When life gets busy, there’s nothing more satisfying than a meal that practically cooks itself — and this Garlic Parmesan Crockpot Chicken and Potatoes does exactly that. It’s rich, creamy, and bursting with the savory goodness of garlic and cheese. The slow cooker tenderizes the chicken and infuses the potatoes with all those delicious flavors, creating a dish that’s hearty and comforting. I tried it once with chicken thighs and swapped the cream for evaporated milk — it turned out just as flavorful and silky. Whether you’re feeding your family or hosting a casual dinner, this meal will have everyone asking for seconds.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe is the ultimate time-saver — toss everything into your slow cooker, set it, and come back to a warm, home-cooked dinner. The creamy garlic sauce clings to the chicken and potatoes perfectly, while the Parmesan adds depth and a touch of indulgence. It’s family-friendly, meal-prep friendly, and makes your kitchen smell heavenly all day long.
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Garlic Parmesan Crockpot Chicken and Potatoes: Creamy, Comforting, and Effortless
- Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Halal
Description
This Garlic Parmesan Crockpot Chicken and Potatoes is a creamy, flavorful, and comforting meal made effortlessly in a slow cooker. Tender chicken breasts, baby potatoes, and a rich garlic parmesan sauce come together for a perfect family dinner.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1.5 lbs baby potatoes, halved
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Lightly grease the crockpot with nonstick spray or a bit of olive oil.
- Place the halved baby potatoes at the bottom of the crockpot. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon olive oil and sprinkle with half of the salt, pepper, and paprika.
- Lay the chicken breasts over the potatoes. Season the chicken with remaining salt, pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, chicken broth, minced garlic, and Parmesan cheese.
- Pour the garlic Parmesan mixture evenly over the chicken and potatoes.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 5–6 hours or on HIGH for 2.5–3 hours, until the chicken is tender and fully cooked and the potatoes are soft.
- Before serving, stir everything gently to coat the chicken and potatoes in the sauce.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan if desired. Serve warm.
Notes
- For extra flavor, sear the chicken briefly before adding it to the crockpot.
- You can replace heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter sauce.
- Add spinach or mushrooms for extra veggies.
- Use boneless chicken thighs instead of breasts for a juicier option.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Chicken Breasts or Thighs – Choose boneless, skinless pieces for tenderness. Chicken thighs stay juicier, while breasts offer a leaner option.
Baby Potatoes – These small, tender potatoes soak up all the flavors from the sauce. Halve them for even cooking.
Garlic – Fresh minced garlic is key for that deep, savory aroma that defines this dish.
Heavy Cream – Adds a luxurious creaminess to the sauce. If you prefer a lighter version, half-and-half or evaporated milk works well.
Parmesan Cheese – The star ingredient that brings nutty richness and a subtle saltiness to the creamy base.
Butter – Enhances the flavor and helps create a velvety sauce consistency.
Italian Seasoning – A blend of herbs like oregano, thyme, and basil that complements the garlic and Parmesan beautifully.
Salt and Pepper – Essential for balancing the cream and highlighting the savory flavors.
Fresh Parsley – Adds a touch of freshness and color when sprinkled on top before serving.
Directions
Start by seasoning your chicken with salt, pepper, and a sprinkle of Italian seasoning. In your slow cooker, layer the halved baby potatoes at the bottom, then place the seasoned chicken on top. In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat and sauté the minced garlic until fragrant, about one minute. Stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, whisking until smooth and combined.
Pour this creamy mixture evenly 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 tender and the potatoes are cooked through. Stir gently before serving to coat everything with the sauce. Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley and a little extra Parmesan for that perfect finishing touch. Serve warm with a side of steamed vegetables or a crisp green salad.
Essential Equipment :
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 serves 4–6 people and takes about 10 minutes to prep, with 6–7 hours of cooking time on low or 3–4 hours on high. It’s perfect for a hands-off weeknight dinner or a lazy Sunday meal.
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 milk or cream to bring the sauce back to life. For longer storage, freeze for up to 2 months and thaw overnight before reheating.
Variations and Customizations
Cheesy Upgrade: Add shredded mozzarella or provolone for an extra cheesy, gooey texture.
Lemon Garlic Twist: Stir in a tablespoon of lemon juice or zest for brightness and balance.
Bacon Lovers’ Version: Sprinkle crispy bacon bits over the top before serving for a smoky crunch.
Herb Infusion: Use fresh thyme or rosemary in place of Italian seasoning for a more aromatic profile.
Vegetable Boost: Add chopped carrots, green beans, or spinach during the last hour of cooking.
Low-Fat Option: Use Greek yogurt instead of cream for a lighter but still creamy sauce.
Spicy Touch: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne for subtle heat.
Mushroom Blend: Include sautéed mushrooms to deepen the flavor and texture of the dish.
Garlic Overload: If you’re a true garlic lover, double the amount for a bolder flavor.
Crispy Finish: Transfer the cooked dish to a baking dish, top with breadcrumbs and Parmesan, and broil for a few minutes.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken?
It’s best to use thawed chicken for even cooking and proper flavor absorption.
Can I make this with bone-in chicken?
Yes, but add about 30 extra minutes of cooking time.
What kind of potatoes work best?
Baby or Yukon Gold potatoes are ideal for their creamy texture.
Can I use milk instead of cream?
Yes, but the sauce will be thinner. Add a spoon of cream cheese to thicken it.
How can I thicken the sauce?
Remove the lid and cook on high for 15 minutes or stir in a cornstarch slurry.
Can I add vegetables directly to the crockpot?
Yes, sturdier vegetables like carrots or green beans hold up well.
How do I prevent the sauce from curdling?
Make sure your slow cooker is on low and avoid adding cold dairy directly to hot liquid.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, assemble the ingredients in the crock the night before and refrigerate. Start cooking the next day.
What’s the best side dish?
Steamed broccoli, roasted asparagus, or a fresh salad complement it beautifully.
Can I use grated cheese instead of shredded?
Yes, just make sure it’s fresh Parmesan for the best flavor and texture.
Conclusion
Garlic Parmesan Crockpot Chicken and Potatoes is the kind of meal that defines comfort cooking — easy, flavorful, and utterly satisfying. With minimal prep and simple ingredients, it transforms into a creamy, savory dish that’s perfect for any day of the week. Whether served at a family dinner or meal-prepped for busy nights, this recipe proves that slow-cooked meals can be both effortless and extraordinary.
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