Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Chicken And Potatoes Recipe

Cozy Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes Recipe

Weeknight dinners become magical when garlic parmesan chicken emerges effortlessly from your slow cooker.

Tender meat falls apart with a gentle touch, promising comfort in every bite.

Aromatic herbs and rich cheese create an irresistible melody of flavors dancing across your plate.

Minimal prep means maximum satisfaction for busy home cooks seeking delicious solutions.

This recipe transforms simple ingredients into a memorable meal that feels like a warm culinary hug.

No complicated techniques or expensive tools required – just pure, straightforward deliciousness waiting to happen.

One pot delivers incredible taste that will make everyone at the table ask for seconds.

Why Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Chicken And Potatoes Is So Satisfying

  • Unleash Effortless Cooking: This slow cooker recipe requires minimal prep, letting you toss ingredients together and walk away while a delicious meal develops with zero hands-on monitoring.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Comfort Food: Garlic Parmesan flavors create a universally loved dish that satisfies both kids and adults, making it perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.
  • Nutrition-Packed One-Pot Wonder: Combining protein-rich chicken with hearty potatoes delivers a complete meal in a single pot, reducing cleanup and maximizing nutritional value with minimal kitchen effort.
  • Time-Saving Weeknight Solution: Requiring just 10-15 minutes of initial preparation, this recipe transforms busy evenings into stress-free dining experiences with maximum flavor and minimal work.

What Goes Into Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Chicken And Potatoes

Protein:
  • Chicken: Tender and juicy main protein that absorbs the rich flavors of the sauce. Choose boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs for best results.
Vegetables:
  • Potatoes: Hearty and comforting base that soaks up the creamy sauce. Opt for waxy potatoes like Yukon Gold for a creamy texture.
Seasoning and Sauce Ingredients:
  • Olive Oil, Butter: Helps distribute flavors and prevent sticking. Adds richness to the dish.
  • Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall taste of the chicken and potatoes.
  • Italian Seasoning, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Paprika: Aromatic spice blend that creates depth of flavor and adds complexity to the dish.
  • Minced Garlic: Provides a strong, pungent flavor that complements the creamy sauce.
  • Heavy Cream, Parmesan Cheese: Creates a rich, velvety sauce with a tangy and nutty undertone.
  • Red Pepper Flakes: Adds a subtle heat and warmth to the dish.
Thickening Agent:
  • Cornstarch, Water: Optional ingredient to create a thicker, more luxurious sauce consistency.
Garnish:
  • Fresh Parsley: Bright, fresh herb that adds color and a mild, clean flavor to the final dish.

How To Make Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Chicken And Potatoes

Step 1: Prepare Flavorful Chicken and Potatoes

In a spacious mixing bowl, combine chicken and potatoes with these delightful seasonings:
  • Olive oil
  • Salt
  • Black pepper
  • Italian seasoning
  • Garlic powder
  • Onion powder
  • Paprika

Gently toss the ingredients until everything is evenly coated. Transfer the mixture to the slow cooker, creating a single layer of deliciousness.

Step 2: Craft Creamy Garlic Parmesan Sauce

Whisk together in a separate bowl:
  • Minced garlic
  • Heavy cream
  • Grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt
  • Freshly ground black pepper
  • Red pepper flakes

Blend until the ingredients create a smooth, mouth-watering sauce.

Step 3: Slow Cook to Perfection

Pour the luxurious sauce over the chicken and potatoes. Secure the slow cooker lid and let the magic happen:
  • Low setting: Cook for 5-6 hours
  • High setting: Cook for 3-4 hours

Wait until the chicken becomes fork-tender and potatoes transform into soft, flavor-packed bites.

Step 4: Enhance Sauce Consistency

For those craving a richer sauce, create a quick cornstarch slurry:
  • Cornstarch
  • Cold water

Mix the two ingredients, then stir into the slow cooker. Cook on high for an additional 15 minutes to thicken the sauce.

Step 5: Serve with Flair

Elevate the dish with these final touches:
  • Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley
  • Add extra Parmesan cheese

Plate alongside roasted vegetables or a crisp green salad for a complete meal that’ll have everyone asking for seconds!

Top Tips For Garlic Parmesan Chicken And Potatoes In The Slow Cooker

  • Maximize Flavor Infusion: Crush the garlic cloves instead of mincing for a more intense, robust taste that permeates the entire dish. This technique helps release more essential oils and aromatics.
  • Perfect Chicken Tenderness: Avoid overcooking by checking the chicken's internal temperature, which should reach 165°F. Using chicken thighs can provide extra moisture and prevent dryness.
  • Customize Spice Levels: Adjust red pepper flakes to match your heat preference. Start with a small amount and gradually increase for a personalized flavor profile.
  • Sauce Consistency Hack: If the sauce seems too thin, let it rest for 10-15 minutes after cooking. The natural starches from potatoes will help naturally thicken the sauce without adding cornstarch.
  • Diet-Friendly Adaptations: Swap heavy cream with coconut milk for a dairy-free version. Use Greek yogurt as a lower-fat alternative that still maintains the creamy texture.

How To Store Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Chicken And Potatoes

  • Refrigerate leftover chicken and potatoes in an airtight container for maximum freshness.
  • Consume within 3-4 days for the best taste and texture.
  • Carefully transfer the dish to a sealed container, ensuring no excess sauce spills.
  • Gently place in the refrigerator, keeping the meal flat to preserve its delicious layers.
  • When reheating, add a splash of cream or chicken broth to restore moisture and prevent dryness.
  • Microwave in short intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly.
  • Freezing works wonderfully for this recipe – store in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months.
  • Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to maintain the chicken's tender quality and rich flavors.
  • Pro tip: Separate chicken and potatoes into individual portions before freezing for easier meal prep and quick weeknight dinners.

What To Serve With Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Chicken And Potatoes

  • Pair with Crisp White Wine: A chilled Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio perfectly complements the rich, creamy garlic Parmesan sauce, cutting through the richness while enhancing the dish's herbal notes.
  • Serve with Crusty Artisan Bread: Grab a warm, crusty baguette or sourdough to soak up the delicious sauce, adding a delightful textural contrast and extra flavor to the meal.
  • Match with Fresh Green Salad: Toss a light arugula or mixed greens salad with a zesty lemon vinaigrette to balance the creamy chicken and provide a refreshing counterpoint to the rich, savory dish.
  • Complement with Roasted Vegetables: Create a complete meal by adding roasted asparagus, Brussels sprouts, or a colorful medley of seasonal vegetables that echo the herb-infused flavors of the chicken and potatoes.

New Twists For Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Chicken And Potatoes

  • Herb Garden Fusion: Replace Italian seasoning with fresh rosemary, thyme, and sage for a vibrant herb-infused version that brings a bright, earthy flavor to the classic recipe.
  • Spicy Southwest Spin: Swap Italian seasoning for chili powder, cumin, and cayenne pepper. Add diced green chiles and top with fresh cilantro for a zesty southwestern kick that'll wake up your taste buds.
  • Mediterranean Inspired: Incorporate crumbled feta cheese, kalamata olives, and a sprinkle of dried oregano. Finish with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil to transport your meal to the sunny Mediterranean coast.
  • Creamy Mushroom Upgrade: Sauté sliced mushrooms before adding to the slow cooker, and mix in a splash of white wine to the sauce for an extra layer of rich, earthy complexity that elevates the entire dish.

FAQs For Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Chicken And Potatoes

  • Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but make sure to thaw it completely first. Frozen chicken can increase cooking time and may affect the overall texture of the dish.

  • Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?

You can substitute heavy cream with coconut cream or a non-dairy alternative, and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese to maintain a similar flavor profile.

