Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Chicken Recipe
If you’re craving a comforting, cheesy, and utterly flavorful dish with minimal effort, this Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Chicken Recipe is going to be your new best friend in the kitchen. It combines tender chicken breasts slow-cooked to perfection in a rich, creamy Parmesan sauce infused with garlic and a hint of Buffalo Wild Wings’ delicious twist. Each bite brings a cozy, luscious experience with a subtle spicy kick and a velvety texture that’s perfect over your favorite pasta. Trust me, this dish feels indulgent but comes together with such simple ingredients and a relaxed slow cooker timeline, making it ideal for busy days or cozy weekend meals.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To bring out the full magic of this Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Chicken Recipe, you’ll need just a handful of ingredients that are straightforward yet fundamental in building its delicious flavor and creamy texture. Each adds a special note, whether it’s the silky cream cheese, the sharpness of Parmesan, or the unique zing of the Buffalo Wild Wings Parmesan Garlic Sauce.
- 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The tender protein base that soaks up the creamy sauce perfectly during slow cooking.
- Salt and black pepper, to taste: Essential to season and bring out the natural flavors of the chicken.
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened and cubed: Adds luxurious creaminess and a slight tang to the sauce.
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Brings cheesy depth and a savory umami punch.
- 1 cup Buffalo Wild Wings Parmesan Garlic Sauce: This is the secret star—offering a bold, garlicky, and slightly spicy flavor boost.
- ½ cup whole milk or 2% milk: Creates the perfect consistency for the sauce, balancing richness without heaviness.
- 8 ounces uncooked pasta (penne, rotini, or shells): The perfect vehicle to soak up every bit of that cheesy sauce.
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish): Brightens up the dish with a fresh pop of color and mild herbaceous flavor.
How to Make Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Layer Ingredients
Start by placing the chicken breasts at the bottom of your slow cooker. Season lightly with salt and black pepper, which helps enhance the chicken’s natural flavor as it cooks. Then, top the chicken evenly with the cubed cream cheese, grated Parmesan, and the star ingredient—Buffalo Wild Wings Parmesan Garlic Sauce. To bring everything together into a creamy, luscious sauce, pour half a cup of milk over the top. This layering technique ensures every piece of chicken will be infused with flavor and guarantees that the sauce will develop beautifully.
Step 2: Slow Cook
Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 6 to 7 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours. This slow cooking method tenderizes the chicken to a perfect fall-apart texture, allowing the cheeses and sauce to melt and blend into a rich, velvety consistency. The slow cooker does all the work here, so you can go about your day while the flavors deepen into something truly special.
Step 3: Cook Pasta
About 15 minutes before your chicken finishes cooking, prepare your pasta of choice according to the package instructions until it’s just al dente. Be sure to reserve half a cup of the pasta water before draining, as this starchy water can help loosen the sauce if it’s too thick before mixing with the chicken.
Step 4: Shred Chicken
Once your chicken is tender and cooked through, carefully remove it from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks. This shredding step is key—it lets the chicken mix seamlessly with the creamy sauce that’s been simmering away. Return the shredded chicken back into the slow cooker and stir well, making sure every shred is coated with the garlic Parmesan goodness.
Step 5: Combine and Serve
Finally, add your al dente pasta directly into the slow cooker with the saucy shredded chicken. Gently stir together to combine all that cheesy goodness fully, allowing the pasta to soak up the sauce. Serve it warm with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley and, if you like, an extra dusting of Parmesan cheese. The garnishes add a fresh and flavorful finish to this comforting meal.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is a no-brainer when it comes to garnishing this dish—it adds a beautiful pop of green and a mild, bright note that balances the richness. A light sprinkle of extra Parmesan directly on the plate elevates each bite with subtle cheesy saltiness. You can also try a few crushed red pepper flakes for those who want an extra kick of heat.
Side Dishes
This dish is wonderfully filling on its own, but if you want to round out your meal, pair it with a refreshing side salad dressed in a light vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Steamed or roasted vegetables like broccoli, asparagus, or green beans add color and texture contrast, making the meal more vibrant. Garlic bread on the side is always a crowd-pleaser, perfect for sopping up any leftover sauce on the plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve this Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Chicken Recipe in hollowed-out bell peppers or atop baked sweet potatoes for a stunning presentation. You might also layer it in a casserole dish with extra cheese and bake it briefly under a broiler until the top is golden and bubbly—turning an everyday recipe into an elegant dinner party dish with minimal fuss.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Chicken Recipe stores beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen slightly as they rest, making the second helping just as delicious, if not better!
