1. Can I use boneless, skinless chicken for this recipe?

Yes, you can use boneless, skinless thighs or breasts, but the flavor may be slightly less rich. If using breasts, reduce the cooking time by about 30 minutes to prevent them from drying out.

2. How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and easily pulls apart with a fork. If using bone-in thighs, they should be tender and nearly falling off the bone.

3. What can I use instead of heavy cream?

You can substitute with half-and-half, whole milk, or even Greek yogurt for a lighter version. Keep in mind that these options may create a slightly thinner or tangier sauce.

Million Dollar Chicken and one bite

Description

This rich and creamy slow cooker Million Dollar Chicken is an easy, beginner-friendly dinner recipe made with tender chicken thighs, garlic, and cheese.

Ingredients

Scale

3 pounds of chicken thighs, bone-in and skin-on
2 teaspoons of kosher salt
1 teaspoon of black pepper
1/2 teaspoon of paprika
1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder
1/2 cup of unsalted butter (1 stick), sliced into pads
4 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup of chicken broth
1/4 cup of heavy cream
1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese
1/4 cup of chopped parsley for garnish
1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)

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Instructions

Season chicken thighs with salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder until evenly coated. Optional: Brown the chicken in a skillet for extra flavor.
Place the seasoned chicken in a single layer in the slow cooker.
Top the chicken with butter pads and sprinkle minced garlic over them.
Carefully pour chicken broth around the chicken, avoiding rinsing off the seasonings.
Cook on low for 6–8 hours or on high for 3–4 hours, until chicken is tender and nearly falling off the bone.
15 minutes before serving, stir in heavy cream and shredded cheddar cheese. Let them melt into the sauce.
If desired, mix cornstarch with a tablespoon of cold water and stir into the cooker to thicken the sauce.
Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.

Notes

Use boneless, skinless thighs or breasts for a leaner option, but reduce cook time.
Milk or Greek yogurt can replace heavy cream, though the sauce will be lighter.
Cheddar can be swapped for Gruyère, mozzarella, or pepper jack.
If sauce is too thin, reduce it by cooking uncovered for a few minutes or use flour instead of cornstarch as a thickener.
Leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 6 hours
Category: Main Course
Method: Slow Cooker
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 1/6 of recipe)
Calories: 480
Sugar: 1g
Sodium: 640mg
Fat: 36g
Saturated Fat: 18g
Unsaturated Fat: 15g
Trans Fat: 0.5g
Carbohydrates: 4g
Fiber: 0g
Protein: 35g
Cholesterol: 155mg