Another delicious Bored of Lunch recipe that I suggest you try is this Slow Cooker Creamy Garlic Chicken, prepared with chicken breasts, paprika, garlic, onion, and needs just a few hours in your slow cooker to reach perfection.

Making this Creamy Garlic Chicken in the slow cooker is easy; you start by coating 3-4 chicken breasts in 1 tsp of paprika, sear briefly, then slow cook with the listed ingredients.

Trust me, you’ll want to see how simple and rewarding making this dish can be; it’s comfort food made easy.

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Can I Use Frozen Chicken Breasts Directly in the Slow Cooker?

While it’s tempting to throw frozen chicken directly into the slow cooker for convenience, it’s not recommended due to food safety concerns. Always thaw your chicken first to ensure it cooks evenly and safely.

What if I Don’t Have Half-fat Butter or Light Cream Cheese?

No worries! You can use regular butter and cream cheese without drastically changing the essence of the dish. It’ll just be a bit richer, which, let’s be honest, isn’t necessarily a bad thing. Just keep an eye on portion sizes if you’re mindful of calories.

Slow Cooker Creamy Garlic Chicken Ingredients

• 3–4 chicken breasts, flattened (about 400g total)
• 1 tsp of paprika
• A few sprays of low-calorie oil
• 3 cloves of garlic, grated
• 1 onion, chopped
• 230ml of chicken stock
• 1 tbsp of half-fat butter
• ½ tsp of ground nutmeg
• Zest of ½ lemon
• 150g of light soft cream cheese
• 1 tbsp of cornflour mixed with 1 tbsp of water (optional)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Chopped chives and a dash of cayenne pepper, to garnish (optional)
• 120g of cooked tagliatelle per person

How To Make Slow Cooker Creamy Garlic Chicken

1. Spice the Chicken: Sprinkle your chicken breasts with paprika, it will add a layer of flavor and gives the chicken a beautiful color.
2. Sear with Care: Heat your frying pan over a medium flame and coat it with a spritz of low-calorie oil spray. Add your chicken to the pan and sear for about 2 minutes on each side, just enough to create a slightly golden crust.
3. Layer in the Slow Cooker: Gently place your seared chicken into the slow cooker. Now, introduce it to the chopped onion, grated garlic, chicken stock, half-fat butter, ground nutmeg, lemon zest, and season with salt and pepper.
4. Cooking Time: If you are in rush then set your slow cooker on high for 3–4 hours, otherwise set it on low for 6 hours. When it’s done, the chicken should be tender enough to pull apart with just a fork.
5. Creamy Transformation: Once the chicken is cooked to perfection, stir in the light soft cream cheese. For those who like their sauce thick and clingy, now’s the time to whisk in your optional cornflour mix. Let it cook just a bit longer until everything is seamlessly blended.
6. Plate and Garnish: Spoon this creamy, dreamy chicken over a bed of al dente tagliatelle. Garnish with chopped chives for a touch of freshness and a sprinkle of cayenne pepper if you’re in the mood for a kick.

Recipe Tips

• Browning the Chicken: Getting that nice, golden sear on the chicken not only locks in flavors but also adds a depth to the sauce that’s just unbeatable. Trust me, it’s a game-changer.
• Garlic Intensity: I always end up adding more garlic than most recipes suggest. If you’re a garlic lover like me, throw in an extra clove or two. It’s all about that rich, garlicky goodness that infuses the whole dish.
• Thickening the Sauce: There’s something so satisfying about a thick, creamy sauce, right? If you’re with me on this, just add a bit more of that cornflour slurry until it’s just perfect. It clings to the pasta so well.
• Lemon Zest: Adding the lemon zest closer to the end really keeps its flavor bright and fresh. It’s like a little zing that wakes up the whole dish.
• Slow Cooker Liner: And for those nights when I’m just not feeling the cleanup, a liner is a lifesaver. Makes life so much easier, and it doesn’t affect the taste at all.

Fun Variations to Mix It Up:

• Mushroom Delight: I started tossing in some sliced mushrooms with the chicken, and wow, it adds such a nice, earthy flavor that pairs beautifully with the creamy sauce.
• Spinach Addition: A handful of fresh spinach stirred in towards the end not only adds a splash of color but also gives a nice nutritional boost. Plus, it wilts just right, blending seamlessly into the dish.
• Herb Infusion: Throwing in a bit of fresh thyme or rosemary really transforms the whole vibe. It’s like bringing a bit of the garden into your kitchen, and the aroma is just heavenly.
• Cream Cheese Alternatives: I’ve experimented with swapping the cream cheese for goat cheese and even mascarpone. Each brings its own unique twist to the sauce—goat cheese adds a tangy kick, while mascarpone makes it unbelievably silky.
• Pasta Varieties: And don’t even get me started on pasta choices. Switching up the tagliatelle for fettuccine or penne keeps every bite interesting. It’s like a new experience each time.

What To Serve With Creamy Garlic Chicken

Serve Creamy Garlic Chicken with roasted broccoli, garlic mashed potatoes, steamed green beans, a crisp garden salad, and buttered corn on the cob.

These sides complement the creamy, rich flavors of the chicken, offering a well-rounded meal that satisfies all taste preferences.

How To Store Careamy Garlic Chicken

In The Fridge:

Place the Creamy Garlic Chicken in an airtight container and refrigerate within two hours of cooking. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days.

Ensure the container is sealed properly to maintain the dish’s flavor and prevent any fridge odors from seeping in.

In The Freezer:

Creamy Garlic Chicken can be frozen for up to 3 months. To freeze, cool the chicken completely and place it in a freezer-safe container or bag.

Label with the date to keep track. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

How To Reheat Creamy Garlic Chicken

Reheat your Creamy Garlic Chicken in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through.

Alternatively, microwave in a microwave-safe container, covered, stirring every 30 seconds to ensure even reheating.

Check out More Slow Cooker Recipes:

• Bored Of Lunch Slow Cooker Chicken Curry
• Slow Cooker Duck Legs
• Slow Cooker Peri Peri Chicken With Corn