If you’re searching for a comforting, effortless dinner that feels like a warm hug on a plate, look no further than this Slow Cooker Parmesan Garlic Chicken and Potatoes Recipe. The juicy chicken melds perfectly with tender, flavorful baby potatoes, all infused with a cheesy, garlicky blend that’s simply irresistible. There’s something so wonderful about tossing simple ingredients into the slow cooker and returning hours later to a meal that tastes like you spent hours fussing over it. This recipe is a true game-changer for busy evenings when you want hearty, home-cooked food without the stress.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This dish is a celebration of simplicity. Each ingredient is carefully chosen to build layers of flavor and texture, creating a dish that’s as satisfying as it is straightforward. From tender chicken to savory Parmesan and aromatic garlic, this list brings all the essentials to your slow cooker with minimal fuss.
- Chicken thighs or breasts: Use boneless, skinless for tenderness and quick cooking in the slow cooker.
- Baby potatoes: Halved to cook evenly and absorb all the savory flavors.
- Parmesan cheese: Grated for that sharp, nutty kick that elevates the dish.
- Garlic cloves: Minced fresh garlic offers an aromatic punch that’s essential to the recipe’s depth.
- Onion powder: Provides subtle sweetness and enhances the overall seasoning profile.
- Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that brings an earthy, Mediterranean flair.
- Smoked paprika: Adds a gentle warmth and smoky undertone without overpowering.
- Salt and black pepper: The fundamental seasoning that brings all the flavors into harmony.
- Olive oil: Helps lock in moisture and adds richness to the chicken and potatoes.
- Chicken broth: Keeps the ingredients moist while infusing them with savory depth as they cook.
- Fresh parsley: Chopped and sprinkled for a fresh burst of color and mild herbaceousness at serving.
- Optional extra Parmesan: For topping right before serving if you want to kick up the cheesiness.
How to Make Slow Cooker Parmesan Garlic Chicken and Potatoes Recipe
Step 1: Mix the Seasoning Blend
Begin by combining the grated Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, onion powder, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl. This blend is the flavor powerhouse of the dish, delivering bold taste and irresistible aroma all through the slow cooking process.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken and Potatoes
Place the chicken thighs or breasts into the slow cooker first, spreading them out evenly. Then add the halved baby potatoes around and on top of the chicken. This layering ensures every bite of potato gets infused with juices from the chicken and seasonings.
Step 3: Add the Olive Oil and Seasonings
Drizzle the olive oil evenly over the chicken and potatoes. This helps keep everything moist and adds a subtle richness. Next, sprinkle the Parmesan garlic seasoning mixture over the top, distributing it evenly to coat all the ingredients in that irresistible flavor.
Step 4: Pour the Chicken Broth
Carefully pour the chicken broth around the sides of the slow cooker beneath the seasoning layers. The broth maintains moisture during cooking and allows the flavors to mingle deeply without making the dish soggy.
Step 5: Cook Low and Slow
Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6 to 7 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours. The result is tender, juicy chicken and potatoes so soft they practically melt in your mouth. Patience here really rewards your efforts with rich, developed flavors and perfect texture.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Once cooking is complete, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the dish for a pop of color and fresh flavor. Add extra Parmesan if you like a cheesier finish. Serve everything piping hot — it’s truly a comforting feast that looks as good as it tastes.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Parmesan Garlic Chicken and Potatoes Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is a natural choice for garnishing, lending vibrant green color and a slight herbal brightness that complements the richness perfectly. For an extra indulgent touch, sprinkle some additional grated Parmesan right before serving. A few twists of cracked black pepper also enhances both aroma and bite.
Side Dishes
This dish shines on its own as a hearty complete meal, but pairing it with a crisp side salad or steamed green vegetables like broccoli or green beans adds freshness and balance. Garlic bread or warm dinner rolls are also welcome companions for soaking up every last bit of that flavorful sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special touch, serve the chicken and potatoes family-style on a rustic wooden board or a large platter, allowing everyone to dig in together. You can also pile the chicken and potatoes over a bed of creamy polenta or fluffy couscous to create an elegant plate that’s perfect for guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers from the Slow Cooker Parmesan Garlic Chicken and Potatoes Recipe store beautifully in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to four days. The flavors even deepen after a day or two, making reheated portions taste just as good, if not better.
