Crockpot Creamy Garlic Chicken – Easy Weeknight Recipe

Crockpot Creamy Garlic Chicken takes just 15 minutes to prep and gives you tender, juicy chicken smothered in a rich, garlicky cream sauce every single time. It’s my go-to slow cooker recipe when life gets busy—minimal effort, maximum flavor. If you love recipes that practically cook themselves, you’re in the right place.

I came across this easy creamy garlic chicken recipe when I needed a dinner that didn’t require babysitting the stove. Where traditional garlic chicken dishes might hog an hour of your time, this version lets your trusty slow cooker do all the work while you tackle everything else on your to-do list. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll never go back to the long way.

Why This Crockpot Creamy Garlic Chicken Is a Game-Changer

• Time-saving: Traditional creamy chicken dishes require constant stirring and watching the stovetop. This one? Set it and forget it for 3 hours.
• Hands-off cooking: Once the chicken is in the crockpot, you’ve got up to three hours to catch up on life. It’s that easy.
• Rich flavor: The low-and-slow cooking method melds garlic, cream, and herbs into a velvety sauce that’s full of flavor.
• Foolproof results: No worrying about overcooking or drying out the chicken. The slow cooker keeps it moist and tender.
• Versatile: Serve it with mashed potatoes, pasta, rice, or even roasted veggies. The creamy sauce is good on everything.

Equipment You’ll Need for This Crockpot Creamy Garlic Chicken

• Slow cooker: A 2.5-4 quart model works perfectly for this recipe. If your slow cooker runs hot, check the chicken at the 2.5-hour mark.
• Large skillet: This is for quickly browning the chicken before it goes into the crockpot. Browning adds major flavor, so don’t skip this step!
• Whisk: A whisk makes blending the cream sauce ingredients fast and lump-free.
• Meat thermometer: For perfect results, check that the chicken hits 165°F before serving.

Simple Ingredients for Crockpot Creamy Garlic Chicken

• Chicken breasts: Boneless, skinless, and about 2 pounds in total. If you prefer thighs, they work great too!
• Heavy whipping cream: The key to that luscious, creamy sauce. For a lighter option, you can substitute half-and-half.
• Fresh garlic: This recipe calls for freshly minced garlic—about 4-6 cloves. Pre-minced garlic from a jar works in a pinch, but fresh provides the best flavor punch.
• Cornstarch: The secret to thickening the sauce without adding heavy butter or flour. Mix it with broth for a smooth consistency.

Crockpot Creamy Garlic Chicken at a Glance

• Servings: 4
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 3 hours
• Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes
• Difficulty: Easy

Crockpot Creamy Garlic Chicken Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons oil
• 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts, about 2 lbs
• Salt and pepper
• ¾ cup heavy whipping cream
• ½ cup low sodium chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons freshly minced garlic (4-6 cloves)
• ½ teaspoon dried parsley
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ⅛ teaspoon black pepper

How to Make Crockpot Creamy Garlic Chicken

1. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then sear each side in the skillet until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per side. (You might need to work in batches.)
3. While the chicken browns, whisk together the heavy whipping cream, chicken broth, cornstarch, garlic, parsley, salt, and pepper in a small bowl until smooth.
4. Place the browned chicken breasts in your slow cooker and pour the sauce evenly over them.
5. Cover and cook on low for about 3 hours, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
6. Serve hot, spooning plenty of garlicky cream sauce over each piece. Pair with your favorite sides!

Jake’s Tips for the Best Crockpot Creamy Garlic Chicken

• Don’t skip the browning step: Searing the chicken locks in juices and adds that golden crust that’s packed with flavor.
• Test your slow cooker: Some slow cookers run hotter than others. Check the chicken 30 minutes early to avoid overcooking.
• Sauce too thin? Make a slurry with 1 teaspoon cornstarch and 2 teaspoons water. Stir it into the sauce in the last 30 minutes of cooking.
• Meal prep: This dish reheats beautifully. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Batch cooking: Double the recipe and freeze portions for easy weeknight meals later on.

Easy Crockpot Creamy Garlic Chicken Variations

• Add mushrooms: Toss in a cup of sliced cremini mushrooms to deepen the flavor.
• Make it tangy: Stir in a tablespoon of Dijon mustard or squeeze fresh lemon juice into the sauce before serving.
• Tomato twist: Mix in ½ cup of sun-dried tomatoes or diced tomatoes for a burst of color and flavor.
• Cheesy addition: Sprinkle shredded Parmesan or mozzarella over the chicken in the last 15 minutes of cooking for an extra indulgent finish.

Crockpot Creamy Garlic Chicken FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are just as delicious and tend to stay even juicier in the slow cooker. Just ensure they reach 165°F before serving.

What if my sauce is too thin?

If your sauce isn’t as thick as you’d like, whisk together 1 teaspoon cornstarch with 2 teaspoons of cold water and stir it into the sauce. Cook for an additional 15-30 minutes until it thickens.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes! Substitute heavy whipping cream with full-fat coconut milk for a dairy-free alternative. The flavor profile will change slightly but still be delicious.

What are the best sides for this dish?

Creamy mashed potatoes, buttered noodles, roasted broccoli, or a simple side salad all go great with this dish. The creamy sauce complements just about anything!

How do I store and reheat leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a microwave or on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth if the sauce thickens too much.

This Crockpot Creamy Garlic Chicken is simplicity at its best—a shortcut-packed recipe that’s perfect for busy weeknights. What’s your favorite slow cooker hack? Let me know in the comments below!