Freezing
You can freeze this dish for longer storage by placing cooled portions in freezer-safe containers or bags. Freeze for up to 2 months. Just be sure to separate the pasta from the chicken and sauce if you plan to reheat and freeze so the pasta doesn’t get too mushy.
Reheating
When reheating, gently warm the chicken and sauce mixture in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of milk or reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce if needed. Reheat the pasta separately in the microwave or boiling water, then combine before serving to maintain perfect texture and flavor.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken breasts in this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts, but adjust your slow cooking time accordingly—cook on low for about 8 hours or on high for 5-6 hours to ensure the chicken cooks through and becomes tender.
What can I substitute for Buffalo Wild Wings Parmesan Garlic Sauce?
If you can’t find the exact sauce, try using a blend of garlic butter sauce mixed with a bit of mild hot sauce or a garlic Parmesan wing sauce from another brand. The key is combining creaminess with that garlic and slight spice to replicate the flavor profile.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! This Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Chicken Recipe holds up very well for meal prep. Cooked and stored properly, it makes several delicious lunches or dinners throughout the week.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
To make it dairy-free, swap the cream cheese and Parmesan cheese with dairy-free alternatives, and use a plant-based milk like almond or oat milk. Keep in mind that the flavor and texture will differ slightly but will still be tasty.
What type of pasta works best with this recipe?
Pasta shapes like penne, rotini, or shells are ideal because their curves and tubes hold onto the creamy sauce well. Avoid very thin pastas like angel hair, as they may get overwhelmed by the thick sauce.
Final Thoughts
Believe me when I say this Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Chicken Recipe is a total crowd-pleaser that will quickly earn a spot in your regular cooking rotation. Its ease, rich flavor, and comforting texture make it perfect for everything from weekday dinners to casual gatherings. Grab your slow cooker, gather those simple ingredients, and get ready to indulge in a creamy, garlicky, cheesy experience that feels like a warm hug in every bite.
Print
Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Chicken Recipe
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Chicken is a creamy, flavorful comfort meal featuring tender chicken breasts cooked slowly with a rich blend of cream cheese, Parmesan, and garlic sauce. Paired with perfectly cooked pasta and garnished with fresh parsley, this dish is effortless and perfect for busy days.
Ingredients
Chicken and Sauce
- 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened and cubed
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup Buffalo Wild Wings Parmesan Garlic Sauce
- ½ cup whole milk or 2% milk
Pasta and Garnish
- 8 ounces uncooked pasta (penne, rotini, or shells)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Layer Ingredients: Place the chicken breasts at the bottom of the slow cooker. Season them generously with salt and black pepper. Evenly top the chicken with the softened cream cheese cubes, grated Parmesan cheese, and Buffalo Wild Wings Parmesan Garlic Sauce. Pour the milk over all the ingredients to combine flavors during cooking.
- Slow Cook: Cover the slow cooker with its lid and cook on LOW for 6 to 7 hours or on HIGH for 3 to 4 hours, allowing the chicken to cook thoroughly and the sauce to become rich and creamy.
- Cook Pasta: About 15 minutes before the slow cooker time is up, bring a pot of salted water to boil and cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta.
- Shred Chicken: Carefully remove the chicken breasts from the slow cooker and shred them using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker, stirring it into the sauce to coat the meat well.
- Combine and Serve: Add the cooked pasta into the slow cooker and gently stir everything together, adding some reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce. Serve the dish hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese if desired.
Notes
- You can substitute Buffalo Wild Wings Parmesan Garlic Sauce with any good quality garlic Parmesan sauce or make your own by combining garlic, Parmesan, butter, and seasonings.
- For a lighter version, use reduced-fat cream cheese and low-fat milk.
- If you don’t have a slow cooker, you can simulate the process in a covered oven-safe dish at 300°F for about 2 hours, but the slow cooker yields the best tender results.
- Reserved pasta water helps adjust the sauce consistency, making it creamier if needed.
- Garnish with fresh parsley or basil to add color and freshness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
