Easy Garlic Parmesan Crockpot Chicken & Potatoes Recipe

If you’re craving a dinner that’s both comforting and effortlessly delicious, look no further than this Garlic Parmesan Crockpot Chicken & Potatoes recipe. It’s a perfect harmony of tender chicken, creamy parmesan, and hearty potatoes slow-cooked to savory perfection. Whether you’re coming home after a busy day or planning a cozy weekend meal, this dish brings bold flavors and satisfying textures straight from the crockpot to your table with minimal prep.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Effortless Dinner: Just add everything to the crockpot and let it work its magic without constant attention.
• Rich, Comforting Flavor: Garlic and parmesan create a heavenly taste combination that feels indulgent but stays simple.
• One-Pot Meal: Protein and carbs all in one dish make cleanup easy and dinner planning a breeze.
• Perfect Texture: Juicy chicken and tender potatoes soak up the flavors while staying moist and satisfying.
• Family-Friendly: This recipe suits picky eaters and adventurous food lovers alike with its well-balanced seasoning.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are simple but essential to creating a delicious Garlic Parmesan Crockpot Chicken & Potatoes. Each adds a layer of flavor or texture, making sure every bite is packed with yum, from the creamy parmesan to the crispy edges of the potatoes.

• Chicken thighs: Juicy and tender, they stay moist during slow cooking and absorb the garlic parmesan sauce beautifully.
• Baby potatoes: Small potatoes cook evenly and soak up the savory juices.
• Garlic cloves: Fresh garlic brings that bold, aromatic kick that is vital to this recipe.
• Grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a nutty, salty creaminess that makes this dish special.
• Olive oil: Helps create a golden crust and blends the flavors together.
• Dried Italian herbs: A blend of oregano, basil, and thyme that enhances the savory profile.
• Salt and black pepper: Basic seasoning to complement and elevate all the ingredients.
• Chicken broth: Keeps everything moist and infuses extra flavor during the slow cooking.

Variations for Garlic Parmesan Crockpot Chicken & Potatoes

This recipe is wonderfully adaptable, letting you tweak ingredients and seasonings to suit dietary preferences or simply keep things fresh and exciting each time you make it.

• Swap potatoes: Use sweet potatoes or Yukon gold for a different texture and a touch of sweetness.
• Protein alternatives: Try using chicken breasts or even turkey thighs depending on your preference.
• Add vegetables: Include carrots, green beans, or mushrooms to boost nutrition and flavor variety.
• Make it spicy: Add red pepper flakes or cayenne for a subtle heat kick without overpowering the parmesan.
• Dairy-free twist: Substitute parmesan with nutritional yeast and use olive oil in place of butter for a vegan-friendly option.

How to Make Garlic Parmesan Crockpot Chicken & Potatoes

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

Start by washing and halving the baby potatoes to ensure they cook evenly. Mince the garlic finely to release the fullest flavor, and pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels to help the seasoning stick better.

Step 2: Season the Chicken

In a bowl, toss the chicken thighs with olive oil, garlic, dried Italian herbs, salt, black pepper, and grated parmesan cheese. This step coats the chicken in flavor layers that will infuse as it cooks.

Step 3: Layer the Crockpot

Place the potatoes in the bottom of your crockpot to act as a base. Arrange the seasoned chicken thighs on top, then pour chicken broth around everything to keep the ingredients moist and help meld the flavors.

Step 4: Cook Low and Slow

Cover and cook on low for 6 to 7 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours. The chicken should be tender and cooked through, while the potatoes soak up the garlic parmesan goodness.

Step 5: Final Touches

If you love a bit of crispiness, transfer the chicken and potatoes to a baking sheet and broil for 3 to 5 minutes until golden on top—this step is optional but adds a delightful texture contrast.

Pro Tips for Making Garlic Parmesan Crockpot Chicken & Potatoes

• Use bone-in chicken: Helps retain moisture and adds extra flavor throughout slow cooking.
• Don’t overcrowd: Give the ingredients space to cook evenly; crowded crockpots can lead to uneven textures.
• Fresh garlic is key: It provides a much brighter, more intense flavor than pre-minced garlic.
• Adjust seasoning after cooking: Taste before serving and add more salt or pepper if needed to balance flavors.
• Broil for texture: Adding a quick broil at the end enhances appearance and adds a flavorful crust.

How to Serve Garlic Parmesan Crockpot Chicken & Potatoes

Garnishes

A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or basil adds a pop of color and fresh herbal brightness that contrasts the creamy parmesan beautifully.

Side Dishes

Serve with a crisp green salad, steamed broccoli, or roasted asparagus to introduce some fresh greens that balance the richness of the chicken and potatoes.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve directly from the crockpot for a rustic, family-style meal or transfer to a pretty platter and drizzle some extra parmesan and olive oil on top to impress guests at a casual dinner party.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen as it sits, making for great next-day meals.

Freezing

This dish freezes well! Portion the chicken and potatoes into freezer-safe containers, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat gently in the microwave or oven at a low temperature to avoid drying out the chicken. Adding a splash of broth before reheating can help keep everything moist and flavorful.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, chicken breasts can be used but tend to cook faster and may dry out more easily, so adjust cooking time accordingly and consider adding extra broth.

Is it necessary to use parmesan cheese?

Parmesan is essential for that signature flavor in this dish, but you can substitute with a similar hard cheese like Pecorino Romano if needed.

Can I prepare this in an Instant Pot or pressure cooker?

Absolutely! Use the sauté function to brown chicken first, then cook under pressure for about 15 minutes with a natural release, adjusting liquid accordingly.

How can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Replace parmesan with nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor and avoid any butter used; olive oil works great to maintain richness.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Definitely! It’s perfect for meal prep, as portions keep well in the fridge and reheat beautifully for easy lunches or dinners during the week.

Final Thoughts

Garlic Parmesan Crockpot Chicken & Potatoes is truly a comforting classic that fits effortlessly into your busy life. Its warm, savory flavors and simple steps make it a dependable go-to recipe for gatherings, weeknights, or whenever you crave a hearty, flavorful meal. Give it a try and enjoy the ease and pure deliciousness it brings to your table!

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