When you need a cozy, satisfying meal that practically cooks itself, this Garlic Parmesan Crockpot Chicken and Potatoes is the perfect answer. Tender chicken, buttery potatoes, and a rich garlic parmesan sauce come together in the slow cooker to create a comforting dinner that’s full of flavor. I tried adding a splash of heavy cream near the end of cooking, and it made the sauce incredibly silky without being too rich. The best part? This entire meal cooks in one pot, filling your kitchen with irresistible aromas and saving you time on busy weeknights.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This dish is the definition of comfort and convenience. The chicken stays juicy, the potatoes soak up the garlic and cheese flavors, and the sauce turns creamy and decadent without much effort. It’s a family-friendly recipe that everyone will love, from kids to adults. The slow cooker does all the work—simply toss in the ingredients, set it, and come back to a delicious, hearty meal. Plus, it’s versatile enough to pair with a simple salad, steamed vegetables, or crusty bread for a complete dinner.
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Garlic Parmesan Crockpot Chicken and Potatoes – Creamy, Savory, and Effortless Comfort Food
- Total Time: 5 hrs 10 mins
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Halal
Description
Garlic Parmesan Crockpot Chicken and Potatoes is a hearty and comforting slow cooker meal featuring tender chicken breasts, buttery baby potatoes, and a rich garlic parmesan sauce. It’s easy to make, full of flavor, and perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 1/2 lbs baby potatoes, halved
- 3 tbsp butter, melted
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- In a small bowl, whisk together melted butter, garlic, heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).
- Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of the crockpot.
- Add halved baby potatoes around and on top of the chicken.
- Pour the garlic parmesan sauce evenly over the chicken and potatoes.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 5–6 hours or on HIGH for 3–4 hours, until chicken and potatoes are tender.
- Gently stir before serving to coat everything in the sauce.
- Garnish with chopped parsley and additional Parmesan before serving.
Notes
- For extra flavor, sear the chicken breasts in a skillet before adding them to the crockpot.
- You can substitute half-and-half for a lighter sauce.
- This recipe also works well with boneless chicken thighs.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 5 hrs
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Chicken Breasts or Thighs: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are lean and tender, while thighs add extra flavor and richness—use whichever you prefer.
Baby Potatoes: Small red or gold potatoes work best. They cook evenly and absorb all the delicious sauce.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic is essential for that bold, savory flavor that defines this dish.
Butter: Adds richness and depth to the sauce, making it smooth and flavorful.
Heavy Cream: Gives the sauce its luscious, creamy texture. You can substitute half-and-half for a lighter version.
Parmesan Cheese: Adds a nutty, salty depth that complements the garlic perfectly. Use freshly grated parmesan for the best flavor.
Chicken Broth: Provides moisture and helps cook the potatoes and chicken to tender perfection.
Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs like basil, oregano, and thyme enhances the overall aroma and taste.
Salt and Pepper: Basic seasonings that bring out all the other flavors.
Parsley: Fresh parsley adds a bright pop of color and freshness before serving.
Directions
Start by spraying your crockpot lightly with cooking spray or brushing it with a bit of butter. Place the chicken breasts or thighs in a single layer at the bottom. Add the baby potatoes around and on top of the chicken.
In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in heavy cream, chicken broth, and parmesan cheese, whisking until smooth. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Let the mixture simmer for 1–2 minutes until slightly thickened, then pour it over the chicken and potatoes in the crockpot.
Cover and cook on low for 6–7 hours or on high for 3–4 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and the potatoes are tender. Stir gently to combine before serving, then sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley and an extra dusting of parmesan cheese.
Serve warm with a side of steamed green beans, roasted broccoli, or a crisp garden salad for a complete meal.
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
This recipe makes 4 servings.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 6 hours (on low)
Total time: 6 hours 10 minutes
Perfect for serving 4 people as a hearty dinner.
Storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of cream or broth to loosen the sauce. Avoid overcooking when reheating to keep the chicken tender. This dish also freezes well for up to 2 months—thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Variations and Customizations
Cheesy Upgrade: Add shredded mozzarella or provolone for an extra cheesy finish.
Spicy Twist: Stir in crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for gentle heat.
Veggie Boost: Add carrots, green beans, or spinach during the last hour of cooking for added nutrition.
Herb Lovers’ Version: Mix in fresh thyme, rosemary, or basil for aromatic depth.
Lighter Option: Use light cream or milk instead of heavy cream for a leaner sauce.
Bacon Lovers’ Dream: Sprinkle crispy bacon bits on top before serving for smoky flavor.
Mushroom Mix: Add sliced mushrooms for an earthy, umami note that pairs beautifully with the sauce.
Garlic Explosion: Double the garlic for an even more robust, flavorful dish.
Lemon Zest Finish: Add a little lemon zest or juice for brightness and contrast.
Low-Carb Swap: Replace potatoes with cauliflower florets for a keto-friendly version.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, but thaw it first for even cooking and better texture.
2. Can I use bone-in chicken?
Yes, just increase the cook time slightly to ensure it’s fully cooked.
3. Can I use russet potatoes instead of baby potatoes?
Yes, just cut them into smaller chunks for even cooking.
4. Can I make this dairy-free?
Use coconut milk instead of cream and nutritional yeast instead of parmesan.
5. Can I add vegetables?
Absolutely—add carrots, green beans, or spinach for extra flavor and color.
6. How do I make the sauce thicker?
Remove the lid for the last 30 minutes of cooking, or add a little cornstarch slurry.
7. Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, assemble everything the night before and refrigerate the crockpot insert, then cook the next day.
8. What can I serve with it?
A crisp salad, steamed veggies, or garlic bread all pair wonderfully.
9. Can I use grated parmesan from a can?
Freshly grated parmesan melts better, but canned will work in a pinch.
10. How do I make it extra flavorful?
Add a splash of white wine or a teaspoon of Dijon mustard to the sauce before cooking.
Conclusion
Garlic Parmesan Crockpot Chicken and Potatoes is the ultimate set-it-and-forget-it dinner—rich, creamy, and bursting with comforting flavors. The combination of tender chicken, buttery potatoes, and garlicky parmesan sauce makes this recipe a weeknight winner that feels indulgent yet effortless. Whether you’re cooking for your family or entertaining guests, this dish delivers hearty satisfaction with minimal cleanup and maximum flavor. It’s one of those slow cooker recipes you’ll want to make again and again, especially when the craving for cozy comfort food hits.