If you’re looking for a comforting, flavorful, and effortless meal, the Garlic Parmesan Crockpot Chicken and Potatoes Recipe is exactly what you need. This dish brings together tender boneless chicken breasts and perfectly cooked baby potatoes, all smothered in a rich garlic and Parmesan sauce. It’s like a warm hug on a plate, packed with savory garlic notes and the nutty goodness of Parmesan that seeps into every bite. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a relaxing weekend, this recipe is your new go-to for a hearty meal without the fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients is the first step to making this dish sing. Each one is simple yet essential, adding layers of flavor and texture that make this Garlic Parmesan Crockpot Chicken and Potatoes Recipe a standout. From the creamy cheese to the fresh garlic, every item plays a critical role.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: These provide lean protein that absorbs all the lovely seasoning and sauces beautifully.
- Baby potatoes: Their small size means they cook perfectly alongside the chicken and soak up those savory flavors.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: The star of the show, bringing that intense, nutty flavor and helping create a luscious sauce.
- Chicken broth: Keeps the dish moist and infuses a gentle savory base throughout.
- Garlic: Minced fresh garlic adds a fragrant punch that elevates everything.
- Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that lends a classic, Mediterranean touch.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning and balancing all the flavors.
- Heavy cream (optional): Adds an indulgent richness if you’re in the mood for a creamier sauce.
- Fresh parsley: Chopped and sprinkled on top for a bright, fresh finish.
How to Make Garlic Parmesan Crockpot Chicken and Potatoes Recipe
Step 1: Season the Chicken
Start by seasoning your boneless, skinless chicken breasts generously with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. This simple mix creates a flavorful foundation that will penetrate the meat as it cooks, ensuring every bite bursts with deliciousness.
Step 2: Layer the Potatoes
Next, halve the baby potatoes and spread them evenly over the chicken in your crockpot. Their natural starchiness will meld perfectly with the chicken juices and sauce, making them irresistibly tender and flavorful.
Step 3: Prepare the Garlic Parmesan Sauce
In a separate bowl, combine minced garlic, chicken broth, and half of your grated Parmesan cheese. This mixture forms the magic sauce that will seep into the chicken and potatoes, infusing the dish with a beautiful garlicky and cheesy aroma.
Step 4: Start Cooking
Pour the garlic Parmesan sauce evenly over the chicken and potatoes. Cover the crockpot, then cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours. This slow cooking allows the flavors to marry perfectly and ensures the chicken remains tender while the potatoes soften to perfection.
Step 5: Optional Creamy Touch
If you love your sauces rich and creamy, stir in half a cup of heavy cream during the final 30 minutes of cooking. This simple addition transforms the dish into a velvety, luxurious meal that will impress every time.
Step 6: Melt the Remaining Cheese
About 10 minutes before serving, sprinkle the rest of the Parmesan cheese over the top. Cover the crockpot again so the cheese melts gorgeously, adding a delightful cheesy crust and extra depth of flavor.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Once fully cooked, garnish your Garlic Parmesan Crockpot Chicken and Potatoes Recipe with freshly chopped parsley. This not only adds a lovely burst of color but also a hint of fresh herbaceous brightness that perfectly balances the richness of the dish.
How to Serve Garlic Parmesan Crockpot Chicken and Potatoes Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes can elevate this dish even further. Fresh parsley is a classic choice, adding color and a mild herbal flavor. A light dusting of extra Parmesan right before serving also adds a lovely touch, making the meal feel extra special without any extra effort.
Side Dishes
This recipe shines as a meal on its own, but you can complement it with a crisp green salad or some steamed vegetables for added freshness and crunch. Garlic bread or warm dinner rolls are also fantastic for soaking up the creamy garlic Parmesan sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun presentation, serve the chicken and potatoes in rustic bowls topped with parsley and a Parmesan sprinkle. Or, twirl some cooked pasta alongside and serve the chicken and potatoes atop, transforming leftovers into a new, hearty dinner twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen over time, making your next meal even more delectably rich. Be sure to cool the food to room temperature before refrigerating to maintain its best texture.
