This 4 Ingredient Crockpot Garlic Parm Chicken is super simple and packed with flavor! Just chicken, garlic, parmesan cheese, and a few spices make this dish a winner.
You’ll love how easy it is to toss everything into the Crockpot and let it cook. Plus, your kitchen will smell amazing as it cooks—just try not to steal bites before it’s done! 😄
I enjoy serving this chicken over rice or pasta for a complete meal. It’s perfect for busy days when you want something tasty without the fuss!
Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts keep this dish lean and easy to shred. If you prefer, chicken thighs work well too, adding more flavor and tenderness.
Garlic Parmesan Dressing: This dressing is key for flavor! If you have a favorite vinaigrette or ranch dressing, those can work too. Just remember to adjust spices if needed.
Cream Cheese: This gives the dish a creamy texture. You could use Neufchâtel for a lighter option or even Greek yogurt if you want to cut calories and add protein.
Pasta: Penne is great as it holds onto the sauce nicely. Feel free to choose any pasta—cavatappi or fusilli would be great substitutes!
What’s the Best Way to Cook Chicken in a Crockpot?
Cooking chicken in a crockpot is simple, but for the best results, follow these steps:
- Layer the chicken breasts at the bottom—this helps with even cooking.
- When you add the garlic parmesan dressing, make sure to coat the chicken completely. This infuses flavor.
- Don’t skip the cooking time! Let it cook on low for 6-8 hours for tender chicken that shreds easily.
- After shredding, return the chicken to the crockpot and give it a good mix to soak up all those tasty juices before adding the pasta.
How to Make 4 Ingredient Crockpot Garlic Parm Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup garlic parmesan dressing
- 8 ounces cream cheese
- 12 ounces penne pasta (or pasta of your choice)
- Optional: Fresh parsley for garnish
- Optional: Grated parmesan cheese for topping
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe requires about 10 minutes for preparation and can take anywhere from 3 to 8 hours in the crockpot, depending on whether you cook it on low or high. Just set it and forget it while you go about your 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 your creamy goodness.
2. Add the Dressing:
Pour the garlic parmesan dressing over the chicken, making sure that each piece is evenly coated. This is what brings all the savory flavor to your dish!
3. Add the Cream Cheese:
Next, add the cream cheese on top of the chicken and dressing. Just plop it in there without stirring for now; we’ll mix everything later.
4. Cook It Up:
Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and tender. The longer, the better—this helps it to be super juicy!
5. Shred the Chicken:
Once the cooking time is up, take the chicken out of the pot and use two forks to shred it into pieces. Don’t worry; it will fall apart easily! Return the shredded chicken back into the crockpot and stir it to mix it well with the creamy sauce.
6. Cook the Pasta:
While the chicken is cooking, boil some water in a large pot. Cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions until it’s al dente, then drain it. You want it firm but not too hard!
7. Combine the Pasta:
Add the cooked pasta to the crockpot with the chicken and sauce. Give it a good mix until every piece of pasta is well-coated with that delicious garlic parmesan sauce.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Dish out the creamy garlic parmesan chicken pasta warm. If you like, top it with fresh parsley and a sprinkle of grated parmesan cheese for extra flavor. Enjoy your meal!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken Breasts for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Just ensure you thaw them completely before cooking. You can do this by leaving them in the fridge overnight or placing them in a sealed plastic bag and submerging it in cold water for a quicker thaw. Once thawed, follow the recipe as usual!
What Can I Substitute for Garlic Parmesan Dressing?
If you don’t have garlic parmesan dressing, you can make a quick substitute by mixing 1/2 cup of ranch dressing with 3 tablespoons of grated parmesan cheese and 1-2 minced garlic cloves. This will provide a delicious, similar flavor for your chicken!
How Should I Store Leftover Garlic Parm Chicken?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you want to freeze it, be sure to let it cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. It will last for about 2-3 months in the freezer!
Can I Make This Dish Without Pasta?
Yes! If you’re looking for a low-carb option, feel free to skip the pasta and serve the creamy garlic parmesan chicken over steamed vegetables, zucchini noodles, or just enjoy it on its own with a sprinkle of herbs on top. It’s delicious either way!
