Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Chicken Scampi is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner. Juicy chicken breasts are cooked in a rich garlic and Parmesan sauce, creating a flavorful scampi-style dish that pairs perfectly with pasta or zucchini noodles. Using a slow cooker makes this dish incredibly convenient, allowing you to come home to a warm, delicious meal without much effort.
Table of Contents
Introduction
If you love garlic, Parmesan, and chicken, this Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Chicken Scampi is the perfect meal for you. This dish features tender chicken cooked slowly in a creamy garlic-Parmesan sauce, resulting in a flavorful and satisfying meal that’s sure to please everyone at the table. The slow cooker makes it easy to prepare, and the rich flavors of garlic, butter, and Parmesan cheese make it a comforting favorite.
Whether you’re serving it over pasta, rice, or zucchini noodles for a low-carb option, this dish is versatile and perfect for any occasion. The combination of juicy chicken and creamy, garlicky sauce makes this scampi-style dish a delicious choice for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
- Cooked pasta or zucchini noodles, for serving
Instructions
Step 1: Season the Chicken
- Season the chicken breasts with salt, black pepper, and paprika on both sides.
Step 2: Add Ingredients to the Slow Cooker
- Place the seasoned chicken breasts in the slow cooker.
- In a small bowl, mix together the melted butter, minced garlic, chicken broth, heavy cream, grated Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, dried oregano, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using).
- Pour the mixture over the chicken breasts in the slow cooker, making sure they are evenly coated.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 4-5 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, until the chicken is tender and fully cooked.
Step 4: Serve
- Remove the chicken from the slow cooker and let it rest for a few minutes.
- Serve the chicken with the garlic Parmesan sauce over cooked pasta or zucchini noodles.
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley, if desired.
Cooking Tips & Notes
- Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts work well for this recipe, but you can also use boneless, skinless chicken thighs if you prefer.
- Sauce Consistency: If the sauce is too thin, you can thicken it by stirring in a slurry made from 1 tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons of water. Add it to the slow cooker during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- Garlic: If you’re a big garlic fan, feel free to add more garlic cloves for an extra garlicky flavor.
Variations
- Spicy Chicken Scampi: Add extra crushed red pepper flakes for a spicier version of the dish.
- Mushroom Chicken Scampi: Add 1 cup of sliced mushrooms to the slow cooker along with the chicken for added flavor and texture.
- Low-Carb Option: Serve the chicken over zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice instead of pasta for a low-carb meal.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I Use Chicken Thighs Instead of Breasts?
Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs work well in this recipe and will be just as tender and flavorful. The cooking time may be slightly shorter for thighs.
2. How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store leftover chicken and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through.
3. Can I Freeze This Dish?
Yes, you can freeze this dish. Let it cool completely, then store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
4. Can I Use Milk Instead of Heavy Cream?
Yes, you can use whole milk instead of heavy cream, but the sauce may be less rich and creamy. You can also use half-and-half for a lighter version.
Serving Suggestions
- Pasta: Serve over your favorite pasta, such as spaghetti, fettuccine, or linguine, to soak up the creamy garlic Parmesan sauce.
- Zucchini Noodles: For a low-carb option, serve the chicken over zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice.
- Garlic Bread: Pair with garlic bread or crusty bread to make the most of the delicious sauce.
- Steamed Vegetables: Serve with steamed broccoli, green beans, or asparagus for a balanced meal.
Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Chicken Scampi is a rich and flavorful dish that’s perfect for any night of the week. With tender chicken cooked in a creamy garlic-Parmesan sauce, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your home. Whether you’re serving it over pasta or zucchini noodles, the combination of juicy chicken and savory sauce makes for a comforting and satisfying meal. Give it a try, and enjoy a delicious, stress-free dinner that everyone will love!