If you’re looking for a meal that combines comforting, tender chicken with flavorful potatoes all simmered to perfection, you’ve got to try the Garlic Parmesan Crockpot Chicken and Potatoes Recipe. This dish is a total crowd-pleaser, blending rich garlic, sharp Parmesan, and the ease of slow cooking to bring out deep, cozy flavors with zero fuss. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or craving a hearty dinner after a long day, this recipe delivers soul-satisfying goodness in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, fresh ingredients is the first step toward making this dish shine. Each component plays a crucial role in building the layers of flavor and texture that make this recipe so unforgettable.
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Tender and lean protein that cooks perfectly in the crockpot.
- 2 pounds baby potatoes, halved: These add heartiness and soak up the savory sauce beautifully.
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Offers a nutty, salty kick that defines the dish’s character.
- 1 cup chicken broth: Provides moisture and a subtle base flavor, keeping everything juicy.
- 6 cloves garlic, minced: Delivers bold, aromatic savoriness that enhances the overall taste.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that ties the flavors together effortlessly.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Essential for seasoning and bringing out the natural flavors.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper: Adds just the right hint of warmth.
- ½ cup heavy cream (optional): For those who love a rich, creamy sauce to coat the chicken and potatoes.
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish): Adds freshness and a pop of vibrant green color for serving.
How to Make Garlic Parmesan Crockpot Chicken and Potatoes Recipe
Step 1: Season the Chicken
Start by seasoning your chicken breasts generously with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. This foundational flavoring ensures every bite is savory and herbsome, setting the stage for what’s to come. Then, place the chicken evenly in the bottom of your crockpot so it cooks evenly and stays juicy.
Step 2: Add the Potatoes
Next, take those halved baby potatoes and scatter them on top of the chicken. These little gems not only bulk up the dish with comforting starch but also become infused with all those rich flavors during the slow cooking process.
Step 3: Prepare the Garlic Parmesan Sauce
In a bowl, combine your minced garlic, chicken broth, and half of the grated Parmesan cheese. This mixture is pure magic—it seeps into both chicken and potatoes, delivering that irresistible umami-packed punch. Pour it evenly over the ingredients in the crockpot.
Step 4: Slow Cook to Perfection
Cover the crockpot and set it to cook on low for 6 to 8 hours, or on high for 3 to 4 hours. Patience pays off as the chicken turns tender and the potatoes soften to fluffy bites, all while soaking up that rich, garlicky sauce.
Step 5: Add the Creamy Touch (Optional)
If you want to take your Garlic Parmesan Crockpot Chicken and Potatoes Recipe to a new level of silky richness, stir in the heavy cream during the last 30 minutes of cooking. This step makes the sauce luxuriously smooth without overshadowing the other flavors.
Step 6: Final Cheese Melt
Ten minutes before you’re ready to serve, sprinkle the remaining Parmesan cheese on top, then cover again so it melts beautifully. This finishing touch creates a delightful cheesy crust that ties the whole dish together.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Once cooked, sprinkle fresh chopped parsley over everything for a fresh burst of color and flavor. Give the contents a gentle stir to blend all those savory juices, then serve up this comforting creation with pride.
How to Serve Garlic Parmesan Crockpot Chicken and Potatoes Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley isn’t just for looks—it adds a fresh, herbaceous lift that balances the richness of the Parmesan and cream. For a little extra flair, a squeeze of lemon juice or a dash of crushed red pepper can elevate the flavor even more.
Side Dishes
This dish is wonderfully hearty on its own, but pairing it with a crisp green salad or steamed veggies like broccoli or green beans helps lighten the plate and add textural contrast. A warm, crusty bread on the side is perfect for soaking up every bit of that garlicky sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a family-style gathering, serve this dish straight from the crockpot to keep it warm and inviting. If you want to impress guests, plate individual servings with a drizzle of extra sauce, a sprinkle of Parmesan, and sprigs of parsley for a restaurant-worthy touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making next-day servings even tastier.
Freezing
While this dish is best fresh, you can freeze leftovers in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Be sure to thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to maintain that tender, juicy texture.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until warmed through. Adding a splash of chicken broth or cream while reheating helps revitalize the sauce and keeps the chicken moist.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs offer a bit more fat and flavor, which makes the dish even juicier and more robust. Just adjust cooking time slightly if needed until the meat is tender.
Do I have to add the heavy cream?
The heavy cream is optional but highly recommended if you want a creamy, rich sauce. If you prefer a lighter dish, feel free to skip it—the dish will still be luscious and full of flavor.
Can I prepare this recipe in advance?
Yes, you can assemble everything in the crockpot insert and refrigerate it overnight. Then just pop it into the crockpot the next day and cook as directed for convenience.
What can I substitute for Italian seasoning?
If you don’t have Italian seasoning on hand, a mix of dried basil, oregano, and thyme works beautifully as a substitute to capture that classic herb flavor.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! As long as your chicken broth and Parmesan cheese are gluten-free (always check labels), this recipe is naturally gluten-free and perfect for those with dietary restrictions.
Final Thoughts
This Garlic Parmesan Crockpot Chicken and Potatoes Recipe is pure comfort food made incredibly easy in a slow cooker. It’s a dish that feels like a warm hug with every forkful, perfect for busy weeknights or relaxing weekends. I genuinely hope you try it soon and make it a staple in your rotation—the combination of garlic, Parmesan, and tender chicken with perfectly cooked potatoes is just unbeatable.
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 (low) or 3 hours 15 minutes (high)
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This Garlic Parmesan Crockpot Chicken and Potatoes recipe is a comforting, flavorful slow-cooked meal featuring tender chicken breasts and baby potatoes simmered in a rich garlic Parmesan sauce. Perfect for busy days, this easy-to-make crockpot dish delivers creamy, cheesy goodness infused with Italian herbs, making it an ultimate crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
Chicken and Potatoes
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 pounds baby potatoes, halved
Sauce and Seasonings
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ cup heavy cream (optional for a creamy sauce)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Season the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts evenly with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Place them at the bottom of the crockpot to create a flavorful base.
- Add the Potatoes: Halve the baby potatoes and arrange them on top of the chicken inside the crockpot, ensuring even layering.
- Prepare the Sauce: In a bowl, mix minced garlic, chicken broth, and half of the grated Parmesan cheese. Pour this mixture evenly over the chicken and potatoes to infuse them with rich flavors.
- Cook: Cover the crockpot and cook on low heat for 6 to 8 hours or on high heat for 3 to 4 hours. Cook until chicken is thoroughly done and potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
- Add Cream (Optional): If you prefer a creamier sauce, stir in the heavy cream during the last 30 minutes of cooking to enhance the sauce’s richness.
- Finish with Cheese: About 10 minutes before serving, sprinkle the remaining Parmesan cheese over the top and cover the crockpot to allow it to melt, creating a delicious cheesy crust.
- Garnish: Once cooking is complete, garnish with fresh chopped parsley for a burst of color and added flavor.
- Serve: Gently stir the dish to combine all flavors before serving. Enjoy this comforting and hearty meal hot from the crockpot.
Notes
- For a thicker sauce, you can add the heavy cream at the beginning, but adding it at the end keeps it from curdling.
- If you prefer, use skin-on chicken thighs for extra juiciness.
- Baby red potatoes work best as they cook evenly; larger potatoes may need to be cut into smaller pieces.
- Italian seasoning can be substituted with a blend of dried oregano, basil, and thyme.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently.
