If you’re looking for a comforting, hands-off dinner that fills your home with mouthwatering aromas, then Garlic Parmesan Crockpot Chicken and Potatoes is exactly what you need. This slow cooker recipe brings together tender chicken and golden potatoes coated in a rich garlic parmesan sauce, making weeknight meals effortless without sacrificing flavor. Whether you’re juggling a busy schedule or just craving a cozy, satisfying dish, this recipe is a fantastic go-to that delivers on taste and simplicity.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortless cooking: Toss all the ingredients in the crockpot and let it work its magic while you go about your day.
- Perfectly tender chicken and potatoes: Slow cooking locks in moisture, creating incredibly juicy chicken and soft, flavorful potatoes.
- Rich, savory flavor: The blend of garlic and parmesan creates a luscious sauce that elevates simple ingredients into a feast.
- One-pot meal: Everything cooks together, reducing cleanup and streamlining dinner prep.
- Great for busy weeknights: Minimal prep and maximum comfort make it ideal when time is tight.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Garlic Parmesan Crockpot Chicken and Potatoes recipe calls for a handful of simple, wholesome ingredients that work together to create a comforting, savory dish. Each component plays a crucial role in flavor, texture, and color, making your crockpot meal unforgettable.
- Chicken thighs or breasts: Choose boneless pieces for even cooking and tenderness.
- Baby potatoes: Small potatoes roast beautifully and soak up the parmesan garlic sauce.
- Garlic cloves: Fresh garlic offers an aromatic punch essential to the dish’s flavor.
- Grated parmesan cheese: Adds a rich, nutty creaminess that coats the chicken and potatoes.
- Olive oil or melted butter: Provides a luscious base for the sauce and enhances flavor.
- Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme brings savory complexity.
- Salt and pepper: Basic seasonings to balance and brighten the dish perfectly.
- Fresh parsley (optional): Adds a touch of freshness and color at the end.
Variations for Garlic Parmesan Crockpot Chicken and Potatoes
One of the best parts about this recipe is how easy it is to customize. Whether you’re catering to dietary needs, tweaking flavors, or just experimenting with your pantry staples, there are plenty of tasty variations you can try.
- Swap proteins: Use bone-in chicken thighs or even turkey breast for different textures and flavors.
- Add vegetables: Toss in carrots, green beans, or mushrooms to boost color and nutrition.
- Make it spicy: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne to give a gentle kick.
- Dairy-free option: Use nutritional yeast instead of parmesan and olive oil to keep it creamy without dairy.
- Herb variations: Try rosemary or fresh thyme instead of Italian seasoning for a more earthy note.
How to Make Garlic Parmesan Crockpot Chicken and Potatoes
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken and Potatoes
Start by rinsing and drying the chicken pieces and baby potatoes. If your potatoes are larger, cut them into bite-sized chunks for even cooking. Mince the garlic finely or press it to release those delicious oils.
Step 2: Mix the Garlic Parmesan Sauce
In a small bowl, combine grated parmesan cheese, minced garlic, olive oil or melted butter, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir until well blended to create a creamy, flavorful sauce that will coat the chicken and potatoes.
Step 3: Layer Ingredients in the Crockpot
Place the potatoes at the bottom of the crockpot since they take longer to cook. Next, add the chicken pieces on top, then pour the garlic parmesan sauce evenly over everything. This layering helps the flavors meld beautifully as it cooks.
Step 4: Slow Cook Until Tender
Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6 to 7 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours. The chicken should be tender and reach an internal temperature of 165°F, while the potatoes become soft and infused with the garlic parmesan goodness.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Once cooked, sprinkle fresh parsley on top for a vibrant touch. Serve hot and enjoy a comforting plate of Garlic Parmesan Crockpot Chicken and Potatoes that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Pro Tips for Making Garlic Parmesan Crockpot Chicken and Potatoes
- Use bone-in chicken for more flavor: Bone-in thighs release extra juices, enhancing the dish’s richness.
- Don’t skip the parmesan: Freshly grated parmesan melts better and gives a deeper flavor than pre-shredded options.
- Even potato sizes matter: Cutting potatoes uniformly ensures they cook evenly alongside the chicken.
