This 4 Ingredient Crockpot Garlic Parm Chicken is an easy, tasty meal for any day. Just throw chicken, garlic, parmesan cheese, and cream cheese in the slow cooker and let it cook!
You can serve it with pasta or rice, making dinner a breeze. I love how simple it is—no fuss, just delicious! Perfect for when I want comfort food without a lot of work. 🍽️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are great for this dish as they cook evenly and stay moist. If you prefer dark meat, use boneless thighs instead—they’ll add more flavor. Also, you can use frozen chicken; just adjust the cooking time.
Garlic Parmesan Dressing: The dressing brings lots of flavor. If you can’t find it, mix 1 cup of mayonnaise with minced garlic, Parmesan cheese, and a splash of lemon juice for a quick homemade version. It’s creamy and tangy!
Cream Cheese: Softened cream cheese adds richness. You can swap it for Greek yogurt for a lighter option, but know that it will change the flavor slightly. Silken tofu is another good choice for a dairy-free alternative.
Penne Pasta: Penne works well since it holds sauce nicely. You can use other shapes like fusilli or rigatoni. If you want a gluten-free dish, substitute with gluten-free pasta, keeping an eye on cooking times as they often cook quicker.
How Do I Ensure the Chicken Is Tender and Flavors Soak In?
Cooking chicken in a crockpot is a simple way to achieve tender, flavorful meat. Make sure to follow these steps for the best results:
- Layer the chicken at the bottom and pour the dressing evenly over it. This ensures every piece gets coated.
- Cut the cream cheese into chunks to help it melt evenly; this enhances the sauce’s creaminess.
- When adding the pasta, stir well to mix it through the sauce and chicken for flavor.
- Keep the lid on as much as possible for even cooking; opening it too often will extend cooking time.
Don’t rush—let the chicken cook until it’s tender and easily shred with forks. Enjoy the process!
4 Ingredient Crockpot Garlic Parm Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup garlic Parmesan dressing (store-bought)
- 1 cup cream cheese (softened)
- 2 cups penne pasta (uncooked)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious meal takes about 10 minutes to prep and 4-6 hours for cooking in the crockpot. It’s simple and allows you to enjoy an easy dinner with minimal effort!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Set Up the Crockpot:
Start by placing the chicken breasts at the bottom of the crockpot. It’s important to lay them flat to cook evenly. Make sure you have enough space since this is where all the flavors will mix!
2. Add the Dressing:
Pour the garlic Parmesan dressing over the chicken. Don’t rush this step! Ensure each chicken breast gets nice and coated in that yummy dressing—it’s what gives the dish its incredible flavor.
3. Add the Cream Cheese:
Now, add the softened cream cheese on top. You can cut the cream cheese into chunks to help it melt better during cooking. It will blend beautifully with the dressing and chicken!
4. Cooking Time:
Cover the crockpot with its lid and set it to cook on low for about 4 to 6 hours. You know it’s done when the chicken is fully cooked and tender. Take a peek halfway through for that heavenly aroma!
5. Shred the Chicken:
Once cooked, use two forks to shred the chicken right in the pot. Stir it well into the sauce until everything is combined and deliciously creamy!
6. Add the Pasta:
In the last 30 minutes of cooking, toss in the uncooked penne pasta along with 2 cups of water. Give it a good stir to mix everything together, so the pasta can soak up all that tasty goodness!
7. Final Cooking:
Cover the crockpot again and continue to cook until the pasta is tender. Check it occasionally, stirring gently to keep it from sticking together.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Once your pasta is cooked through, it’s time to dish it out! Serve it hot and feel free to sprinkle some fresh parsley or extra Parmesan cheese on top for that extra touch.
Enjoy your meal—you’ve made something truly delightful and simple!
Can I Substitute Another Type of Dressing?
Absolutely! If you don’t have garlic Parmesan dressing on hand, you can use a creamy Italian dressing or a homemade garlic dressing mix. Just keep in mind that the flavor might vary slightly, so taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
How Can I Adjust the Cooking Time?
If you’re short on time, you can cook the chicken on high for about 2-3 hours instead of low. Just make sure to check the chicken for doneness – it should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
What Should I Do If I Forget to Soften the Cream Cheese?
If you forget to soften the cream cheese, no worries! You can cut it into smaller chunks and add it to the crockpot with the other ingredients. It will still melt, but it may take a little longer, so just be patient as you stir it in!
How to Store Leftovers?
To store leftovers, let the dish cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It will keep in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of water or broth to help maintain creaminess and prevent drying out.