Freezing
This dish freezes well, too. Place cooled chicken and potatoes in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty zip-top bags and freeze for up to three months. When ready, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the microwave or a preheated oven. To keep the chicken moist, cover the dish lightly with foil and warm at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. Adding a splash of broth during reheating helps prevent dryness.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Absolutely! Both boneless skinless chicken thighs and breasts work well in this recipe. Thighs tend to stay juicier during slow cooking, but breasts will be delicious too if you prefer a leaner option.
Do I need to brown the chicken before adding it to the slow cooker?
Nope! This recipe skips that step to keep things simple. The slow cooker does all the work, and the long cooking time will develop beautiful flavor without searing.
Can I use other types of potatoes?
Baby potatoes are ideal because they cook evenly and soak up flavor well. You can substitute with small Yukon golds or fingerlings, but larger potatoes should be cut into smaller pieces to ensure even cooking.
Is it okay to cook this on high instead of low?
Yes! If you’re short on time, cooking on high for 3 to 4 hours will yield tender chicken and potatoes, though the flavors may be slightly less developed than with the low and slow method.
Can I add vegetables to the slow cooker?
Definitely! You can toss in hearty vegetables like carrots or green beans during the last hour of cooking so they retain some bite and freshness without overcooking.
Final Thoughts
This Slow Cooker Parmesan Garlic Chicken and Potatoes Recipe is one of those magical dishes that proves great food doesn’t have to be complicated. It’s perfect for busy days when you want something wholesome, flavorful, and satisfying with minimal effort. Give it a try soon — your taste buds are in for a delightful treat, and you’ll gain a new favorite go-to meal in your recipe collection.
Print
Slow Cooker Parmesan Garlic 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
Description
This Slow Cooker Parmesan Garlic Chicken and Potatoes recipe is a comforting and easy meal perfect for busy days. Juicy boneless chicken and tender baby potatoes are seasoned with a flavorful blend of Parmesan cheese, garlic, and Italian herbs, then slow-cooked to perfection, making a delicious one-pot dish that requires minimal effort while delivering maximum flavor.
Ingredients
Chicken and Potatoes
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- 1.5 pounds baby potatoes, halved
Seasoning Mix
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Other Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Optional: extra Parmesan for topping
Instructions
- Prepare the seasoning mixture: In a small bowl, combine the grated Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, onion powder, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to make a uniform seasoning blend.
- Arrange chicken and potatoes: Place the boneless chicken thighs or breasts and halved baby potatoes evenly into the slow cooker, ensuring they are spread out for even cooking.
- Add oil and seasoning: Drizzle the olive oil over the chicken and potatoes carefully. Then sprinkle the prepared Parmesan and garlic seasoning mixture evenly on top to coat everything well.
- Pour chicken broth: Gently pour the chicken broth around the edges of the slow cooker, avoiding washing away the seasoning, to keep the ingredients moist throughout the cooking process.
- Slow cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low heat for 6 to 7 hours or on high heat for 3 to 4 hours until the chicken is tender and the potatoes are fully cooked and soft.
- Serve: Once cooked, serve the chicken and potatoes hot, garnishing with freshly chopped parsley and extra Parmesan cheese if desired for added flavor and presentation.
Notes
- You can use either chicken thighs or breasts depending on your preference; thighs tend to be juicier and more flavorful in slow cooking.
- If baby potatoes are not available, use regular potatoes cut into small chunks for even cooking.
- To enhance flavor, you can brown the chicken in a skillet before adding to the slow cooker, though this step is optional.
- Adjust seasoning quantities based on your taste preferences, especially salt and pepper.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently.