- Layering is key: Placing potatoes on the bottom prevents the chicken from overcooking and lets the potatoes soak in the sauce.
- Resist lifting the lid: Opening the crockpot too often releases heat and extends cooking time.
How to Serve Garlic Parmesan Crockpot Chicken and Potatoes
Garnishes
Brighten the dish with freshly chopped parsley, chives, or a light dusting of extra parmesan cheese to add an inviting pop of color and flavor.
Side Dishes
Pair with a crisp green salad, steamed asparagus, or garlic bread to round out the meal with complementary textures and tastes.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve in rustic bowls for comfort-food vibes or on a beautiful platter garnished with herbs for easy family-style dining that impresses guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, keeping flavors fresh and textures delicious.
Freezing
This recipe freezes well—just cool completely, portion into freezer-safe containers, and freeze for up to 3 months for convenient future meals.
Reheating
Reheat gently in the microwave or oven, covered, to maintain moisture and prevent the chicken from drying out.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
It’s best to use thawed chicken to ensure even cooking and avoid food safety issues.
Can I substitute the parmesan cheese with another cheese?
Yes, pecorino romano or asiago can be good substitutes, but parmesan’s unique flavor is ideal for this dish.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! It stores and reheats wonderfully, making it perfect for preparing meals ahead of a busy week.
Can I add cream or milk to make the sauce creamier?
You can add a splash of heavy cream toward the end of cooking for a richer sauce, though it’s delicious even without it.
What’s the best way to prevent potatoes from getting mushy?
Use firmer baby potatoes and cut bigger potatoes into chunks, cooking on low heat to gently soften without turning to mush.
Final Thoughts
Garlic Parmesan Crockpot Chicken and Potatoes is a total game changer for busy nights when you want something comforting, flavorful, and easy to prepare. With minimal effort and maximum taste, this recipe is sure to become a beloved staple in your home. Give it a try, and you may just find your new favorite slow cooker meal!
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Garlic Parmesan Crockpot Chicken and Potatoes
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes to 7 hours 15 minutes (low) or 3 hours 15 minutes to 3 hours 45 minutes (high)
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Garlic Parmesan Crockpot Chicken and Potatoes is a comforting and easy slow cooker recipe that combines tender chicken and golden baby potatoes coated in a rich garlic parmesan sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights, this one-pot meal locks in moisture and flavor, requiring minimal prep while delivering maximum taste and satisfaction.
Ingredients
Protein
- 1.5 to 2 pounds boneless chicken thighs or breasts
Vegetables
- 1.5 pounds baby potatoes (whole or halved if large)
- 3–4 garlic cloves, minced or pressed
Sauce and Seasonings
- 3/4 cup grated parmesan cheese, freshly grated preferred
- 3 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (blend of oregano, basil, thyme)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken and Potatoes: Rinse and dry the chicken pieces and baby potatoes. If potatoes are larger, cut into bite-sized chunks for even cooking. Mince or press the garlic to release its oils.
- Mix the Garlic Parmesan Sauce: In a small bowl, combine grated parmesan cheese, minced garlic, olive oil or melted butter, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir well to create a creamy, flavorful sauce.
- Layer Ingredients in the Crockpot: Place potatoes at the bottom of the crockpot, then add chicken pieces on top. Evenly pour the garlic parmesan sauce over everything to ensure all ingredients are coated.
- Slow Cook Until Tender: Cover and cook on low for 6 to 7 hours, or on high for 3 to 4 hours. Chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F, with potatoes soft and infused with flavor.
- Garnish and Serve: Once cooked, sprinkle fresh parsley on top for color and freshness. Serve hot and enjoy a comforting and hearty meal.
Notes
- Use bone-in chicken thighs for extra flavor and moisture.
- Freshly grated parmesan cheese melts better and enhances flavor compared to pre-shredded cheese.
- Cut potatoes uniformly for even cooking alongside chicken.
- Place potatoes at the bottom of the crockpot to prevent chicken from overcooking and to soak potatoes in the sauce.
- Resist lifting the crockpot lid during cooking to prevent heat loss and extended cooking time.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 to 7 hours (low) or 3 to 4 hours (high)
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 550 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg
