Crockpot Chicken Alfredo : This slow cooker chicken alfredo is the ultimate comfort food, made effortless with your slow cooker. Tender chicken breasts simmer in a rich, creamy Alfredo sauce, soaking up all the savory goodness.
Why Crockpot Chicken Alfredo?
Chicken Alfredo is already a beloved Italian-American classic. But when you make it in a Crockpot, it’s even better! The low-and-slow cooking method allows the chicken to become incredibly tender, while the flavors meld together perfectly in the creamy sauce. This method is ideal for busy days when you want to come home to a ready-to-eat, satisfying meal.
Tips and Tricks for the Best Crockpot Chicken Alfredo
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Freshly grated Parmesan and minced garlic make a difference in flavor.
- Control the Sauce Thickness: If you prefer a thinner sauce, add a bit of chicken broth or milk. For a thicker sauce, add more cheese.
- Cheese Quality Matters: High-quality Parmesan and mozzarella melt smoother and give a better flavor.
- Avoid Overcooking: Check the chicken after 4 hours on low or 2 hours on high. Overcooking can make it tough.
- Serve Immediately: Pasta tends to absorb sauce as it sits, so serve right after mixing.
Delicious Variations
- Broccoli Chicken Alfredo: Add fresh or frozen broccoli to the Crockpot in the last hour of cooking for a nutritious twist.
- Cajun Chicken Alfredo: Add 1-2 teaspoons of Cajun seasoning to the Alfredo sauce for a spicy kick.
- Mushroom Alfredo: Sauté mushrooms separately, then add to the Crockpot during the final hour for an earthy addition.
- Low-Carb Option: Skip the pasta and serve over steamed zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice.
How to Serve Crockpot Chicken Alfredo
This Crockpot Chicken Alfredo is a hearty meal on its own, but there are ways to elevate your dinner experience:
- Serve with Garlic Bread: Perfect for scooping up any leftover sauce.
- Add a Side Salad: A fresh Caesar or garden salad balances out the creaminess.
- Pair with Wine: A glass of Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc pairs beautifully with the richness of the Alfredo.
How to Store and Reheat Crockpot Chicken Alfredo
Storage
Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
Freezer: Crockpot Chicken Alfredo can be frozen in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Note that the sauce may separate slightly upon reheating, but stirring can help.
Reheating Tips
- Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe dish, cover, and reheat on medium power, stirring occasionally.
- Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium-low heat, stirring in a splash of milk or cream to restore the sauce’s creaminess.
Recipe FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken in the Crockpot?
While you can use frozen chicken, it’s best to thaw it beforehand. Using frozen chicken may lead to uneven cooking and increase the risk of bacterial growth. For safety and even cooking, always start with thawed chicken.
What other types of pasta work well with this recipe?
Though fettuccine is traditional for Alfredo, you can substitute it with linguine, spaghetti, or even penne. For a low-carb option, serve the Alfredo sauce over spaghetti squash or zoodles (zucchini noodles).
How do I prevent the sauce from curdling?
Curdling usually happens if the dairy is cooked at too high a temperature. Always cook on low, avoid excessive heat, and use heavy cream, which is less likely to separate compared to milk or lighter creams.
Can I add more vegetables?
Absolutely! Try adding spinach, peas, or bell peppers during the last 30 minutes of cooking for added nutrition and color.
Crockpot Chicken Alfredo
Crockpot Chicken Alfredo : This slow cooker chicken alfredo is the ultimate comfort food, made effortless with your slow cooker. Tender chicken breasts simmer in a rich, creamy Alfredo sauce, soaking up all the savory goodness.
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 4 oz cream cheese, cubed
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter, cubed
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving
- Fresh chopped parsley, for garnish
- 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 lb uncooked ziti pasta
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- In your Crockpot, combine chicken thighs, heavy cream, chicken broth, cubed cream cheese, butter, and seasonings (garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian seasoning).
- Set your Crockpot to HIGH and cook for about 2 hours, or until the chicken is tender and fully cooked through.
- Remove the chicken, shred it with forks, and return it to the Crockpot. Add the uncooked ziti and ½ cup of Parmesan cheese.
- Continue cooking on HIGH for another 30 minutes, or until the pasta is perfectly tender.
- Adjust salt and pepper to taste. Serve warm, garnished with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese if you like a bit of extra cheesy goodness.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 6 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 661Total Fat: 54gSaturated Fat: 31gTrans Fat: 1gUnsaturated Fat: 19gCholesterol: 243mgSodium: 858mgCarbohydrates: 17gFiber: 1gSugar: 5gProtein: 29g
Chickenrecipes.blog, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although allchickenrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Final Thoughts
Crockpot Chicken Alfredo brings the comfort of a classic pasta dish with the convenience of slow-cooking. It’s an ideal recipe for busy weeknights, cozy family dinners, or when you need a hands-free option for entertaining. With a few simple ingredients and some time in the Crockpot, you’ll have a dish that’s creamy, flavorful, and bound to impress.
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