Looking for a hearty, comforting meal that practically cooks itself? This Garlic Parmesan Crockpot Chicken and Potatoes recipe is your answer. With tender chicken, flavorful potatoes, and a creamy garlic Parmesan sauce, this dish brings together everything you love about a home-cooked meal with minimal effort. Simply toss the ingredients into your slow cooker, set it, and let the magic happen while you go about your day.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and versatility. Whether you’re a busy parent, a working professional, or just someone who loves a fuss-free dinner, this slow-cooked delight will quickly become a staple in your kitchen. The rich aroma of garlic and the savory kick of Parmesan will fill your home, making everyone eager to dig in as soon as it’s ready.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through every step to create this mouthwatering dish, along with tips to make it your own. From ingredient selection to serving suggestions, you’ll have all the tools to whip up a meal that’s as delicious as it is easy. Let’s dive into the world of slow-cooked comfort with this incredible recipe!
Recipe Overview
- Cuisine: American Comfort Food
- Category: Main Dish
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours on low or 3 hours on high
- Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes on low or 3 hours 10 minutes on high
- Servings: 4-6
What You’ll Need
Creating this Garlic Parmesan Crockpot Chicken and Potatoes dish requires a handful of simple ingredients, each playing a vital role in building layers of flavor and texture. Here’s a quick breakdown of what each component brings to the table:
- Chicken Breasts: The star of the dish, providing lean protein that becomes incredibly tender after slow cooking.
- Potatoes: Baby potatoes or small Yukon Golds add heartiness and soak up the flavorful sauce.
- Garlic: Fresh cloves or minced garlic infuses the dish with a robust, aromatic depth.
- Parmesan Cheese: Adds a nutty, salty richness that elevates the creamy sauce.
- Heavy Cream: Creates a velvety base for the sauce, binding all the flavors together.
- Chicken Broth: Enhances the savory profile and keeps everything moist during cooking.
- Seasonings: Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper bring balance and warmth to the dish.
- Butter: Adds a touch of richness and helps meld the sauce ingredients.
INGREDIENTS
- – 4-6 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- – 1.5 pounds baby potatoes, halved
- – 4 cloves garlic, minced
- – 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
- – 1 cup heavy cream
- – 1/2 cup chicken broth
- – 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- – 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- – 1/2 teaspoon salt
- – 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- – Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)
PREPARATION
- Begin by placing the chicken breasts in the bottom of your crockpot. Arrange the halved baby potatoes around and on top of the chicken for even cooking.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the minced garlic, heavy cream, chicken broth, melted butter, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and 3/4 cup of the Parmesan cheese until well combined.
- Pour the creamy mixture over the chicken and potatoes in the crockpot, ensuring everything is coated evenly.
- Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours, or until the chicken is tender and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Once cooked, sprinkle the remaining 1/4 cup of Parmesan cheese over the top. Cover and let it sit for 5 minutes to melt.
- Optionally, garnish with chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness before serving. Serve hot and enjoy!
NUTRITION INFORMATION
- Calories: 450 per serving
- Total Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Cholesterol: 130mg
- Sodium: 600mg
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 2g
- Protein: 35g
*Nutritional values are approximate and based on a serving size of 1/6 of the recipe.
Tips for Perfect Slow-Cooked Chicken
To ensure your chicken stays juicy and tender, avoid overcooking by checking the internal temperature with a meat thermometer. If you’re using frozen chicken, add an extra 30-60 minutes to the cooking time on low. Also, layering potatoes around the chicken helps distribute heat evenly.
Customizing Your Garlic Parmesan Sauce
Feel free to experiment with the sauce by adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle kick or a splash of lemon juice for brightness. You can also swap half of the heavy cream for cream cheese for an even thicker, richer texture.
Potato Varieties and Prep Tips
Baby potatoes work best due to their size and texture, but small Yukon Golds or red potatoes are great alternatives. Avoid larger potatoes unless you cut them into smaller chunks to ensure they cook through in the allotted time.
Serving Suggestions for a Complete Meal
Pair this dish with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans to balance the richness. A slice of crusty bread is perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce, making every bite even more satisfying.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce if needed.
Making It Ahead for Busy Days
This recipe is ideal for meal prep. Assemble all ingredients in the crockpot insert the night before and store it in the fridge. In the morning, just pop it into the base and start cooking—no extra hassle required.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Can I Use Chicken Thighs Instead of Breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a fantastic substitute for breasts in this Garlic Parmesan Crockpot Chicken and Potatoes recipe. They’re naturally juicier and more forgiving if slightly overcooked. Just ensure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F before serving. Cooking time remains the same, though thighs may cook a bit faster on the high setting.
Can I Make This Dish Dairy-Free?
Yes, you can adapt this recipe to be dairy-free with a few swaps. Use coconut cream or a dairy-free heavy cream alternative in place of heavy cream, and opt for a vegan Parmesan or nutritional yeast for that cheesy flavor. Replace butter with a plant-based option or olive oil for similar richness.
How Do I Prevent the Sauce from Curdling?
Curdling can happen if the cream overheats or if there’s an imbalance in ingredients. To prevent this, avoid cooking on high for too long if your crockpot runs hot. Stirring the sauce mixture well before pouring it over the chicken and potatoes also helps. If you notice separation, a quick whisk after cooking can often bring it back together.
Can I Add Other Vegetables to the Crockpot?
Definitely! Feel free to toss in vegetables like carrots, green beans, or even broccoli during the last 1-2 hours of cooking to avoid overcooking them. Heartier veggies like carrots can go in at the start, while softer ones should be added later for the best texture.
Conclusion
This Garlic Parmesan Crockpot Chicken and Potatoes recipe is the ultimate solution for a delicious, low-effort meal that doesn’t skimp on flavor. With just a few minutes of prep, you can create a comforting dish that’s perfect for family dinners, busy weeknights, or even casual entertaining. The tender chicken, perfectly cooked potatoes, and creamy, garlicky sauce will have everyone asking for seconds. If you’re ready to add this to your meal rotation, give it a try and let me know how it turns out!
For more slow-cooker inspiration or to explore other comforting recipes, be sure to check out related dishes on my blog. Don’t forget to sign up for my newsletter at example.com to get the latest recipes delivered straight to your inbox. Happy cooking!
