This simple 4 Ingredient Crockpot Garlic Parm Chicken is super easy to make! Just toss in the chicken, garlic, parmesan, and a little seasoning, and let the slow cooker do its magic.
You’ll love how tasty and tender the chicken turns out—you’ll feel like a kitchen superstar with very little effort! I often serve it over pasta for a hearty meal that everyone enjoys!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts work best for this recipe. If you’re looking to reduce calories, consider using chicken thighs, which are a bit juicier but still lean. They also add a richer flavor!
Garlic Alfredo Sauce: A cup of jarred garlic Alfredo makes things easy. If you want a homemade option, simply blend cream, garlic, and Parmesan together. For a lighter version, swap it for Greek yogurt mixed with garlic powder or a low-cal Alfredo sauce.
Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan gives a nice salty flavor. If you’re out of Parmesan, try Pecorino Romano for a similar taste or nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without dairy. It’s a great substitute for vegan diets!
Pasta: While penne is perfect, you can swap it with any pasta like rotini, fusilli, or even gluten-free options like quinoa pasta. Just adjust the cooking time based on the type of pasta you choose!
How Do I Make Sure the Chicken is Perfectly Tender?
Cooking chicken in a crockpot is a great way to achieve tenderness. Keeping it on low for 6 hours helps the flavors meld and the chicken to cook slowly without drying out. Here’s a key tip:
- Start with thawed chicken breasts, as frozen ones take longer and can lead to uneven cooking.
- Make sure the chicken is completely covered with the Alfredo sauce to lock in moisture.
- Shred the chicken right in the crockpot; this keeps it juicy while mixing in that delicious sauce.
4 Ingredient Crockpot Garlic Parm Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup garlic Alfredo sauce
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 lb penne pasta (or pasta of your choice)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful dish will take about 6 hours if you are cooking it on low or 3 hours on high in the crockpot. You will also need a little extra time to cook the pasta, which takes about 10-12 minutes. So overall, set aside a little over 6 hours, but most of that time is hands-off while the crockpot does its work!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
Start by placing the boneless, skinless chicken breasts into the crockpot. Pour the garlic Alfredo sauce over the chicken, making sure to coat it well. This will keep the chicken juicy and flavorful as it cooks.
2. Cooking Time:
Now, cover the crockpot with its lid and set it to cook. If you choose low heat, let it sit for about 6 hours. Or if you’re short on time, set it to high and let it cook for about 3 hours. The goal is for the chicken to be tender and fully cooked.
3. Shred the Chicken:
Once the chicken is cooked, take two forks and shred it right in the crockpot. Mix the shredded chicken with the garlic Alfredo sauce to ensure every bite is coated with creamy goodness.
4. Cook the Pasta:
While the chicken is busy cooking, go ahead and prepare the penne pasta. Cook it according to the package instructions until it’s al dente, which usually takes about 10-12 minutes. After cooking, drain the pasta and set it aside for now.
5. Combine Everything:
Add the cooked pasta and grated Parmesan cheese to the shredded chicken mixture in the crockpot. Stir everything together so that the cheese melts into the pasta and chicken, creating that delicious creamy texture.
6. Final Heating:
Cover the crockpot again and let it cook on low for another 15-20 minutes. This will heat everything through and melt the cheese perfectly.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Once everything is hot and melty, it’s time to serve! Spoon the creamy pasta dish into bowls and sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley to add a burst of color and freshness. Enjoy your delicious creamy, garlicky pasta dish!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken Breasts for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts! Just increase the cooking time by an hour if cooking on low, or by about 30-45 minutes if cooking on high. Ensure the chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) before shredding.
What Can I Substitute for Garlic Alfredo Sauce?
If you don’t have garlic Alfredo sauce, you can use plain Alfredo sauce and add 2-3 minced cloves of garlic or garlic powder to taste. Alternatively, a creamy white sauce or a homemade Alfredo can work well too!
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a pot on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to help loosen the sauce, or microwave in short intervals, stirring in between.
Can I Use a Different Type of Pasta?
Absolutely! Feel free to use any type of pasta you prefer, such as fettuccine, rigatoni, or even whole grain pasta. Just adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions for your chosen pasta.
