Slow Cooker Parmesan Garlic Chicken and Potatoes Recipe
If you’re looking for a meal that’s effortless, comforting, and downright delicious, you’ve gotta try my Slow Cooker Parmesan Garlic Chicken and Potatoes Recipe. Seriously, this dish turns out perfectly tender chicken and melt-in-your-mouth potatoes, all bathed in a rich, garlicky parmesan sauce that’s just irresistible. I’ve made this recipe countless times, and each time it feels like a little home-cooked celebration—especially for busy weeknights when you want something hearty without the fuss. Stick around, because I’m about to share everything you need to nail this slow cooker magic at home.
Why This Recipe Works
- Simple Ingredients: Uses pantry staples and an easy parmesan garlic sauce to save time without sacrificing flavor.
- One-Pot Magic: Toss everything in the slow cooker and walk away—it does the heavy lifting for you.
- Perfectly Balanced Flavors: Italian seasonings and parmesan cheese create a comforting, savory profile everyone will love.
- Versatile and Customizable: Easily tailored to your preferences with ingredients you can swap or add to.
Ingredients & Why They Work
This recipe strikes a lovely balance by pairing tender chicken with creamy, fluffy potatoes, all soaked in a sauce that’s bursting with parmesan and garlic goodness. I always recommend using Yukon gold potatoes here—they hold up well in the slow cooker without turning to mush, plus their buttery flavor is a natural match for the cheese sauce.
- Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts: Cut into bite-sized pieces, they cook evenly and absorb all that parmesan garlic flavor beautifully.
- Yukon Gold Potatoes: Their creamy texture stays intact in the slow cooker, so you don’t get mushy potatoes, just soft and flavorful bites.
- Dried Italian Seasoning: Adds a herbaceous aroma and depth, enhancing the sauce without overpowering the dish.
- Parmesan Garlic Sauce: The star of the recipe—this bottled sauce simplifies prep while layering in tons of savory umami.
- Chicken Broth: Keeps everything moist and helps blend the sauce ingredients into a perfect consistency.
- Grated Parmesan Cheese: Boosts cheesy richness and gives a slightly crispy top if you finish it off under the broiler or add more cheese right before serving.
Make It Your Way
I love that this Slow Cooker Parmesan Garlic Chicken and Potatoes Recipe feels like a blank canvas—you can keep it classic or tweak it to suit whatever you have on hand or prefer. Trust me, it holds up beautifully to any twists you want to try.
- Variation: I’ve swapped out chicken breasts for thighs when I wanted juicier meat; it worked wonderfully and made the dish even more indulgent.
- Build Up the Veggies: Add some green beans or sliced mushrooms toward the end of cooking to sneak in extra nutrients.
- Dairy-Free Option: Use a dairy-free parmesan substitute or nutritional yeast with a garlic-infused olive oil instead of the parmesan garlic sauce.
- Spice it Up: If you like a little heat, toss in some crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne—my husband loves that kick!
Step-by-Step: How I Make Slow Cooker Parmesan Garlic Chicken and Potatoes Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Slow Cooker and Ingredients
I always start by giving my crockpot a quick spray with non-stick cooking spray. This prevents any stubborn sticking that can happen with cheese sauces. Then, I quarter the Yukon gold potatoes—cutting them into uniform pieces helps them cook evenly without getting mushy. The chicken gets cut into bite-sized chunks so it cooks quickly and easily mixes with the potatoes and sauce later on.
Step 2: Layer Flavors for Maximum Impact
Next, I toss the potatoes into the bottom of the slow cooker—this layering is crucial because potatoes take longer to cook than chicken. On top of the potatoes go the chicken pieces, then I sprinkle the dried Italian seasoning evenly over everything. Pour in the parmesan garlic sauce, chicken broth, and sprinkle the grated parmesan cheese right on top. Before closing the lid, I give everything a gentle stir to combine but still keep some layering—it helps the flavors meld while keeping the textures just right.
Step 3: Set and Forget
Cover that slow cooker and set it on low for 4 to 5 hours or high for 3 to 4 hours. The chicken turns tender and juicy, and the potatoes soak up all that cheesy sauce goodness with zero extra effort on your part. Just resist peeking too often—slow cookers work best when you leave the lid alone!
Step 4: Garnish and Serve
When it’s done, sprinkle on some fresh chopped parsley and an extra handful of parmesan cheese if you’re feeling fancy. The parsley adds a pop of color and brightens that rich dish beautifully. Serve it up hot and get ready for the compliments!
Tips from My Kitchen
- Even Potato Pieces: Cutting potatoes evenly ensures they all cook just right—no underdone or mushy bits.
- Use Quality Sauce: The bottled parmesan garlic sauce makes this recipe super easy, but using a good-quality brand really helps.
- Avoid Overcooking: Keep an eye on your slow cooker time—overcooked chicken can dry out quickly even with sauce.
