Slow Cooker Chicken Alfredo Recipe

Slow Cooker Chicken Alfredo Recipe

Cook Time: 150 minutes

Slow Cooker Chicken Alfredo

Ingredients

  • 4 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves, cubed
  • 2 (16 ounce) jars Alfredo pasta sauce
  • 4 slices Swiss cheese
  • 3 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

Step 1: Gather all the ingredients.

Step 2: Place the cubed chicken breasts and Alfredo sauce into the slow cooker. Stir to combine.

Step 3: Cover the slow cooker and cook on Low for 2 hours.

Step 4: After 2 hours, add the grated Parmesan and Swiss cheese. Stir to mix, then cover and cook for another 30 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked.

Step 5: Season with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir the mixture well before serving.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Calories 610
Total Fat 51g (65% DV)
Saturated Fat 21g (106% DV)
Cholesterol 126mg (42% DV)
Sodium 1592mg (69% DV)
Total Carbohydrate 9g (3% DV)
Total Sugars 5g
Protein 32g (63% DV)
Vitamin C 1mg (1% DV)
Calcium 186mg (14% DV)
Iron 1mg (3% DV)
Potassium 223mg (5% DV)

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.

If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.

Slow Cooker Chicken Alfredo Recipe

History and Origins

Chicken Alfredo is an Americanized version of the classic Italian dish "Fettucine Alfredo." The original Alfredo sauce was created in the early 1900s by Alfredo di Lelio, a chef in Rome, Italy. It was a simple dish consisting of butter, Parmesan cheese, and pasta, designed to appeal to his pregnant wife who had lost her appetite. Over time, this humble creation became a global sensation, especially in the United States, where it evolved into a creamy, rich sauce made with heavy cream, butter, and Parmesan. The version that includes chicken became popular as it offered a heartier, more substantial meal, often served with pasta like fettuccine or penne. The slow-cooker variation is a modern twist that allows busy home cooks to enjoy this indulgent dish with minimal effort.

Regional Variations

While Chicken Alfredo is a dish popular across the U.S., its ingredients and preparation methods can vary based on region and personal taste. In the southern U.S., you'll often find variations that include smoky bacon or sausage, giving the dish a robust, savory flavor. In the Midwest, the dish might be served with a heavy layer of cheese or even served over mashed potatoes instead of pasta. Some recipes call for adding vegetables like broccoli, spinach, or mushrooms, either in the slow cooker or as a topping. However, the slow cooker version, as presented in this recipe, focuses on simplicity, letting the flavors of the chicken and creamy sauce shine through.

How It Differs From Similar Dishes

What sets Slow Cooker Chicken Alfredo apart from similar pasta-based dishes like Chicken Parmesan or Baked Ziti is its simplicity and the method of preparation. While Chicken Parmesan is usually breaded and fried before being baked with marinara sauce and cheese, Chicken Alfredo is more of a creamy pasta dish where the chicken is cooked directly in the Alfredo sauce, creating a rich, cohesive flavor. Similarly, Baked Ziti is often more complex, featuring a tomato-based sauce and requiring the assembly of ingredients before baking. In contrast, the slow cooker method allows the chicken and sauce to meld together, making it a one-pot meal that's easy to prepare and requires minimal attention during cooking.

Where It Is Typically Served

Slow Cooker Chicken Alfredo is typically served as a family dinner or a casual gathering meal. Its perfect for busy weeknights when you need a filling, satisfying meal without much prep work. The dish is commonly served at home, often accompanied by garlic bread, a simple salad, or even steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans. It's also a popular choice for potlucks, as it is easy to prepare in large quantities and transport. In some restaurants, you might find slow-cooked variations of Alfredo served as a special, particularly in chain eateries that focus on comfort food.

Fun Facts

Here are some fun facts about Chicken Alfredo and its slow-cooker counterpart:

  • The original "Fettucine Alfredo" was so creamy that it was often served as a remedy for pregnant women in Italy, believed to help with nausea due to its mild, rich flavor.
  • In the U.S., Chicken Alfredo has become one of the most popular pasta dishes, often appearing on restaurant menus in various forms and flavors, including seafood versions and vegetarian adaptations.
  • Slow cookers, which are essential for this recipe, were first introduced in the 1970s and have since become a kitchen staple, praised for their convenience and ability to tenderize meats.
  • There are numerous variations of the Chicken Alfredo recipe, and many home cooks enjoy experimenting by adding ingredients such as sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, or even a drizzle of balsamic glaze for an extra flavor boost.

