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Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Chicken
- Category: Budget |
This is a summery dish which goes really well with couscous and salad. It’s even more delicious when you can sit outside and enjoy it in the sunshine.
SERVES
4
CALORIES
535
COOKING TIME
4 hours
DIFFICULTY
simple
I LOVE the combination of potatoes and garlic. Add some Cajun-spiced chicken thighs and a buttery Parmesan sauce and I’m in heaven with every bite. The thought of the chicken falling off the bone into those garlicky juices is making salivate as I’m writing.
Can you cook chicken in the slow cooker without it drying out?
Absolutely. The key is using enough liquid (like stock or cream) and cooking on low. Chicken, especially thighs or skinless breasts, stays tender and juicy in the slow cooker, making it ideal for midweek meals.
What type of chicken works best in this recipe?
Both chicken breasts and thighs work well. Thighs are more forgiving and tend to stay juicy, while breasts are leaner – just keep an eye on cooking time to avoid overcooking.
Do I need to brown the chicken first?
It’s not essential, but browning the chicken before adding it to the slow cooker adds extra depth of flavour and a richer colour to the dish.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes – it’s perfect for prepping in advance. You can assemble the ingredients the night before and store them in the fridge, ready to pop into the slow cooker the next morning.
How long does it take to cook garlic parmesan chicken in the slow cooker?
Cook on low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4 hours. The chicken should be fully cooked and easily shredded or sliced.
Can I make this recipe lighter?
Definitely. You can use light cream cheese or reduced-fat cream and go easy on the parmesan to lower the calorie count without losing too much flavour. It’s still one of the easiest and most satisfying chicken recipes for midweek.
What can I serve with this dish?
This creamy garlic parmesan chicken pairs well with mash, pasta, steamed greens or even rice – making it a versatile and comforting midweek meal.
Is it suitable for freezing?
Yes – once cooled, you can freeze any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Defrost fully and reheat until piping hot before serving.
Where can I find more slow cooker chicken recipes?
You’ll find plenty of easy and tasty slow cooker chicken recipes over on my website, or pick up a copy of my slow cooker cookbooks The Healthy Slow Cooker Book and Slow Cooker Even Easier available on Amazon.
Tags:
- chicken |
- dinner |
- slow cooker |
Method
Step 1
Season the chicken thighs with salt, pepper and the Cajun seasoning. Heat a non-stick frying pan over a high heat on the hob, then place the chicken in the pan and sear for about 2 minutes, until browned all over.
Step 2
Place the potatoes in the slow cooker and sprinkle with salt, pepper, half of the Parmesan and the garlic. Dot with the butter, add the rosemary sprigs and arrange the chicken thighs on top. Sprinkle with the remaining Parmesan, the oregano and parsley. Throw in a slice of lemon and cook on high for 4 hours. If you would like the sauce to be thicker, stir in the cornflour paste.
Step 3
Garnish with the extra Parmesan and parsley and serve. I love this with some steamed green beans on the side.
Ingredients
8–10 chicken thighs
1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
500g (1lb 2oz) baby potatoes, cut into small cubes (skin left on)
70g (5/8 cup) Parmesan cheese, grated, plus extra to garnish
6 garlic cloves, crushed
150g (2/3 cup) low-fat butter
2 sprigs of fresh rosemary
1 tsp dried oregano
Handful of fresh parsley, plus extra to garnish
1 slice of lemon
1 tbsp cornflour, mixed to a paste with 1 tbsp water (optional)
Salt and pepper, to taste
