If you’re searching for a meal that’s rich, comforting, and incredibly easy to make, Garlic Parmesan Crockpot Chicken and Potatoes is the answer. This slow cooker recipe combines tender chicken, buttery potatoes, and a creamy garlic-Parmesan sauce that tastes like pure comfort. It’s the perfect “set it and forget it” dinner that fills your kitchen with an irresistible aroma while you go about your day. The slow cooker does all the hard work, resulting in juicy chicken and perfectly cooked potatoes infused with flavor. I once tried this recipe using baby red potatoes and a bit of almond milk instead of heavy cream, and it turned out just as luscious — slightly lighter but still rich and satisfying.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This dish offers the best of both worlds: hearty comfort and hands-off cooking. Whether you’re feeding a family or meal prepping for the week, this recipe delivers warmth and flavor with minimal effort. The garlic-Parmesan sauce perfectly coats every bite of chicken and potato, making it a true crowd-pleaser.
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Garlic Parmesan Crockpot Chicken and Potatoes (Creamy, Comforting, and Effortless)
- Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
Garlic Parmesan Crockpot Chicken and Potatoes is a comforting, easy-to-make slow cooker meal that combines juicy chicken breasts, tender baby potatoes, and a creamy garlic parmesan sauce for a hearty family dinner.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 ½ pounds baby potatoes, halved
- 4 tablespoons butter, melted
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Lightly grease the inside of your slow cooker with nonstick spray or butter.
- Place the halved baby potatoes at the bottom of the slow cooker.
- Lay the chicken breasts on top of the potatoes.
- In a bowl, whisk together melted butter, minced garlic, heavy cream, chicken broth, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the mixture evenly over the chicken and potatoes.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 6–7 hours or on HIGH for 3–4 hours, until the chicken is tender and cooked through, and the potatoes are soft.
- Once done, stir gently to coat everything in the creamy sauce.
- Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute boneless chicken thighs for a juicier texture.
- For a thicker sauce, stir in 1 tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons of cold water during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- Add spinach or broccoli in the final 30 minutes for extra veggies.
- Serve with a side of garlic bread or a green salad for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- 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 – Boneless, skinless chicken breasts make this recipe lean yet tender. You can also use thighs for extra richness.
Baby potatoes – Small red or gold potatoes are ideal because they hold their shape and absorb all the delicious sauce.
Butter – Adds depth and richness, helping to meld all the flavors together as the dish slow-cooks.
Garlic – Freshly minced garlic infuses the dish with that signature aromatic flavor that pairs beautifully with Parmesan.
Heavy cream – Forms the creamy base of the sauce. You can substitute with half-and-half or almond milk for a lighter version.
Parmesan cheese – Freshly grated Parmesan melts into the sauce, adding a salty, nutty flavor that defines the dish.
Chicken broth – Keeps everything moist and enhances the savory taste without overpowering the creaminess.
Italian seasoning – A perfect blend of herbs like oregano, thyme, and basil that complements the garlic and cheese beautifully.
Salt and pepper – Essential for seasoning and balancing the flavors.
Fresh parsley (optional) – Adds color and a touch of freshness right before serving.
Directions
Start by greasing the inside of your slow cooker with a bit of butter or nonstick spray. Arrange the baby potatoes in the bottom of the crockpot. Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, then place them on top of the potatoes.
In a small saucepan, melt butter over medium heat and sauté the minced garlic until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Stir in chicken broth, heavy cream, and grated Parmesan cheese until smooth and slightly thickened. Pour this creamy garlic-Parmesan mixture evenly over the chicken and potatoes.
Cover and cook on low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4 hours, until the chicken is tender and the potatoes are fork-soft. Once cooked, give everything a gentle stir to coat evenly in the sauce. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Serve hot and enjoy this comforting meal with a side of steamed vegetables or a green salad for a complete dinner.
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 serves 4–6 people and takes about 10 minutes of prep time with a 6-hour cook time on low or 3–4 hours on high.
Storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or milk to keep the sauce creamy. Avoid overheating to prevent curdling.
Variations and Customizations
Bacon Garlic Parmesan Chicken
Add crispy cooked bacon before serving for a smoky twist that enhances the creamy sauce.
Spinach and Mushroom Upgrade
Stir in sautéed mushrooms and baby spinach for extra nutrients and flavor depth.
Cheesy Garlic Twist
Mix in shredded mozzarella or provolone for an extra cheesy texture.
Spicy Version
Add a dash of red pepper flakes or cayenne powder to give the sauce a gentle heat.
Herb Lovers’ Style
Try adding fresh rosemary, thyme, or parsley for a fragrant herbal touch.
Low-Carb Swap
Replace the potatoes with cauliflower florets or zucchini chunks for a keto-friendly variation.
Lemon Garlic Variation
Squeeze in fresh lemon juice at the end for a bright, tangy flavor that cuts through the richness.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, boneless thighs work perfectly and add a richer flavor.
Do I need to pre-cook the chicken?
No, the crockpot cooks the chicken thoroughly while keeping it tender.
Can I use frozen chicken?
It’s best to thaw it first for even cooking, but you can use frozen if you add extra cooking time.
What type of potatoes works best?
Baby red or gold potatoes hold up well and absorb the creamy sauce beautifully.
Can I use milk instead of cream?
Yes, but the sauce will be thinner. You can thicken it with a bit of cornstarch if needed.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, combine all ingredients in the crockpot insert, cover, and refrigerate overnight. Cook the next day.
How do I prevent the sauce from curdling?
Avoid cooking on high for too long and don’t let the sauce boil.
Can I add vegetables?
Absolutely! Broccoli, green beans, or carrots make great additions.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, store in freezer-safe containers for up to one month. Thaw and reheat gently.
What can I serve with this dish?
It pairs perfectly with a green salad, garlic bread, or steamed vegetables.
Conclusion
Garlic Parmesan Crockpot Chicken and Potatoes is the ultimate comfort food — creamy, flavorful, and wonderfully easy. It transforms simple ingredients into a satisfying family meal that practically cooks itself. Whether you’re preparing it for a cozy night in or a busy weekday dinner, this dish delivers delicious results every time. Once you try it, it’s sure to become a staple in your slow cooker rotation.
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