checking every 15 minutes.
- When shredding, I find using two forks works best—one for holding the chicken and the other for pulling it apart.
Mix the shredded chicken back into the sauce for a uniform flavor before adding your pasta! Enjoy a quick, hearty meal with minimal effort!
How to Make 4 Ingredient Crockpot Garlic Parm Chicken?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1.5 lbs chicken breasts (boneless, skinless)
- 1 cup garlic parmesan sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 lb penne pasta (or any pasta of your choice)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 10 minutes to prepare, plus 4 to 6 hours of cooking time in the crockpot. It’s an easy meal to set up and let cook throughout the day!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
Start by placing the boneless, skinless chicken breasts at the bottom of your crockpot. This will be the base for all those delicious flavors to soak into!
2. Make the Sauce:
In a medium bowl, combine the garlic parmesan sauce with the softened cream cheese. Mix everything together until it’s nice and smooth. This creamy sauce is going to be amazing!
3. Combine in the Crockpot:
Now, pour the sauce mixture over the chicken in the crockpot. It’s important to make sure the chicken is well coated so it can soak up all those tasty flavors while it cooks.
4. Cook the Chicken:
Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 4 to 6 hours. You’ll know it’s done when the chicken is cooked through and can easily be shredded with a fork. It’ll be fall-apart tender!
5. Cook the Pasta:
About 30 minutes before you’re ready to serve, cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. Once done, drain the pasta and set it aside for now.
6. Shred the Chicken:
When the chicken is ready, use two forks to shred it right in the crockpot. Stir it well so the chicken gets mixed up with all that creamy sauce!
7. Combine Pasta and Chicken:
Add the cooked pasta to the crockpot and give it a good stir. Make sure the pasta is well coated in that delicious garlic parmesan sauce—yum!
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Now it’s time to serve your garlic parm chicken hot! You can sprinkle some fresh parsley on top for a bit of color if you like. Enjoy your meal!
Can I Use Thawed Chicken in This Recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure the chicken is fully thawed before placing it in the crockpot. If you forget to thaw it overnight, you can use the quick method by placing it in a sealed plastic bag and submerging it in cold water for about an hour.
What if I Can’t Find Garlic Parmesan Sauce?
No worries! You can easily make your own by mixing together 1 cup of mayonnaise with 2 cloves of minced garlic, 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, and a pinch of salt and pepper. This homemade version will give your chicken a delicious flavor!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the dish in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and warm it up in the microwave or on the stove.
Can I Use a Different Type of Pasta?
Yes, you can certainly use any type of pasta you prefer! Just keep in mind that cook times may vary slightly depending on the shape you choose. Just cook according to package instructions for best results.
