This 4 Ingredient Crockpot Garlic Parm Chicken is super easy and oh-so-tasty! Just toss chicken, garlic, and Parmesan cheese into the slow cooker for a juicy meal.
Honestly, it smells amazing while cooking, and you don’t even have to stand over the stove! I love serving it with pasta or veggies for a full meal—yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken is the go-to for this recipe due to its ease of cooking and shredding. If you have thighs instead, they work well, adding a bit more flavor and moisture.
Ranch Dressing: This adds creaminess and flavor. If you prefer a healthier version or have allergies, you can easily use Greek yogurt or a homemade ranch dip made with herbs and yogurt instead.
Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan gives a salty, nutty kick. If you don’t have it, Pecorino Romano is a great replacement, or nutritional yeast can be used for a dairy-free option.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic provides a robust flavor. If you’re short on time, garlic powder can work in a pinch. One teaspoon of powder equals about two cloves of fresh garlic. I often prefer fresh for its vibrant taste!
How Can You Ensure Your Chicken Turns Out Tender and Flavorful?
The secret to perfectly cooked chicken lies in the slow cooking process. Here’s how you can do it:
- Layer the chicken breasts at the bottom of the crockpot. They need to be covered evenly with the sauce for best flavor.
- Mix the ranch, Parmesan, and garlic well before pouring to ensure every bite is flavorful.
- Cook on low for 6-8 hours for tender chicken. If you’re short on time, high for 3-4 hours works too, but avoid opening the lid too often to keep the heat consistent.
After cooking, use two forks to shred the chicken right in the pot. This allows it to soak up more sauce, making it super flavorful! Serve over pasta or rice for a delightful meal.
4 Ingredient Crockpot Garlic Parm Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup ranch dressing
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 4 cloves garlic, minced (or 1 tsp garlic powder)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious garlic Parmesan chicken takes about 10 minutes to prepare, and then you’ll let it cook in the crockpot. Choose to cook it on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Just set it and forget it until it’s time to enjoy your meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
Start by placing the boneless, skinless chicken breasts at the bottom of your crockpot. Make sure they are spread out evenly so they cook nicely.
2. Mix the Sauce:
In a separate bowl, combine the ranch dressing, grated Parmesan cheese, and minced garlic (or garlic powder). Mix these ingredients together until they’re well combined and creamy.
3. Coat the Chicken:
Pour the ranch mixture over the chicken in the crockpot. Make sure each piece of chicken is well coated with the creamy sauce for the best flavor!
4. Cook the Chicken:
Cover the crockpot and set it to cook. You can choose to cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. The chicken is done when it’s fully cooked and tender.
5. Shred and Combine:
Once the chicken is cooked, carefully remove it from the crockpot and shred it using two forks. Then, stir the shredded chicken back into the sauce in the crockpot to mix everything together.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your creamy, garlic-infused chicken hot over cooked pasta, rice, or alongside some veggies. If you like, sprinkle extra Parmesan cheese on top for a delightful finish!
Enjoy your meal!
Can I Use Different Cuts of Chicken?
Yes! You can use thighs or drumsticks in place of breasts, but keep in mind the cooking time might vary slightly. Thighs may remain juicy even if cooked a bit longer, while breasts can dry out if overcooked, so monitor accordingly.
What if I Don’t Have Ranch Dressing?
No problem! You can substitute the ranch dressing with an equal amount of creamy Italian dressing or even combine sour cream with a bit of vinegar and herbs for a homemade ranch flavor. Just ensure it’s creamy for best results!
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the shredded chicken in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Can I Add Vegetables to the Crockpot?
Absolutely! Chopped vegetables like potatoes, carrots, or bell peppers can be added to the crockpot with the chicken. Just make sure to adjust the timing as required, possibly cooking for an additional hour or so, depending on the veggies you choose!