Freezing
You can freeze your Garlic Parmesan Crockpot Chicken and Potatoes Recipe in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Divide into individual portions for convenience. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to warm evenly. If the sauce has thickened, add a splash of chicken broth or cream to bring back its creamy texture.
FAQs
Can I use other types of potatoes?
Absolutely! Yukon Gold or red potatoes work wonderfully and hold their shape well in the crockpot. Just adjust cooking time slightly if using larger potatoes.
Is it necessary to add heavy cream?
Heavy cream is optional. It adds a silky texture and richness, but the dish is flavorful and satisfying without it, thanks to the Parmesan and broth.
How do I prevent chicken from drying out?
Cooking on low heat for the longer time and using the sauce mixture helps keep chicken moist. Avoid overcooking by checking doneness near the end of the suggested time.
Can I make this recipe in an Instant Pot?
Yes, you can adapt it to an Instant Pot using the sauté and pressure cook functions, but be mindful that cooking times will be shorter, around 20-25 minutes under pressure.
What can I substitute for Parmesan cheese?
Pecorino Romano is a great substitute with a similar sharp, salty profile. You can also use Asiago cheese or a mild shredded mozzarella for a different twist.
Final Thoughts
This Garlic Parmesan Crockpot Chicken and Potatoes Recipe has quickly become one of my absolute favorites for a reason—it’s easy, comforting, and packed with flavor that feels like home. Once you make it, you’ll see how the simple ingredients come together to create something truly spectacular. Give this recipe a try; I’m confident it will win a spot in your dinner rotation as it has in mine!
Print
Garlic Parmesan Crockpot Chicken and Potatoes Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes to 8 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Halal
Description
This Garlic Parmesan Crockpot Chicken and Potatoes recipe is an easy, hearty one-pot meal perfect for busy days. Tender chicken breasts and baby potatoes slowly cook together in a flavorful garlic Parmesan sauce, enhanced with Italian seasoning and optionally enriched with creamy heavy cream. Garnished with fresh parsley, this comforting dish requires minimal prep and the crockpot does all the work, making it an ultimate convenient dinner choice.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Vegetables
- 2 pounds baby potatoes, halved
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
Sauce
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
- 1 cup chicken broth
- ½ cup heavy cream (optional for a creamy sauce)
Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Season the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts evenly with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning to infuse the meat with classic herb flavors.
- Layer in Crockpot: Place the seasoned chicken breasts at the bottom of the crockpot to ensure even cooking.
- Add Potatoes: Halve the baby potatoes and layer them on top of the chicken, allowing them to absorb the aromatic juices during cooking.
- Prepare Sauce: In a bowl, mix together the minced garlic, chicken broth, and half of the grated Parmesan cheese. Pour this flavorful sauce evenly over the chicken and potatoes in the crockpot.
- Cook: Cover the crockpot and cook on low heat for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the chicken is fully cooked and the potatoes are tender.
- Add Cream (Optional): If you desire a richer sauce, stir in the heavy cream in the final 30 minutes of cooking to create a creamy texture.
- Finish with Cheese: About 10 minutes before serving, sprinkle the remaining Parmesan cheese over the top and cover again to let the cheese melt beautifully into the dish.
- Garnish: Once cooking is complete, sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley on top to add a fresh, vibrant touch.
- Serve: Gently stir the entire dish to combine the flavors before serving, enjoying a deliciously hearty meal.
Notes
- Using baby potatoes ensures even cooking and quicker cook time.
- Heavy cream is optional but adds a luscious, creamy texture to the sauce.
- For thicker sauce, remove lid during last 30 minutes to reduce liquid slightly.
- Fresh parsley garnish adds color and a burst of freshness.
- Adjust seasoning to taste if you prefer less salt or more herbs.
- Ensure chicken breasts are fully cooked by checking internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