Enjoy this easy and delicious Slow Cooker Chicken Alfredo, a comfort food classic that combines rich flavors and minimal effort for a family-friendly meal.

FAQ about Slow Cooker Chicken Alfredo Recipe

Store leftover Slow Cooker Chicken Alfredo in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Make sure it cools to room temperature before storing to avoid condensation, which can affect the texture of the dish.

Yes, you can freeze the dish for up to 2-3 months. Place the chicken Alfredo in a freezer-safe container or a resealable freezer bag. When reheating, it may need some additional sauce or liquid as it might dry out during freezing.

To prevent the sauce from thickening too much or drying out, stir the dish every couple of hours. You can also add a little extra Alfredo sauce or water if the sauce looks too thick or dry during cooking.

Yes, you can substitute the Swiss cheese with mozzarella, cheddar, or a blend of your favorite cheeses. However, Swiss cheese adds a unique flavor that some people enjoy, so consider the flavor profile you're aiming for.

It is recommended to stir the chicken Alfredo once or twice during cooking, especially after the first few hours, to prevent the top from becoming dry or the sauce from hardening. Stirring ensures the flavors are evenly distributed.

Yes, you can use frozen chicken breast in this recipe. Just add it directly to the slow cooker without thawing. However, make sure to check that the chicken is thoroughly cooked before serving. It may take a little longer to cook from frozen.

If the sauce is too thin or soupy, you can add a bit more grated Parmesan cheese towards the end of cooking to thicken it. Alternatively, you can also cook the dish uncovered for the last 30 minutes to allow some of the excess moisture to evaporate.

Yes, you can add vegetables like broccoli, bell peppers, or spinach to the dish. Just be aware that some vegetables, especially frozen ones, may become mushy if cooked for too long. It’s best to add them in the last hour or so of cooking to retain texture.

You can leave the chicken Alfredo on the 'keep warm' setting for 1-2 hours after it’s fully cooked. However, for optimal taste and texture, it’s best to serve it within 30 minutes to an hour after cooking. Leaving it too long may cause the sauce to dry out.

Yes, you can cook the chicken Alfredo on high for 2-3 hours instead of the recommended low cooking time of 4 hours. However, be sure to monitor it, as cooking on high may cause the sauce to thicken faster, and you may need to add extra liquid.

Comments

Kevin

10/06/2025 01:52:54 PM

Great recipe - but NOT one that you can just "set and forget"... I found that I had to stir the sauce to prevent it from hardening at the top. But other than that - it turned out AMAZINGLY ;);)

mariegg

12/04/2012 05:54:49 PM

Easy and good, not a 5 star beceuse it didn't blow my mind, but it was very good. I always use either no boil lasagna or partially cooked pasta put into my crockpot at the begining of any recipe calling for dinner to be served over pasta. When I get home, I want supper DONE! Solution to the crusty top and dry chicken that others warned about: mixed sauce throughout the noodles(partially cook the noodles , just put them in boiling water and turn off water and let them sit in hot water 3-5 minutes, just to soften them so that way they don't fall apart cooking all day or turn to gummy mush), then put the raw chicken breast pieces (still partially frozen )on top of the pasta, then cover the entire top of dish with about 1 1/2 cups of mozzarella cheese. Had no swiss cheese on hand. Finished product had moist and yummy top, juicy chicken with good flavor, I added chopped onions, chopped bell pepper, garlic powder, didn't add in the parmasaan cheese because we like to add that to our plates. Was tempted to put in broccoli, but was scared it would get mushy cuz all I had was frozen broccoli and previous results with crockpoting frozen broccoli was a disaster. Next time I will put in raw broccoli and see how it turns out. Cooked on high 1 hour and low 6 hours (my crock pot automatically switches from high to low) so it basically cooked all day, I think a few more hours would be fine if you needed to be out of the house longer.Thanks for posting this! Will definately make again!

