Slow Cooker Parmesan Garlic Chicken and Potatoes Recipe
If you’re anything like me, you adore meals that are both effortless and packed with flavor—and that’s exactly why this Slow Cooker Parmesan Garlic Chicken and Potatoes Recipe has earned a permanent spot in my dinner rotation. Imagine tender chicken and golden potatoes bathing in a creamy, cheesy garlic sauce that practically melts in your mouth—comfort food done right with zero stress. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be hooked, and I’m excited to walk you through every step so your kitchen smells just as amazing as mine!
Why This Recipe Works
- Hands-Off Cooking: Just toss everything in the slow cooker and forget it until dinnertime.
- Comforting Flavor Combo: Parmesan and garlic are a classic duo that elevates simple chicken and potatoes to something special.
- Perfect Texture Every Time: Slow cooking ensures juicy chicken and tender potatoes without overcooking.
- Minimal Prep, Maximum Reward: With mostly pantry staples and just a few fresh items, this comes together quickly on busy days.
Ingredients & Why They Work
Each ingredient in this Slow Cooker Parmesan Garlic Chicken and Potatoes Recipe plays a crucial role, blending together to give you that rich, comforting taste with fuss-free prep. When shopping, prioritize fresh Yukon gold potatoes for their creamy texture and grab a good-quality parmesan garlic sauce—trust me, it makes a world of difference.
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts: These pieces cook evenly and stay tender when cut into bite-sized portions.
- Yukon gold potatoes: Their buttery flavor and firm texture keep them from getting mushy in the slow cooker.
- Dried Italian seasoning: Gives an herby depth that complements the garlic and parmesan beautifully.
- Parmesan garlic sauce: Acts as the creamy, savory base that ties everything together—look for one without added preservatives.
- Chicken broth: Adds moisture and enhances the overall flavor without watering down the sauce.
- Grated parmesan cheese: Sprinkled on top, it boosts that cheesy goodness and creates a luscious finish.
Tweak to Your Taste
I love that this Slow Cooker Parmesan Garlic Chicken and Potatoes Recipe is a fantastic blank canvas for your personal touch. I’ve played around with adding different herbs or swapping potatoes for sweet potatoes, and honestly, it’s fun to make it your own.
- Variation: For a little smoky twist, I sometimes add smoked paprika to the seasoning—it’s subtle but adds a layer of complexity.
- Dietary Swap: If you’re dairy-free, try using a vegan parmesan alternative and a garlic-infused olive oil sauce instead.
- Spicier Version: A pinch of red pepper flakes kicked it up a notch for me and my spice-loving guests.
- Seasonal Changes: During the fall, I like swapping out yellow potatoes for sweet potatoes for a touch of natural sweetness.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Slow Cooker Parmesan Garlic Chicken and Potatoes Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Layer the Potatoes
The first thing I do is spray my slow cooker insert with non-stick cooking spray—that’s a small step but a game changer when it comes to cleanup later. Then, I quarter the Yukon gold potatoes and layer them evenly on the bottom. This setup lets the potatoes cook perfectly as they soak up all the juices from the chicken and sauce above.
Step 2: Cut and Season the Chicken
I cut the chicken breasts into 1-inch chunks to ensure they cook evenly and stay juicy. Then sprinkle one tablespoon of dried Italian seasoning over the chicken before layering it atop the potatoes. This little seasoning step is key—it infuses the chicken with lovely, herbaceous notes that pair so well with garlic and parmesan.
Step 3: Add Sauces and Cheese
Next up, pour in the whole bottle of parmesan garlic sauce, add half a cup of chicken broth, and top it all with one cup of freshly grated parmesan. This combo creates that creamy and cheesy base everyone raves about. Now, here’s a tip: stir everything gently to mix the flavors—don’t overdo it or you might mash the potatoes.
Step 4: Slow Cook to Perfection
Pop the lid on and cook on low for about 4 to 5 hours, or high for 3 to 4—whatever fits your schedule. I’ve learned slow and low brings out the best flavors, but if you’re short on time, the high setting still yields great results. Don’t peek unnecessarily because it lets heat escape and might add cooking time.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Once the timer dings and everything is tender and bubbly, I sprinkle chopped fresh parsley and just a touch more parmesan on top for that fresh, bright finish. It’s simple but really elevates the presentation and flavor. Serve it up hot and watch the plate get cleaned fast!
Pro Tips for Making Slow Cooker Parmesan Garlic Chicken and Potatoes Recipe
- Even Potato Size: Cut potatoes into similar-sized pieces to ensure they cook evenly without some being mushy or underdone.
- Avoid Over-stirring: Mix the ingredients gently before cooking to keep the potatoes intact and avoid a cloudy sauce.
- Use Freshly Grated Parmesan: It melts better and has a superior flavor compared to pre-grated cheese in bags.
