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Cozy Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Thighs: Easy Dinner

cozy crockpot garlic parmesan chicken thighs - featured image

These Cozy Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Thighs are incredibly tender, with a creamy, garlicky, cheesy sauce that coats every bite. It’s the perfect set-it-and-forget-it comfort meal for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 bone-in, skinless chicken thighs (about 2.5 lbs)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 6 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Sear the chicken thighs for 3-4 minutes per side until deeply golden brown. Remove chicken and set aside.
  3. Deglaze the skillet with about 1/4 cup of the chicken broth, scraping up browned bits. Pour the deglazed liquid into the slow cooker.
  4. Place the seared chicken thighs in the slow cooker in a single layer. Sprinkle minced garlic, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes (if using) over the chicken. Pour the remaining 3/4 cup chicken broth around the chicken.
  5. Cover and cook on LOW for 6-7 hours or on HIGH for 3-4 hours, until chicken is fork-tender.
  6. About 20 minutes before serving, carefully remove chicken to a plate and cover loosely with foil. In a small bowl, whisk together heavy cream and freshly grated Parmesan. Slowly pour this mixture into the hot liquid in the slow cooker, whisking constantly.
  7. Return chicken to the pot, spoon sauce over the top, and let sit for 10 minutes to warm through. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve.

Notes

Don’t skip the sear—it adds essential flavor. Add dairy at the end to prevent curdling. For a thicker sauce, mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons cold water and stir into sauce, cooking on HIGH for 15 minutes uncovered.

Nutrition

Keywords: crockpot chicken, garlic parmesan chicken, slow cooker chicken thighs, easy dinner, creamy chicken