Isabel Barbosa Velozo

12/12/2011 03:24:12 PM

This was pretty decent. It wasn't the best chicken alfredo I've ever had but for being cooked in a slow cooker it was pretty good. I seasoned my chicken with salt, pepper, onion powder and garlic powder. I subbed the swiss for mozzarella because we don't like swiss. As others had said it does start to dry out and stick to the sides of the crockpot so I do think it's important to stir it a few times in between. I think the brand of alfredo sauce you use makes a difference too. I used Classico garlic alfredo. The chicken was very tender and at the very end I added a box of cooked fettucine noodles and let it sit for a few minutes. Next time I think I will add some sort of veggie like broccoli or maybe some red onion with green and red peppers.

Joan222

07/13/2015 04:06:26 PM

Really easy. I cut the chicken into bite size pieces and cooked on low for 4 hours. (I think low on my slow cooker is really a medium) I added cooked penne noodles ten minutes before serving. Everyone liked it but no-one raved about it!

Jen Sophiesmom

09/13/2009 07:38:20 PM

Made a version of this tonight for the first time and it came out really, really tasty. I had boneless, skinless chicken thighs that I sliced into strips (thirds), skipped the swiss cheese entirely, and used only one teaspoon of Parmesan. I had less chicken than the recipe called for, which made for ample sauce, so I dumped the last of the converted rice in there and voila! Hubby loved it. :)

Rainbow

08/30/2017 02:47:34 AM

I followed a recipe for Olive Garden's alfredo sauce instead of using the store bought. I did have to cook it a lot longer to get the chicken done.

Brit S

06/18/2020 10:36:24 PM

I skipped Swiss cheese and like someone said before stirred it regularly to prevent the top from getting hard . Turned out great

Allie McCarthy

01/24/2015 02:54:56 PM

Really good! I used 4 jars of sauce and 2 cups of mozzarella instead of the Swiss because my family LOVES their sauce. Will definitely be making this again!

Craig T

11/29/2018 05:29:23 PM

We liked this, but I did add mushrooms to it ands brazed the chicken before adding it to the Alfredo in the slow cooker. Seasoned the chicken with salt, pepper and garlic powder while in the pan. But it's a great, simple and easy dish to make..!

jllear

01/15/2012 09:25:08 AM

Loved it...I added sundried tomatoes and broccoli to my plate along with a drizzle of balsamic glaze...for me alfredo can be bland but my family like's it. I also added fresh minced garlic and a dash of garlic salt at the end.

AmateurCook28

06/29/2011 10:40:32 AM

Wow! Easiest and most versatile recipe I've seen for this tasty of a meal! I've made it twice this week already using pre-spiced, boneless chicken leg and thigh pieces. The first time I used plain Alfredo sauce and the second time tomato Alfredo sauce -- 2 jars and nothing else. Tossed in the pasta noodles towards the end. There were hardly any leftovers -- everyone gobbled this up. Definite keeper!

CozyFries7522

03/12/2025 10:08:29 PM

No changes, for the first time making this dish. I didn't have broccoli this time. But next time I'll have it in the recipe. An excellent dish. My wife loved it too as did I.

seafood beginner

02/12/2025 03:14:47 PM

Taste was good but sauce was more like soup than a thicker sauce. I went over the recipe and what I did was exactly what the instructions said to do. Why did the Alfredo sauce come out so soupy

Ronald Gomez

02/12/2025 01:52:49 AM

Tastes like it took hours, but it didn’t.

Richard Smith

02/11/2025 08:48:38 PM

Quick, effortless, and actually impressive.

Margaret Evans

02/11/2025 05:12:06 PM

Loved the simplicity of this dish.

CozyCurd4915

01/17/2025 07:33:10 PM

Super simple to make and good flavor. Based on other reviews, I did give it a stir one hour in, but had no sticking at all so that was not an issue. I was also afraid the chicken might be tough being cubed, but it was not. Family loved it!

Robert Lott

03/09/2020 11:17:31 PM

!!!!OMG!!!! This recipe is soooooooooo good! :) This is my first, and definitely NOT ithe last, time I made this recipe and it’s definitely now my most favorite ever. My only issue is with the large number of ingredients that need to be measured. The next time I’m going to do what those fancy TV cooking shows do and measure everything before starting to make this recipe.

Katie

12/17/2019 10:54:41 PM

I would like to make this but I’m a little confused by the cook time. Up above it says cook time 4 hours but down below in the recipe area it says to cook chicken and sauce for 2 hours and then only another 30 mins after that.

Patrice Hanley

08/28/2019 07:18:45 PM

It was a hit with the family. There was nothing left over.