When it comes to a comforting, fuss-free dinner that feels like a warm hug on a plate, the Garlic Parmesan Crockpot Chicken and Potatoes Recipe hits all the right notes. This dish brings together tender, juicy chicken and perfectly cooked baby potatoes, all bathed in a rich garlic Parmesan sauce that infuses every bite with savory goodness. Whether you’re a busy weeknight warrior or someone who loves slow-cooked meals that taste like they took hours of love and care, this recipe is an absolute must-try. It’s simple, flavorful, and packed with herbs and cheese that elevate it beyond the everyday.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple ingredients is the secret to this cozy, flavorful meal. Each item plays a crucial role, from the creamy Parmesan adding depth to the potatoes soaking up all those fragrant herbs and garlic – every bite is a taste sensation.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs: Choose your favorite cut for juicy, tender meat that soaks up the garlic Parmesan flavor beautifully.
- Baby potatoes, halved: These small potatoes cook evenly and absorb the sauce perfectly, offering a creamy texture without being mushy.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a nutty, salty richness that forms the heart of the sauce.
- Olive oil: Provides a smooth, fruity base that helps marry the flavors and keeps everything moist.
- Garlic, minced: Delivers bold aromatic notes that infuse the dish with a mouthwatering scent.
- Salt and black pepper: The simple seasoning heroes that balance and enhance all the other flavors.
- Dried thyme and rosemary: Classic herbs that introduce an earthy, piney brightness and warmth.
- Paprika: Adds a gentle smokiness and beautiful color without overpowering the other flavors.
- Crushed red pepper flakes (optional): A hint of heat for those who like a little kick.
- Fresh parsley, chopped: For garnish, adding freshness and a pop of green that makes the dish as pretty as it tastes.
How to Make Garlic Parmesan Crockpot Chicken and Potatoes Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Garlic Parmesan Sauce
Start by whisking together the olive oil, grated Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, dried thyme, rosemary, paprika, and optional crushed red pepper flakes. This mixture is the soul of your dish—rich, flavorful, and packed with those wonderful herbal and cheesy notes that make the chicken and potatoes sing.
Step 2: Layer the Potatoes
Place the halved baby potatoes evenly in the bottom of your crockpot. This setup allows the potatoes to steam and soak in the sauce as the chicken cooks on top, giving you tender, flavorful spuds that are anything but plain.
Step 3: Add the Chicken
Arrange the chicken breasts or thighs on top of the potatoes. The chicken will cook slowly, absorbing the rich Parmesan garlic sauce, resulting in incredibly moist and tender meat that falls apart easily.
Step 4: Pour and Toss with Sauce
Pour the prepared garlic Parmesan sauce evenly over the chicken and potatoes. Gently toss or nudge the pieces so everything is well coated. This step ensures every bite is bursting with that signature flavor and helps prevent dry spots.
Step 5: Slow Cook to Perfection
Cover your crockpot and cook on LOW for 6 to 7 hours or on HIGH for 3 to 4 hours. Patience here pays off, as the slow heat works magic, infusing the chicken and potatoes with the perfect balance of tenderness and flavor.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
When it’s time to eat, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the dish. This final touch adds a lovely burst of color and a fresh herbaceous note that brightens the savory richness beautifully.
How to Serve Garlic Parmesan Crockpot Chicken and Potatoes Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh chopped parsley is a no-brainer for this recipe because it adds just the right amount of color and freshness. For an extra layer of texture and flavor, try a sprinkle of extra Parmesan or a squeeze of lemon to brighten up the garlic and cheese notes even more.