- Layering Matters: Always potatoes first, then chicken on top; that layering trick is what keeps everything perfectly tender.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Parmesan Garlic Chicken and Potatoes Recipe
Garnishes
I love topping mine with freshly chopped parsley—it adds a fresh, vibrant note that cuts through the richness. A sprinkle of extra parmesan cheese right before serving amps up the cheesy goodness. Sometimes, I even add a squeeze of lemon juice for a little brightness, which balances the garlic flavor beautifully.
Side Dishes
This dish is pretty hearty on its own, but I like pairing it with a crisp green salad or some steamed asparagus for a fresh contrast. Garlic bread or crusty rolls are also a hit—those carbs soak up the sauce and leave no leftovers behind!
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I sometimes serve this in cast iron skillets straight from the slow cooker to the table—warm and rustic, it really sets a cozy vibe. Garnishing with edible flowers or fresh herbs makes it look gorgeous and festive for friends or family dinners.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Whenever I have leftovers (which happens rarely because it’s THAT good), I store them in airtight containers in the fridge. The flavors deepen after a day, and they keep well for up to 4 days—perfect for easy lunches or quick dinners later in the week.
Freezing
I’ve frozen this dish a couple of times with great success. Just cool it completely, portion it out, and freeze in freezer-safe containers or bags. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat gently.
Reheating
To reheat, I usually pop a portion in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to get even heat. You can also reheat it on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth if the sauce has thickened too much. Either way, it tastes almost as fresh as the day I made it!
FAQs
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Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts in this Slow Cooker Parmesan Garlic Chicken and Potatoes Recipe?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a great alternative—they tend to stay juicier and add a richer flavor. Just cut them into bite-sized pieces like the breasts and adjust your cooking time if needed, though usually it’s about the same.
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What if I don’t have a bottle of parmesan garlic sauce?
If you don’t have a ready-made sauce, you can whip up a quick version by mixing mayonnaise, minced garlic, grated parmesan, a squeeze of lemon juice, and some Italian seasoning. It won’t be exactly the same, but still delicious!
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Can I prepare this recipe ahead and refrigerate before cooking?
Yes! You can assemble the ingredients in the slow cooker insert, cover it tightly, and refrigerate overnight. Let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before cooking, then cook as directed. It’s a great time-saver.
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What sides go best with Slow Cooker Parmesan Garlic Chicken and Potatoes Recipe?
Green salads, steamed veggies like asparagus or green beans, and crusty bread are fantastic accompaniments. They add freshness or texture to round out this creamy, rich dish.
Final Thoughts
This Slow Cooker Parmesan Garlic Chicken and Potatoes Recipe is one of my go-to meals when I want comfort food that doesn’t keep me tied to the stove. It’s perfect for busy days, elegant enough for weekend dinners, and forgiving enough for cooks of all levels. I hope you enjoy making and eating it as much as I do—once you try it, you’ll probably want to make it again and again. Give it a shot next time you’re craving a no-stress, cheesy chicken dinner—you’re gonna love how easy and tasty it is!
Print
Slow Cooker Parmesan Garlic Chicken and Potatoes Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Slow Cooker Parmesan Garlic Chicken and Potatoes recipe is a comforting and easy-to-make meal that combines tender chicken breasts, buttery Yukon gold potatoes, and a rich parmesan garlic sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish is cooked low and slow in a crockpot, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts cut into 1-inch pieces
- 2 pounds quartered Yukon gold potatoes
- 1 tablespoon dried Italian seasoning
- 1 (12-ounce) bottle parmesan garlic sauce
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Prepare the Slow Cooker: Spray the inside of the crockpot with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Add Potatoes: Place 2 pounds of quartered Yukon gold potatoes into the bottom of the slow cooker evenly.
- Prepare Chicken: Cut 2 pounds of boneless skinless chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces and add them on top of the potatoes. Sprinkle 1 tablespoon of dried Italian seasoning over the chicken and potatoes.
- Add Sauces and Cheese: Pour in one 12-ounce bottle of parmesan garlic sauce, add ½ cup of chicken broth, and sprinkle 1 cup of grated parmesan cheese over the mixture.
- Combine Ingredients: Gently stir everything together until the chicken, potatoes, sauce, and cheese are well combined.
- Cook: Cover the slow cooker with the lid and cook on LOW for 5 hours or on HIGH for 4 hours until the chicken is cooked through and potatoes are tender.
- Garnish and Serve: Optionally garnish with fresh chopped parsley and additional parmesan cheese before serving.
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or until warmed through.
- For a lower sodium version, use low-sodium chicken broth and a parmesan garlic sauce with reduced salt.
- You can make this dish dairy-free by substituting parmesan cheese with a vegan cheese alternative.
- If you prefer crispier potatoes, brown them in a skillet before adding to the slow cooker.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg
