Easy & Flavorful Creamy Garlic Herb Crockpot Chicken Recipe

Welcome to your new favorite weeknight meal! This creamy garlic herb crockpot chicken recipe delivers incredible flavor with minimal effort, making it a dream come true for busy home cooks. Imagine tender chicken swimming in a rich, savory sauce infused with fragrant garlic and fresh herbs. It is the perfect easy slow cooker chicken dish for a comforting dinner any day of the week, truly maximizing flavor while minimizing stress.

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Garlic Herb Crockpot Chicken

• Effortless Cooking: Enjoy hands-off meal preparation. Simply set your slow cooker and let it do all the hard work while you go about your day.
• Rich Flavor: Each bite of this crockpot chicken recipe bursts with deep, savory notes of garlic and a blend of aromatic herbs, creating a truly satisfying meal.
• Versatile Dish: This creamy chicken pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides, from pasta to mashed potatoes, making it easy to customize your dinner.
• Meal Prep Friendly: Cook a big batch for easy lunches or dinners throughout the week. Leftovers are just as delicious and store beautifully.
• Family Favorite: Its comforting flavors and tender texture make this a crowd-pleasing dish that even picky eaters will adore.

Ingredients

This easy crockpot chicken recipe calls for simple, fresh ingredients you can easily find at any grocery store. Get ready to create magic!

• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 yellow onion, chopped
• 2 tbsp fresh herbs, chopped (e.g., thyme, rosemary, parsley)
• 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp paprika
• Optional: 1 cup fresh spinach

Notes & Substitutions

• Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs both work perfectly in this slow cooker chicken recipe. Thighs offer a bit more fat and flavor, while breasts are leaner.
• Creaminess: For a lighter touch, swap cream cheese for 1/2 cup sour cream, plain Greek yogurt, or even coconut milk for a dairy-free option.
• Herbs: If fresh herbs are unavailable, use 1 tablespoon of dried herbs instead. Adjust to your taste preferences.
• Vegetables: Feel free to boost the nutrition and flavor by adding sliced mushrooms, diced carrots, or a handful of frozen peas during the last hour of cooking.
• Spice: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes with the other seasonings for a little kick.

Equipment

You won’t need many special tools for this simple crockpot chicken recipe. Just gather a few kitchen essentials, and you’ll be ready to go!

• 6-quart or larger crockpot/slow cooker
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Cutting board and sharp knife
• Fork for shredding chicken (if desired)

Instructions

Making this creamy garlic herb crockpot chicken recipe is incredibly straightforward. Follow these simple steps for a delicious meal with minimal fuss.

Step 1: Prep Chicken & Aromatics
Pat your chicken breasts or thighs dry with paper towels. Season them evenly with salt, pepper, and paprika. Mince the garlic and chop the onion.

Step 2: Combine Ingredients in Crockpot
Place the seasoned chicken at the bottom of your slow cooker. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic around and over the chicken. Pour in the chicken broth. Sprinkle the Italian seasoning and fresh herbs over everything. Do not stir yet.

Step 3: Slow Cook to Perfection
Cover your crockpot with the lid. Cook on LOW for 4-6 hours or on HIGH for 2-3 hours, or until the chicken is tender and cooked through to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). The cooking time will depend on your specific slow cooker and the thickness of your chicken.

The USDA recommends that chicken reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for food safety.

Step 4: Add Creaminess
Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the crockpot and set aside. Stir the softened cream cheese into the hot broth mixture in the slow cooker until it’s completely melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy. If using, stir in the fresh spinach until wilted.

Step 5: Shred & Serve
Using two forks, shred the cooked chicken. Return the shredded chicken to the crockpot and stir it into the creamy garlic herb sauce until well coated. Your delicious crockpot chicken recipe is now ready to be enjoyed!

Pro Tips & Troubleshooting

• Avoid Dryness: Chicken can become dry if overcooked. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 165°F (74°C) and then remove it promptly.
• Enhance Flavor: For a deeper flavor, quickly sear the chicken breasts or thighs in a hot pan for 2-3 minutes per side before adding them to the crockpot. This creates a beautiful crust.
• Thicker Sauce: If your sauce is too thin, create a cornstarch slurry by whisking 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water. Stir this mixture into the hot sauce during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
• Don’t Peek: Resist the urge to lift the lid during cooking. Each time you open it, your slow cooker loses heat, adding about 20-30 minutes to the cooking time.
• Adjust Seasoning: Always taste the sauce before serving and adjust salt, pepper, or herbs as needed. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice at the end can brighten all the flavors.

Serving Suggestions & Variations

This versatile crockpot chicken recipe pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. Serve it over fluffy white rice, creamy mashed potatoes, or even low-carb cauliflower rice for a healthier option. It’s also delicious with your favorite pasta, like egg noodles or penne. Don’t forget some crusty bread for dipping into that amazing creamy sauce!

Variations

• Spicy Chicken: Kick up the heat by adding diced jalapeños, a pinch of red pepper flakes, or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the slow cooker.
• Veggie Loaded: Stir in a cup of frozen mixed vegetables like peas, carrots, and corn during the last 30 minutes of cooking for an even heartier meal.
• Sandwich Filler: Shred the chicken finely and use it as a flavorful filling for slider buns or larger sandwiches.

Storage

Refrigerate any leftover creamy garlic herb chicken in an airtight container for 3-4 days. This makes for super easy meal prep throughout the week! For longer storage, you can freeze it for up to 3 months.

Reheating

Gently reheat your leftovers on the stovetop over medium-low heat, or in the microwave in 1-minute intervals until warmed through. If the sauce has thickened too much in the fridge, add a splash of chicken broth or water to thin it out while reheating.

Nutrition Information

This creamy garlic herb crockpot chicken recipe provides a delicious source of lean protein. Exact nutrition will vary based on ingredients and portion sizes, but here’s an estimate per serving (assuming 6 servings with chicken breast):

It’s a fantastic, customizable meal option for various dietary needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Is it okay to put raw chicken in a crockpot? Yes, it is perfectly safe and recommended to put raw chicken directly into a crockpot. It will cook thoroughly and safely inside the slow cooker.
• Does chicken need to be fully covered in liquid? No, chicken does not need to be fully submerged in liquid in a slow cooker. Enough liquid helps keep it moist, but the steam trapped inside the crockpot also aids in cooking.
• Is it better to cook crockpot chicken on high or low? Cooking on low for a longer duration typically yields more tender, juicy chicken, which is ideal for this crockpot chicken recipe. High heat works if you’re short on time, but watch closely to prevent dryness.
• Can I put frozen chicken in a crockpot? For food safety reasons, it’s generally not recommended to put frozen chicken directly into a slow cooker. Thaw your chicken completely in the refrigerator before adding it to the crockpot.
• What kind of chicken is best for crockpot recipes? Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs are ideal for crockpot recipes. They cook evenly and stay tender in the slow cooker’s moist environment.

Conclusion

This easy and flavorful creamy garlic herb crockpot chicken recipe is truly a game-changer for busy weeknights and a staple you’ll want to add to your rotation. With its minimal prep, rich flavors, and incredible versatility, it perfectly embodies delicious home cooking made simple. Give this amazing slow cooker chicken a try, and enjoy the effortless path to a satisfying, comforting meal. Your family will thank you for this delightful dish!

Creamy Garlic Herb Crockpot Chicken

This easy, flavorful crockpot chicken recipe features tender chicken slow-cooked in a creamy garlic herb sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights with minimal prep and maximum comfort.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 4 hours hrs

Total Time 4 hours hrs 10 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Calories: 360

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 yellow onion, chopped
• 2 tbsp fresh herbs, chopped (e.g., thyme, rosemary, parsley)
• 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp paprika
• 1 cup fresh spinach (optional)

Equipment

• 6-quart or larger crockpot
• cutting board and sharp knife
• Measuring Cups and Spoons
• forks (for shredding)

Method

 

1. Pat your chicken breasts or thighs dry with paper towels. Season them evenly with salt, pepper, and paprika. Mince the garlic and chop the onion.
2. Place the seasoned chicken at the bottom of your slow cooker. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Pour in the chicken broth and sprinkle herbs and seasoning on top. Do not stir.
3. Cover and cook on LOW for 4–6 hours or HIGH for 2–3 hours, until the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) and is tender.
4. Remove the chicken and stir softened cream cheese into the hot broth until smooth. Stir in spinach if using until wilted.
5. Shred the chicken and return it to the crockpot. Stir well to coat with the creamy garlic herb sauce.

Notes

Use chicken thighs for extra flavor, or breasts for a leaner option. Substitute cream cheese with Greek yogurt or coconut milk for a lighter or dairy-free version. Add veggies like carrots or mushrooms in the last hour for variety.

Taya Bennett

Taya Bennett is the founder of YumEasyMeals, a platform dedicated to easy, delicious, and quick-to-prepare recipes for busy families. Passionate about everyday cooking, she simplifies meals with practical, accessible, and always delicious ideas.
Discover her creations at: yumeasymeals.com