Side Dishes
Since this Crockpot chicken and potatoes meal is pretty complete on its own, lighter sides work best. A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette or steamed green beans tossed with garlic would complement the richness perfectly without feeling heavy.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special dinner, serve this dish on warmed plates with a drizzle of garlic Parmesan sauce spooned over the top. You can also place the chicken slices atop a bed of sautéed spinach or couscous to add variety in texture and flavor. This recipe shines beautifully in rustic bowls where the sauce can pool invitingly around the ingredients.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover garlic Parmesan crockpot chicken and potatoes store wonderfully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen over time, making reheated portions even more delicious. Just be sure to cool the dish before refrigeration to keep everything at its best.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, freeze this recipe in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. It freezes well, although the potatoes may soften a bit more. To keep textures intact, consider undercooking slightly before freezing and finishing the cooking process after thawing.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat to prevent the chicken from drying out. Add a splash of chicken broth or water if the sauce seems too thick, and cover your dish while warming to lock in moisture and that irresistible garlic Parmesan aroma.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
While it’s best to use fresh or fully thawed chicken for even cooking, you can start with frozen chicken if you increase the cooking time and check doneness carefully. Make sure the internal temperature reaches 165°F for safe eating.
Is it okay to use other types of potatoes?
Sure! Russet or Yukon gold potatoes can work, but they might take slightly longer to cook and won’t absorb the sauce quite as well as baby potatoes do. Cut them into smaller pieces for best results.
Can I make this recipe without a crockpot?
You can adapt this recipe for the oven by placing everything in a baking dish covered with foil and roasting at 375°F for about 45 minutes to an hour, until the chicken is cooked and potatoes are tender.
How can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Swap the Parmesan for a dairy-free cheese alternative or nutritional yeast to maintain that cheesy flavor. Using olive oil and herbs will still keep the dish tasty and satisfying.
What sides pair well with this Crockpot chicken and potatoes?
Light and fresh sides are perfect companions—think steamed veggies, a bright salad, or even some crusty bread to mop up all the delicious garlic Parmesan sauce.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend the Garlic Parmesan Crockpot Chicken and Potatoes Recipe enough if you’re looking for a hearty, comforting meal that requires minimal effort but delivers maximum flavor. Once you try it, this will definitely become one of your favorite go-to meals, perfect for busy days or cozy evenings at home. Give it a whirl—you’ll be amazed at how simple ingredients come together into something truly special!
Print
Garlic Parmesan Crockpot Chicken and Potatoes Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Halal
Description
A flavorful and easy-to-make Garlic Parmesan Crockpot Chicken and Potatoes recipe that combines tender chicken breasts with seasoned baby potatoes slow-cooked to perfection in a rich garlic parmesan sauce. This comforting dish is perfect for busy weeknights and offers a delicious, hands-off meal with minimal prep.
Ingredients
Chicken and Potatoes
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
- 1.5 lbs baby potatoes, halved
Garlic Parmesan Sauce
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Garnish
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, grated Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, dried thyme, dried rosemary, paprika, and crushed red pepper flakes if using to create the flavorful garlic parmesan sauce.
- Layer the Potatoes: Place the halved baby potatoes evenly in the bottom of the crockpot, creating a solid base layer for even cooking.
- Add the Chicken: Arrange the boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs on top of the layer of potatoes in the crockpot.
- Coat with Sauce: Pour the prepared garlic parmesan sauce over the chicken and potatoes, gently tossing or spreading it to ensure everything is evenly coated with the flavorful mixture.
- Slow Cook: Cover the crockpot with the lid and cook on LOW heat setting for 6 to 7 hours or on HIGH setting for 3 to 4 hours until the chicken is fully cooked through and the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
- Garnish and Serve: Before serving, sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley over the dish to add freshness and color, enhancing both flavor and presentation.
Notes
- You can substitute chicken thighs for chicken breasts if you prefer a juicier and more flavorful meat.
- If you don’t have fresh parsley, dried parsley can be used, but add it at the end of cooking instead of as a garnish.
- Crushed red pepper flakes are optional but add a nice gentle heat; omit if you prefer a milder dish.
- Ensure potatoes are cut evenly to allow them to cook uniformly.
- Check the chicken and potatoes towards the end of cooking time to avoid overcooking, as slow cookers can vary.
