Slow Cooker Creamy Garlic Chicken and Veggies is a comforting, all-in-one meal that’s full of tender chicken, hearty vegetables, and a rich, garlicky cream sauce. It’s the kind of recipe I love to prep in the morning and come home to later—warm, flavorful, and ready to serve with zero fuss.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love this recipe because it’s truly a set-it-and-forget-it kind of meal. The chicken turns out juicy and flavorful, the veggies soak up all that creamy garlic sauce, and it’s hearty enough to serve as a full dinner without needing any sides. Plus, it fills the house with the most amazing aroma while it cooks.
Ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
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Carrots, peeled and chopped
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Baby potatoes or Yukon golds, halved
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Green beans (added later for best texture)
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Garlic, minced
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Chicken broth
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Heavy cream or half-and-half
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Cream cheese or sour cream
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Italian seasoning
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Salt and black pepper
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Olive oil or butter
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Optional: grated parmesan and fresh parsley for garnish
Directions
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I start by seasoning the chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, then sear it in a skillet with a bit of oil or butter until lightly browned (this step is optional but adds flavor).
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I place the chicken in the slow cooker and add the carrots and potatoes around it.
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In a bowl, I whisk together the broth, minced garlic, and cream cheese (or sour cream). I pour this mixture over the chicken and veggies.
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I cover and cook on low for 6–7 hours or on high for 3–4 hours, until the chicken is tender and the veggies are soft.
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About 30 minutes before serving, I stir in the heavy cream and add the green beans so they stay bright and tender.
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I taste and adjust seasoning if needed, then sprinkle with parmesan and parsley before serving.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 4 to 6 people. It takes about 15 minutes to prep and 6–7 hours to cook on low (or 3–4 on high), so I usually plan it for a day when I’ll be home or prepping in the morning.
Variations
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I sometimes use mushrooms or pearl onions for extra flavor.
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For a lighter version, I use Greek yogurt instead of cream cheese or sour cream.
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I’ve made it with sweet potatoes for a slightly sweeter twist.
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I swap in other veggies like bell peppers or broccoli, depending on what I have.
storage/reheating
I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, I warm it on the stovetop or microwave gently, adding a splash of broth or cream if the sauce thickens too much. This dish also freezes well for up to 2 months—just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken?
I prefer using thawed chicken for food safety and better texture. If I use frozen, I make sure to thaw it completely before adding to the slow cooker.
Can I skip searing the chicken?
Yes, I’ve made it without searing, and it still tastes great. Searing just adds a little more depth to the flavor.
How do I thicken the sauce?
The sauce is naturally creamy, but if I want it thicker, I stir in a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch + 2 tablespoons water) during the last 30 minutes.
Can I cook this on the stovetop instead?
Yes, I’ve made it in a Dutch oven by simmering everything gently for about 45–60 minutes, adding cream toward the end.
What’s the best way to serve this?
It’s a full meal on its own, but I sometimes serve it with warm bread to soak up the sauce, or over rice for a more filling plate.
Conclusion
Slow Cooker Creamy Garlic Chicken and Veggies is the kind of meal I turn to when I want something hearty, easy, and full of comfort. With minimal prep and maximum flavor, it’s a cozy dinner that feels like a warm hug—and one the whole family always enjoys.
Print
Slow Cooker Creamy Garlic Chicken and Veggies
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6–7 hours (low) or 3–4 hours (high)
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 to 6 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Slow Cooker Creamy Garlic Chicken and Veggies is a comforting, all-in-one meal featuring tender chicken, hearty vegetables, and a rich, garlicky cream sauce—perfect for busy days with minimal prep.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 4 carrots, peeled and chopped
- 1.5 lbs baby potatoes or Yukon golds, halved
- 1.5 cups green beans, trimmed
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- 4 oz cream cheese or 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil or butter
- Optional: 1/4 cup grated parmesan
- Optional: 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Season chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Optional: Sear chicken in a skillet with olive oil or butter until lightly browned.
- Place chicken in the slow cooker. Add chopped carrots and halved potatoes around it.
- In a bowl, whisk together chicken broth, minced garlic, and cream cheese or sour cream. Pour over the chicken and veggies.
- Cover and cook on low for 6–7 hours or on high for 3–4 hours, until chicken is tender and vegetables are soft.
- About 30 minutes before serving, stir in heavy cream and add green beans.
- Taste and adjust seasoning. Garnish with grated parmesan and fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- Searing the chicken adds extra flavor but is optional.
- Use Greek yogurt for a lighter version.
- Try swapping in mushrooms, pearl onions, sweet potatoes, or other veggies.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 2 months.
- Reheat gently on stovetop or in microwave with a splash of broth or cream if needed.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 105mg
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