Slow Cooker Creamy Garlic Chicken with Herbs is the epitome of effortless elegance, a dish that delivers the rich, complex flavors of a restaurant-quality meal with the simple, set-it-and-forget-it convenience of a slow cooker. This recipe masterfully coaxes maximum flavor from its ingredients, beginning with a crucial step of searing the chicken to create a golden-brown crust that adds a deep, savory foundation. The chicken is then gently poached in a luxurious bath of chicken broth, heavy cream, and an abundance of minced garlic, which mellows and sweetens during the long, slow cook, infusing the entire dish with its aromatic essence. A classic blend of dried thyme, rosemary, and parsley provides a warm, earthy backbone that complements the garlic and cream without overpowering it. The final transformation occurs with a simple cornstarch slurry, which thickens the cooking liquids into a velvety, clingy sauce that beautifully coats the tender chicken and is perfect for spooning over pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes.
The true brilliance of this recipe lies in its perfect balance of simplicity and sophistication. While the ingredient list is straightforward and the method is forgiving, the result is a creamy, herbaceous, and deeply satisfying dish that feels special enough for a weekend dinner party yet simple enough for a busy weeknight. The slow cooker ensures the chicken remains incredibly moist and juicy, while the initial sear guarantees a depth of flavor that is often missing from slow-cooker-only recipes. The sauce, which starts as a thin liquid, reduces and thickens into a creamy gravy that is far greater than the sum of its parts. Slow Cooker Creamy Garlic Chicken with Herbs is a versatile and reliable recipe that proves you don’t need complicated techniques or hard-to-find ingredients to create a truly memorable and comforting meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Restaurant-Quality Flavor at Home: Achieves a rich, creamy, and herbaceous taste that rivals any bistro-style chicken dish.
- Foolproof and Tender Chicken: The slow, gentle cooking guarantees perfectly cooked, juicy chicken breasts every single time.
- Hands-Off Cooking: After a quick sear and simple assembly, the slow cooker does all the work, freeing up your time.
- Versatile and Comforting: The creamy garlic sauce is a perfect pairing for a variety of sides, from pasta and rice to roasted vegetables.
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 – 2 lbs)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons cold water
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
Step 1: Sear the Chicken
Pat the chicken breasts dry and season generously with salt and pepper. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken and sear for 3-4 minutes per side, until a golden-brown crust forms. The chicken does not need to be cooked through.
Step 2: Assemble in the Slow Cooker
Transfer the seared chicken breasts to the slow cooker insert, arranging them in a single layer. In a medium bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, heavy cream, minced garlic, dried thyme, dried rosemary, and dried parsley. Pour this mixture evenly over the chicken in the slow cooker.
Step 3: Slow Cook to Perfection
Cover and cook on LOW for 4-5 hours, or until the chicken is tender and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F / 74°C).
Step 4: Thicken the Sauce
About 30 minutes before serving, prepare a slurry by whisking the cornstarch and cold water together in a small bowl until smooth. Remove the lid from the slow cooker and stir the slurry into the sauce. Switch the setting to HIGH, re-cover, and cook for an additional 20-30 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened to a creamy, gravy-like consistency.
Step 5: Serve and Garnish
Serve the chicken hot, spooning the generous amount of creamy garlic sauce over the top. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley. This dish pairs wonderfully with egg noodles, mashed potatoes, or steamed rice to soak up the delicious sauce.
Tips:
- Don’t Skip the Sear: Searing the chicken is a critical step for building a rich, deep flavor foundation that permeates the entire dish.
- Use Fresh Garlic: For the best and most potent garlic flavor, use freshly minced garlic rather than the pre-minced jarred variety.
- Check for Doneness: Chicken breast cook times can vary. Use an instant-read thermometer to ensure the thickest part of the chicken has reached 165°F (74°C).
- Adjust Sauce Thickness: If the sauce isn’t thick enough after adding the slurry, you can create and add a second one. If it becomes too thick, simply whisk in a splash of chicken broth or cream to thin it to your desired consistency.
Storage Options:
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The sauce will thicken considerably when cold.
- Reheating: Reheat gently in a saucepan over low heat, stirring frequently. Add a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce as it warms.
- Freezing: Freezing is not recommended, as the dairy-based sauce is likely to separate and become grainy upon thawing.
