Garlic Parmesan Crockpot Chicken and Potatoes is the kind of recipe that saves busy weeknights. With minimal prep and a slow cooker doing all the work, you end up with tender chicken, buttery potatoes, and a rich, garlicky Parmesan sauce that tastes far more indulgent than the effort required. This is a meal I lean on when I want something hearty but hands-off. I once experimented by swapping heavy cream for unsweetened almond milk, and while the sauce was slightly lighter, it still delivered a creamy finish that surprised me in the best way. The ingredients meld beautifully over several hours, resulting in a dish that’s comforting, flavorful, and endlessly customizable. Whether you serve it with steamed vegetables or a crisp side salad, this crockpot classic consistently earns compliments at the table.
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Garlic Parmesan Crockpot Chicken and Potatoes
- Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Halal
Description
A cozy, flavorful crockpot meal featuring tender chicken and soft potatoes coated in a creamy garlic Parmesan sauce.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1.5 lbs baby potatoes, halved
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 4 tbsp butter, cubed
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp salt (to taste)
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Place chicken and potatoes in the bottom of the crockpot.
- In a bowl, whisk together chicken broth, heavy cream, garlic, Parmesan, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the mixture over the chicken and potatoes. Add butter cubes on top.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 6–7 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours.
- Stir gently before serving, coating everything in the sauce.
- Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Notes
- For a thicker sauce, whisk in 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp cold water during the last 30 minutes.
- Use red potatoes for firmer texture after slow cooking.
- Great with a side of steamed vegetables or crusty bread.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
It’s a complete meal cooked in one pot, incredibly tender, richly flavored, and adaptable to different dietary preferences. Plus, the slow cooker transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-quality result.
Ingredients:
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Chicken thighs or breasts
These form the protein base of the dish. Thighs stay especially tender during long cooking, while breasts offer a leaner option.
Baby potatoes
Their small size allows even cooking, and they absorb the garlic Parmesan sauce beautifully, becoming soft and flavorful.
Garlic
Essential for building the bold aroma and depth of the dish. Slow cooking mellows it slightly while keeping its punch.
Butter
Adds richness and helps create the velvety sauce that coats the chicken and potatoes.
Heavy cream or milk substitute
Creates the creamy body of the sauce. A lighter milk will still work, though the sauce will be thinner—yet still delicious.
Parmesan cheese
Melts into the sauce, contributing savoriness and a nutty finish. Freshly grated Parmesan is ideal for smooth melting.
Italian seasoning
A balanced blend of herbs that complements the creamy sauce and savory chicken.
Salt and pepper
Simple but essential for tying the flavors together.
Fresh parsley
Adds brightness at the end, balancing the richness of the sauce.
Directions:
Start by placing the chicken thighs or breasts at the bottom of your crockpot. Scatter the baby potatoes around and on top of the chicken. In a small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter, then stir in the garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Pour this mixture evenly over the chicken and potatoes. Cover and cook on low for 6 to 7 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours, allowing the chicken to become fork-tender and the potatoes to soften. During the final 30 minutes, stir in the heavy cream and freshly grated Parmesan. Let the mixture continue cooking uncovered to slightly thicken the sauce. Gently fold the ingredients so the potatoes and chicken become fully coated in the creamy, garlicky mixture. Finish with chopped parsley before serving. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Equipment needed :
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.
knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease.
Servings and timing:
Serves 4–6
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 6–7 hours on low or 3–4 hours on high
Total time: Approximately 6 hours 15 minutes
Storage/reheating:
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days. Reheat on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of cream or broth to loosen the sauce. To freeze, leave out the cream and Parmesan; add them after thawing and reheating for the best texture.
Variations and Customizations:
Bacon-Enhanced Version
Crisp bacon before cooking and sprinkle it in during the final hour for smoky richness.
Creamy Spinach Addition
Stir in a few handfuls of fresh spinach at the end; it wilts beautifully into the sauce.
Herb-Focused Variation
Add extra thyme, rosemary, or basil for deeper herbal notes.
Mushroom Upgrade
Add sliced mushrooms at the beginning so they cook down and add earthy depth.
Lightened-Up Version
Use half-and-half or almond milk instead of heavy cream. I’ve tested almond milk, and it still produces a creamy, flavorful sauce.
Extra-Cheesy Twist
Mix in mozzarella or provolone along with Parmesan for a stretchier, richer finish.
Lemon-Parmesan Finish
Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice before serving to brighten the creamy sauce.
One-Pot Complete Meal
Add carrots or green beans during the last hour for a full vegetable side cooked in the same pot.
Low-Carb Option
Swap baby potatoes for cauliflower florets added during the final two hours of cooking.
Spicy Garlic Version
Add crushed red pepper flakes for a gentle kick that balances the creaminess.
FAQs:
Can I use frozen chicken?
It’s not recommended for slow cooking due to food safety concerns. Thaw the chicken first.
Do I have to use thighs?
No, breasts work as well, though they may cook slightly faster.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, but use a larger crockpot and add a bit more seasoning.
Will the sauce thicken as it cools?
Yes, the Parmesan helps it become creamier as it rests.
Can I cook this on high the whole time?
Yes, but reduce the cooking time to about 3–4 hours.
Can I substitute the Parmesan?
You can use Romano or Asiago, though the flavor will be slightly sharper.
Why are my potatoes still firm?
They may be larger than average—cut them in half or quarters next time for more even cooking.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes, use dairy-free butter and milk, and choose a vegan Parmesan alternative.
Does this freeze well?
Freeze without the cream and Parmesan, then add them after reheating.
Can I add pasta to this dish?
It’s best not to; the sauce is designed for chicken and potatoes, but you can serve it over pasta if desired.
Conclusion
Garlic Parmesan Crockpot Chicken and Potatoes is a wonderfully comforting, all-in-one meal that requires minimal effort yet delivers rich, satisfying flavor. The tender chicken, creamy sauce, and perfectly cooked potatoes make it ideal for both busy weeknights and cozy weekend dinners. With so many customizable options, this dish easily becomes a staple you’ll return to again and again.
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