Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes Recipe

If you’re looking for an easy, flavorful, and comforting meal that practically cooks itself, then Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes is the answer. This dish combines the richness of garlic, the savory notes of parmesan cheese, and the heartiness of tender chicken and golden potatoes—all cooked to perfection in your slow cooker. With minimal prep time, you can set it and forget it, letting the Crockpot do all the hard work while you go about your day.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Now that you have all the ingredients ready, it’s time to get started on your Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes. The beauty of this dish is that it’s easy to make, and once you get everything in the Crockpot, the slow cooker takes over, making it an incredibly low-effort meal.

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

1. Season the Chicken:

   • Begin by seasoning your chicken breasts with salt, pepper, dried Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and red pepper flakes (if using). Be sure to rub the seasoning into the chicken on all sides for maximum flavor.

2. Sear the Chicken (optional but recommended):

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   • Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
   • Once the oil is hot, add the chicken breasts and sear them for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they develop a golden-brown crust. Searing is optional, but it adds a wonderful depth of flavor and keeps the chicken moist during cooking.
   • Once seared, transfer the chicken to the Crockpot. This step can be skipped if you’re in a hurry, but the searing helps seal in juices and adds to the overall taste.

Step 2: Prepare the Potatoes

1. Prep the Potatoes:

   • Wash the baby potatoes thoroughly to remove any dirt. You can leave the skin on for a rustic touch, or peel them if preferred.
   • Cut the potatoes into halves or quarters depending on their size, ensuring that the pieces are relatively uniform for even cooking.

2. Season the Potatoes:

   • Place the potatoes in a large bowl and drizzle with olive oil. Toss to coat evenly.
   • Sprinkle the garlic powder, dried thyme (or rosemary), salt, and black pepper over the potatoes. Toss again to ensure all the potatoes are evenly seasoned.

3. Add Parmesan:

   • Add 1/4 cup of grated parmesan cheese to the potatoes and toss them gently to coat. This will give the potatoes a cheesy crust as they cook.

4. Arrange the Potatoes in the Crockpot:

   • Layer the seasoned potatoes around and on top of the chicken breasts in the Crockpot. Make sure the potatoes are evenly distributed, allowing them to cook thoroughly while absorbing the flavors of the chicken.

Step 3: Make the Garlic Parmesan Sauce

1. Combine the Sauce Ingredients:

   • In a small bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, chicken broth, melted butter, and grated parmesan cheese. This mixture will create the creamy garlic parmesan sauce that will infuse the chicken and potatoes as they cook.

2. Add Garlic:

   • Mince or crush 2-3 garlic cloves and add them to the sauce mixture. If you prefer a more intense garlic flavor, you can use garlic powder as well, but fresh garlic adds a more authentic taste.

3. Pour the Sauce Over the Chicken and Potatoes:

   • Carefully pour the garlic parmesan sauce over the chicken and potatoes in the Crockpot. This sauce will melt into the potatoes, turning them into a flavorful, creamy side dish while the chicken remains juicy and tender.

Step 4: Slow Cook the Dish

1. Cook on Low:

   • Cover the Crockpot and cook on low for 6 to 7 hours. The chicken will become tender, and the potatoes will absorb all the flavors from the sauce. If you’re short on time, you can cook on high for 3 to 4 hours, but low and slow is always the best way to get the most tender chicken and potatoes.

2. Check for Doneness:

   • After the cooking time is up, check the chicken’s internal temperature. It should reach at least 165°F (75°C) to be safe to eat. Use a meat thermometer to be sure.
   • Also, check that the potatoes are fork-tender. If the chicken and potatoes are done, you’re ready to serve.

Step 5: Finish the Dish

1. Garnish:

   • Once everything is cooked, garnish your Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
   • Optionally, you can sprinkle a little more parmesan cheese over the dish before serving for extra cheesy goodness.

2. Serve and Enjoy:

   • Use tongs or a slotted spoon to serve the chicken and potatoes onto plates. The garlic parmesan sauce will coat the chicken and potatoes beautifully, giving each bite a deliciously creamy texture. Serve with a side salad or steamed vegetables to balance the richness of the dish.

Tips and Tricks for Perfect Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes

To ensure your Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes turns out perfectly every time, here are some helpful tips and tricks:

1. Use Chicken Thighs for Extra Juiciness:
   While chicken breasts are the go-to for many Crockpot recipes, chicken thighs will yield even juicier and more flavorful results. You can use bone-in, skinless thighs in place of chicken breasts for a more tender dish.

