Slow Cooker Chicken Lazone is a creamy, flavorful dish that combines tender chicken breasts with a rich, seasoned sauce. With its mix of Cajun-inspired spices, this dish is full of bold flavors and is perfect for serving over pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes. Using a slow cooker makes it easy to prepare, allowing the flavors to meld together perfectly while you go about your day. This comforting dish is perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy family dinner.
Table of Contents
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons onion powder
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for spice)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Step 1: Season the Chicken
- In a small bowl, mix together the garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, dried thyme, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using).
- Rub the seasoning mixture all over the chicken breasts to coat them evenly.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Add the seasoned chicken breasts and sear for 2-3 minutes per side, until golden brown. The chicken does not need to be fully cooked through at this point.
Step 3: Prepare the Slow Cooker
- Transfer the seared chicken breasts to the slow cooker.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, chicken broth, and grated Parmesan cheese until well combined.
- Pour the cream mixture over the chicken breasts in the slow cooker.
Step 4: Cook the Chicken
- Cover the slow cooker with the lid and cook on low heat for 4-5 hours, or on high heat for 2-3 hours, until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
Step 5: Add the Butter
- During the last 30 minutes of cooking, add the unsalted butter to the slow cooker, stirring it into the sauce until melted and incorporated.
Step 6: Serve
- Serve the chicken with the creamy sauce spooned over the top.
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired. Enjoy!
Cooking Tips & Notes
- Searing the Chicken: Searing the chicken before adding it to the slow cooker adds extra flavor and helps lock in moisture.
- Heavy Cream: Heavy cream gives the sauce a rich, creamy consistency. For a lighter option, you can use half-and-half, though the sauce may be slightly thinner.
- Butter: Adding butter at the end of cooking adds a velvety texture to the sauce and enhances the flavor.
Variations
- Spicy Chicken Lazone: Add extra cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce for more heat.
- Herb-Infused Sauce: Add 1 teaspoon of dried basil or Italian seasoning to the cream mixture for added herbal flavor.
- Mushroom Chicken Lazone: Stir in 1 cup of sliced mushrooms during the last hour of cooking for added texture and flavor.
- Garlic Chicken Lazone: Add 3-4 cloves of minced garlic to the skillet when searing the chicken for a stronger garlic flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I Use Chicken Thighs Instead of Chicken Breasts?
Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs work well in this recipe. They will be tender and juicy when cooked in the slow cooker.
2. How Do I Store Leftover Chicken Lazone?
Store any leftover chicken and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through.
3. Can I Freeze This Dish?
Yes, you can freeze Chicken Lazone. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
4. Can I Make This Recipe Dairy-Free?
To make this dish dairy-free, substitute the heavy cream with coconut milk and use a dairy-free butter alternative. The flavor will be slightly different but still delicious.
Serving Suggestions
- Pasta: Serve the chicken and sauce over cooked pasta for a comforting, creamy pasta dish.
- Rice: Pair with steamed rice to soak up the creamy sauce.
- Mashed Potatoes: Serve with creamy mashed potatoes for a hearty and satisfying meal.
- Roasted Vegetables: Add a side of roasted vegetables like broccoli, carrots, or asparagus for a complete meal.
Slow Cooker Chicken Lazone is a rich and creamy dish that’s easy to prepare and full of bold flavors. The combination of seasoned chicken, creamy sauce, and Cajun-inspired spices makes this dish a family favorite. Perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy dinner, this recipe is sure to satisfy everyone at the table. Give it a try, and enjoy the comforting taste of this flavorful Chicken Lazone!
