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For this dish, you need simple, tasty items. Here’s what to gather: - 2 lbs of boneless, skinless chicken thighs - 1 cup of chicken broth - 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese - 4 cloves of garlic, finely minced - 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning - 1 teaspoon of paprika - 1/2 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper - Salt, to taste - 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil These ingredients come together to create a rich, creamy sauce that makes the chicken tender and flavorful. The chicken broth adds depth to the dish. It keeps the chicken moist while cooking. The garlic gives a lovely aroma and taste. Each seasoning plays a key role: - Italian seasoning brings a classic touch. - Paprika adds warmth and color. - Black pepper gives a slight kick. Mix these with the broth for a savory base that enhances every bite. To make your dish look great, add a few garnishes: - Fresh parsley, finely chopped - Extra Parmesan cheese These make the dish pop with color and add a fresh taste. A sprinkle of parsley brightens the rich flavors, while more cheese makes it even cheesier! {{ingredient_image_2}} Start with fresh chicken thighs. Place them in the crockpot. Next, heat the olive oil in a medium skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté it for 1-2 minutes. You want it fragrant but not brown. Browning garlic can make it taste bitter. Now, in a bowl, mix the chicken broth, grated Parmesan, Italian seasoning, paprika, black pepper, and salt. Whisk until smooth. Pour this mixture over the chicken in the crockpot. Make sure each piece is covered in the sauce. Cover the crockpot with its lid. You have two options for cooking: set it to low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Either way, the chicken will become tender and juicy. Check it at the end of cooking. The chicken should easily pull apart with a fork. After cooking, use two forks to shred the chicken right in the crockpot. Mix the shredded chicken well with the sauce. This step ensures every bite is packed with flavor. Serve the warm chicken right away. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color. Enjoy it over rice, pasta, or mashed potatoes. The rich sauce makes everything better! To get the best flavor in Garlic Parmesan Crockpot Chicken, start with fresh ingredients. Use ripe garlic for a rich taste. Fresh parsley adds a bright touch to your dish. I like to sauté garlic first. This step makes it fragrant and tasty. Mix the chicken broth and Parmesan well. A smooth mixture coats the chicken evenly. Remember to season your chicken with salt and pepper. This step boosts the flavor. If you want a kick, add a pinch of crushed red pepper. Many people overcook the chicken. This can make it dry. Use the low setting if you can. Cooking on low for 6-7 hours keeps the chicken juicy. If you're short on time, the high setting works too. Just be mindful of the cooking time. Another mistake is not shredding the chicken. Shredding lets the meat soak up the sauce. It helps with flavor and makes serving easier. When using a crockpot, keep the lid on. Each time you lift it, heat escapes. This can lengthen cooking time. Use a meat thermometer to check doneness. Chicken should reach 165°F for safety. Layering ingredients matters too. Place chicken at the bottom, then pour the sauce on top. This method helps the chicken cook evenly. If you like a thicker sauce, remove the lid for the last 30 minutes. This step allows some liquid to evaporate. Pro Tips Use Fresh Garlic: Freshly minced garlic adds a potent flavor that enhances the dish significantly compared to garlic powder. Adjust Seasoning to Taste: Always taste your sauce before pouring it over the chicken; adjust salt and pepper according to your preference. Thighs for Tenderness: Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are ideal for slow cooking as they remain juicy and tender throughout the process. Garnish for Color: Adding fresh parsley not only brightens the dish visually but also adds a fresh flavor that balances the richness of the sauce. {{image_4}} You can easily change this recipe for different diets. To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free chicken broth. For a low-carb option, skip the rice and serve the chicken with steamed veggies. If you want a dairy-free dish, swap the Parmesan with nutritional yeast. This gives a cheesy flavor without the dairy. You can add more herbs and spices to change the taste. Try adding thyme or rosemary for a fresh flavor. A little cayenne pepper can spice it up. For a lemony twist, add lemon zest or juice. These small changes can make your meal feel new and exciting. There are many great ways to serve this chicken. You can place it over rice, pasta, or mashed potatoes. For a lighter option, serve it in lettuce wraps. This adds crunch and freshness. You can also turn it into a hearty sandwich. Just use a nice roll and add fresh veggies. These options make it fun to enjoy this dish in different ways. To keep your Garlic Parmesan Crockpot Chicken fresh, let it cool first. Then, place it in an airtight container. Make sure to seal it tightly to keep out air. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. If you plan to eat it later, freezing is a great option. When you are ready to enjoy leftovers, reheat them gently. You can use the microwave or the stovetop for this. If using a microwave, place the chicken in a bowl and cover it. Heat it for about 1-2 minutes. Stir halfway to ensure even heating. On the stovetop, add a bit of chicken broth in a pan and warm it on low heat. Stir occasionally until hot. To freeze Garlic Parmesan Crockpot Chicken, place it in freezer-safe bags or containers. Remove as much air as possible before sealing. Label the bags with the date. This dish can last in the freezer for up to three months. When you're ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating. This method keeps the flavors intact and makes for a quick meal later on. Yes, you can use chicken breasts. They will cook well in the crockpot. However, chicken thighs stay juicier. They have more fat, which keeps them tender. If you choose breasts, watch the cooking time. Cook them for about 5-6 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high. To add heat, mix in red pepper flakes. Start with a teaspoon for a mild kick. If you want more spice, add more to your taste. You could also use spicy Italian seasoning. Another option is to add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce. This chicken pairs well with many sides. Here are some tasty options: - Fluffy rice - Creamy pasta - Buttery mashed potatoes - Steamed vegetables - Fresh salad These sides absorb the savory sauce well and complete the meal. Store any leftovers in an airtight container. They will last in the fridge for up to 4 days. If you want to keep them longer, freeze the chicken. It can last up to 3 months in the freezer. Just make sure to label the container with the date. Garlic Parmesan Crockpot Chicken is a simple and tasty dish. We covered its main ingredients, cooking steps, and tips for flavor. You learned how to store leftovers and tried different variations, too. With this guide, you can make this tasty meal your own. Try new flavors and enjoy it with your favorite sides. Remember, cooking is fun, so experiment and find what you love!

Garlic Parmesan Crockpot Chicken

A savory and tender chicken dish cooked in a rich garlic and Parmesan sauce, perfect for a comforting meal.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 6 hours
Total Time 7 hours
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 4 cloves garlic, finely minced
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • to taste Salt
  • 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
  • for garnish Fresh parsley, finely chopped

Instructions
 

  • In a medium skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the minced garlic. Sauté for about 1-2 minutes, or until the garlic is fragrant but not browned, to avoid bitterness.
  • In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, grated Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, paprika, black pepper, and salt until well combined and smooth.
  • Place the chicken thighs into the crockpot. Pour the garlic and Parmesan mixture evenly over the chicken, ensuring that each piece is well coated in the flavorful sauce.
  • Cover the crockpot with its lid, and set it to cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is tender and fully cooked through.
  • Once cooking is complete, use two forks to shred the chicken directly in the crockpot. Mix the shredded chicken thoroughly with the remaining sauce, ensuring the meat is well coated for maximum flavor.
  • Serve the warm, savory chicken immediately, garnished with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for added color and brightness.

Notes

Serve over rice, pasta, or mashed potatoes for a complete meal.
Keyword chicken, crockpot, garlic, Parmesan