  • What if I don't have Italian seasoning?

No worries! You can create your own blend using dried oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary in equal proportions. This will give a similar herbal flavor to the dish.

  • Can I add other vegetables to this slow cooker meal?

Absolutely! Carrots, bell peppers, or zucchini work great. Just chop them into similar-sized pieces as the potatoes to ensure even cooking.

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Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Chicken And Potatoes Recipe

Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Chicken And Potatoes Recipe


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4.6 from 8 reviews

  • Total Time: 5-6 hours (low) / 3-4 hours (high)
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Hearty slow cooker garlic parmesan chicken and potatoes bring comfort straight to dinner tables with minimal effort. Creamy, cheesy goodness provides a satisfying meal that welcomes you home with irresistible aromas and flavors of home-cooked warmth.


Ingredients

Scale

Protein:

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or 6 chicken thighs)

Vegetables and Starches:

  • 1.5 pounds (680 grams) baby potatoes, halved (Yukon gold or red potatoes work best)
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped

Seasonings and Liquid Ingredients:

  • 3 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
  • 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter version)
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch + 2 tablespoons water (for thickening, optional)
  • Extra Parmesan cheese for topping

Instructions

  1. Infuse chicken and potatoes with a harmonious blend of aromatic spices by thoroughly coating them in a mixture of olive oil, salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. Arrange the seasoned ingredients evenly within the slow cooker’s interior.
  2. Craft a luxurious sauce by whisking together minced garlic, velvety heavy cream, aged Parmesan cheese, and a subtle kick of salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes until the mixture reaches a smooth, consistent texture.
  3. Cascade the prepared sauce over the chicken and potatoes, ensuring complete coverage. Secure the slow cooker lid and allow the ingredients to simmer and meld flavors on low temperature for 5-6 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, monitoring until the chicken becomes fork-tender and potatoes achieve a soft, yielding consistency.
  4. For those desiring a more robust sauce consistency, create a quick slurry by combining cornstarch with water. Gently incorporate this mixture into the slow cooker and continue cooking on high temperature for an additional 15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent clumping.
  5. Elevate the dish’s presentation by generously sprinkling freshly chopped parsley and additional Parmesan cheese across the surface. Serve immediately alongside roasted seasonal vegetables or a crisp, vibrant salad to complete the culinary experience.

Notes

  • Opt for boneless, skinless chicken thighs for extra juiciness and flavor that holds up beautifully during slow cooking.
  • Dice potatoes uniformly to ensure even cooking and prevent some pieces from becoming mushy while others remain undercooked.
  • Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese instead of pre-packaged for a richer, more authentic taste that melts seamlessly into the sauce.
  • For a low-carb version, swap potatoes with cauliflower florets or turnips to reduce overall carbohydrate content while maintaining a similar texture.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 5-6 hours
  • Category: Dinner, Lunch
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 550
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 800 mg
  • Fat: 30 g
  • Saturated Fat: 15 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 38 g
  • Fiber: 4 g
  • Protein: 36 g
  • Cholesterol: 150 mg
Emily Morgan

Emily Morgan

Food Critic & Kitchen Tips Specialist

Expertise

Global Food Exploration & Critique, Simple Kitchen Hacks & Time-Saving Tips, Presentation & Plating Techniques, Culinary Research & Storytelling.

Education

New York University

  • Program: Bachelor’s in Journalism
  • Focus: Combined foundational journalism training with deep dives into global food traditions, restaurant criticism, and the cultural role of cuisine.

Emily Morgan has journeyed across the globe, collecting culinary secrets that turn everyday ingredients into impressive meals.

Based in Seattle and armed with a Journalism degree from NYU, she blends thorough research with a flair for presentation, ensuring every dish looks just as good as it tastes.

Focusing on fresh flavors, simple methods, and a bit of fun, Emily shows home cooks how to elevate their daily cooking without fancy gadgets or complex steps.

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