2. Don’t Overcrowd the Crockpot:
   It’s important not to overcrowd the Crockpot, as the ingredients need space to cook evenly. If you’re making a larger batch, consider using a bigger Crockpot or cooking in batches.

3. Add More Vegetables:
   If you want to make this dish even heartier, consider adding other vegetables like carrots, bell peppers, or onions to the Crockpot. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time for the additional ingredients. Root vegetables like carrots and parsnips will need a bit more time to cook than potatoes.

4. Use Fresh Garlic for Maximum Flavor:
   While garlic powder works in a pinch, fresh garlic will give the sauce a more robust flavor. Crush or finely chop the garlic and let it cook in the sauce to release its aromatic qualities.

5. Adjust the Sauce Consistency:
   If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can thicken the sauce by removing the lid for the last 30 minutes of cooking, allowing it to reduce. Alternatively, you can whisk in a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons of water) to thicken it up.

6. Make It Dairy-Free:
   If you’re following a dairy-free or vegan diet, you can substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream or a non-dairy milk like almond or oat milk. Use a dairy-free parmesan alternative and a plant-based butter to keep the dish creamy without dairy.

Serving Suggestions

Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes is hearty enough to be a meal on its own, but if you’re looking to serve it with additional sides, here are some excellent options:

• Garlic Bread or Dinner Rolls: Perfect for soaking up the creamy garlic parmesan sauce.
• Steamed Vegetables: Lighten up the meal with a side of steamed broccoli, green beans, or asparagus.
• Side Salad: A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette will balance the richness of the dish.

Conclusion

This Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes recipe is the ultimate comfort food for busy nights when you still want to enjoy a delicious, hearty meal. With minimal preparation, it’s a one-pot wonder that delivers big flavors with little effort. The creamy garlic parmesan sauce is the star of the dish, infusing the chicken and potatoes with savory goodness, while the Crockpot ensures everything cooks to perfection. This recipe is a surefire way to satisfy your cravings for comfort food with a meal that’s both flavorful and easy to make. Enjoy!

Yield: 4

Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes Recipe

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If you're looking for an easy, flavorful, and comforting meal that practically cooks itself, then Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes is the answer. This dish combines the richness of garlic, the savory notes of parmesan cheese, and the heartiness of tender chicken and golden potatoes—all cooked to perfection in your slow cooker. With minimal prep time, you can set it and forget it, letting the Crockpot do all the hard work while you go about your day.

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 8 hours

Total Time 8 hours 10 minutes

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs, if preferred)
• 1.5 lbs baby potatoes (or regular potatoes, cut into cubes)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 packet ranch seasoning mix (or homemade ranch seasoning)
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme (optional)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1/4 cup chicken broth (or water)
• Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken and Potatoes

1. Season the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, dried parsley, and dried thyme.
2. Prepare the Potatoes: If using baby potatoes, halve them. If using regular potatoes, chop them into bite-sized cubes.
3. Layer in Crockpot: Place the seasoned chicken breasts at the bottom of the crockpot. Add the halved or chopped potatoes on top of the chicken.

Step 2: Make the Garlic Parmesan Sauce

1. Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, mix together the olive oil, minced garlic, ranch seasoning mix, grated Parmesan cheese, and chicken broth (or water). Stir well to combine.
2. Pour Over Chicken and Potatoes: Pour the garlic Parmesan mixture evenly over the chicken and potatoes in the crockpot.

Step 3: Slow Cook

1. Cook on Low or High: Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 4 hours, until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F) and the potatoes are tender.

Step 4: Finishing Touches

1. Garnish: Once done, sprinkle fresh parsley on top of the chicken and potatoes for added color and freshness.
2. Serve: Serve the chicken and potatoes with a side of vegetables or a simple salad for a complete meal.

Notes

Chicken Thighs Option: If you prefer chicken thighs, they work wonderfully in this recipe! Just be sure to check for an internal temperature of 165°F.

Cheese Variations: For extra cheesiness, you can add some shredded mozzarella cheese over the top during the last 30 minutes of cooking.

Extra Veggies: If you'd like to add more vegetables, carrots, green beans, or broccoli are great options. Just add them about halfway through the cooking time so they don’t overcook.