- Check Doneness Early: Start checking at the lower end of cooking hours to prevent overcooking, which can dry out the chicken.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Parmesan Garlic Chicken and Potatoes Recipe
Garnishes
I like to keep things simple with fresh chopped parsley—it adds a pop of color and a mild herbal brightness that cuts through the richness. Sometimes, I sprinkle just a smidge of crushed red pepper flakes for an unexpected kick. If I’m feeling fancy, a drizzle of good olive oil on top right before serving does wonders too.
Side Dishes
This dish is a meal on its own, but I often add a crisp, refreshing side salad with a lemon vinaigrette to lighten things up. Garlic bread or a simple steamed green veggie like broccoli or green beans pairs nicely and balances the richness perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I present this recipe in a beautiful ceramic dish garnished with edible flowers or microgreens to make it feel extra festive. You can also plate individual servings in shallow bowls with a sprinkle of extra parmesan and fresh herbs for a restaurant-style touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After dinner, I transfer leftovers to airtight containers and store them in the refrigerator—the flavors actually get better after a day or two. It keeps well for up to 4 days without losing any of that creamy, cheesy goodness.
Freezing
I’ve frozen this recipe by packaging it in freezer-safe containers before cooking or after it’s cooled. Just be mindful that potatoes’ texture might soften a bit upon thawing, but the flavor stays incredible—perfect for busy weeks.
Reheating
To reheat, I use the microwave for convenience, covering the container with a damp paper towel to keep moisture in, heating in 1-2 minute intervals. Alternatively, gently warming it in a skillet over low heat with a splash of broth restores its creaminess beautifully.
FAQs
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Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts in this recipe?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs actually stay even juicier during slow cooking and add a slightly richer flavor. Just make sure to cut them into similar-sized pieces for even cooking, and watch the cooking time—it might be ready a bit quicker.
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Is it possible to make this recipe in the oven instead of a slow cooker?
Yes! You can bake this in a covered casserole dish at 350°F (175°C) for about 45-60 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and potatoes are tender. Keep an eye on it towards the end to avoid drying out the chicken.
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What’s the best way to thicken the sauce if it seems too watery?
Stir in a slurry made from a teaspoon of cornstarch mixed with a tablespoon of cold water during the last 30 minutes of cooking. This helps the sauce thicken up without altering the flavor.
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Can I use frozen chicken breasts for this recipe?
While it’s possible, I recommend using thawed chicken for even cooking and safety. If you do use frozen, add extra cooking time and ensure the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) before serving.
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Do I need to add extra salt to this dish?
Usually, the parmesan garlic sauce and cheese provide enough saltiness, but I always taste before serving and add a pinch if needed. Remember, it’s easier to add salt later than to fix an oversalted dish!
Final Thoughts
This Slow Cooker Parmesan Garlic Chicken and Potatoes Recipe is truly one of those “set it and forget it” meals that delivers big on flavor and satisfaction. I still remember the first time I made it when I was craving something cozy but didn’t want to fuss over complicated steps—and friends, it blew me away. I’m pretty sure once you try it, you’ll love having this recipe in your back pocket for busy nights or when you want to impress without the stress. So, grab your slow cooker, and let’s make some magic happen!
PrintSlow Cooker Parmesan Garlic Chicken and Potatoes Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 hours
- Total Time: 5 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Slow Cooker Parmesan Garlic Chicken and Potatoes is a comforting and flavorful one-pot meal featuring tender chicken breasts, golden Yukon gold potatoes, and a rich parmesan garlic sauce, all slow-cooked to perfection for an easy dinner.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts cut into 1-inch pieces
- 2 pounds quartered Yukon gold potatoes
- 1 tablespoon dried Italian seasoning
- 1 (12-ounce) bottle parmesan garlic sauce
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Prepare Slow Cooker: Spray the inside of the crockpot with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Add Potatoes: Place the 2 pounds of quartered Yukon gold potatoes into the bottom of the slow cooker in an even layer.
- Add Chicken and Seasoning: Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces, then add the chicken and 1 tablespoon of dried Italian seasoning on top of the potatoes.
- Add Sauce Ingredients: Pour the 12-ounce bottle of parmesan garlic sauce, ½ cup of chicken broth, and 1 cup of grated parmesan cheese over the chicken and potatoes.
- Mix Ingredients: Stir everything together gently until the potatoes, chicken, and sauce are combined evenly.
- Cook: Cover the slow cooker with the lid and cook on LOW setting for 5 hours for optimal tenderness or HIGH setting for 4 hours if pressed for time.
- Garnish and Serve: Once cooked, garnish with freshly chopped parsley and additional parmesan cheese if desired before serving warm.
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes until warmed through.
- You can substitute Yukon gold potatoes with red potatoes or baby potatoes if preferred.
- For a richer flavor, add a splash of heavy cream or a pat of butter before cooking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 32 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg