Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes

A Comforting, Flavor-Packed Meal with Minimal Effort

Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes is the perfect dish for busy weeknights or cozy weekends. This slow-cooked meal delivers tender, juicy chicken with a rich garlic Parmesan sauce, complemented by perfectly seasoned potatoes. The best part? It requires minimal preparation, allowing you to enjoy a hearty homemade dinner with little effort.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy and Convenient: The slow cooker does all the work for you.
• Flavorful and Comforting: A creamy, garlicky Parmesan sauce enhances the taste of both chicken and potatoes.
• Minimal Cleanup: Everything cooks in one pot, making cleanup a breeze.
• Customizable: Adapt the recipe to include your favorite herbs, vegetables, or cheeses.

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
• 1.5 lbs baby potatoes, halved
• 3 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ cup chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
• ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese (optional, for extra cheesiness)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

1. Lightly grease the crockpot with cooking spray or a small amount of olive oil.
2. In a small bowl, mix olive oil (or butter), garlic, oregano, basil, salt, pepper, paprika, and red pepper flakes.
3. Toss the potatoes in half of the seasoning mixture and place them in the crockpot.

Step 2: Add the Chicken

4. Rub the remaining seasoning mixture onto the chicken breasts and place them on top of the potatoes.
5. Pour chicken broth into the crockpot to keep everything moist while cooking.

Step 3: Slow Cook

6. Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is tender and the potatoes are soft.

Step 4: Add the Creamy Parmesan Sauce

7. About 30 minutes before serving, mix heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and cornstarch in a small bowl. Pour the mixture over the chicken and potatoes.
8. If using shredded mozzarella, sprinkle it on top and let it melt.
9. Cover and cook for an additional 30 minutes to allow the sauce to thicken and the flavors to blend.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

10. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.

Variations and Substitutions

• Vegetable Additions: Add green beans, broccoli, or carrots for extra nutrition.
• Cheese Variations: Swap Parmesan with Asiago, Pecorino Romano, or Gruyère.
• Spicier Kick: Increase red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce.
• Lighter Version: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
• Different Proteins: Swap chicken for turkey, pork chops, or even salmon (adjust cooking time accordingly).

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4-6
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 6-7 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high
• Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes (low) or 4 hours 10 minutes (high)

Storage and Reheating

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freezing: Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheating: Warm in a microwave for 1-2 minutes or in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream if needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use bone-in chicken for this recipe?

Yes, bone-in chicken thighs or drumsticks work well. Adjust the cooking time by adding an extra 30-45 minutes on low.

Do I need to sear the chicken before adding it to the crockpot?

No, but searing can enhance the flavor and texture. If desired, sear the chicken in a skillet over medium-high heat for 2-3 minutes per side before slow cooking.

Can I use frozen chicken?

It’s best to use thawed chicken for even cooking. If using frozen, increase the cooking time by about 1-2 hours on low.

What type of potatoes work best?

Baby potatoes, Yukon Gold, or red potatoes are ideal because they hold their shape well and have a creamy texture.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes! Substitute the heavy cream with coconut milk and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese.

How can I thicken the sauce?

If the sauce is too thin, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water and stir it in during the last 30 minutes of cooking.

Can I add more vegetables?

Absolutely! Bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini make great additions.

What can I serve with this dish?

This meal pairs well with steamed veggies, a side salad, or crusty bread.

Can I cook this on the stovetop?

Yes, cook everything in a large skillet over medium heat for about 30-40 minutes, adding cream and cheese in the last 5-10 minutes.

Is this recipe keto-friendly?

For a keto version, replace potatoes with cauliflower or turnips and ensure the sauce ingredients fit within your macros.

Conclusion

Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes is a must-try dish that’s easy to prepare, bursting with flavor, and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re feeding a family or meal-prepping for the week, this recipe delivers satisfying, creamy, and hearty goodness with every bite. Give it a try and enjoy a comforting meal with minimal effort!

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