Slow Cooker Parmesan Garlic Chicken and Potatoes Recipe 🍗🥔
There’s nothing like coming home to the smell of a warm, comforting meal waiting in the slow cooker. This Slow Cooker Parmesan Garlic Chicken and Potatoes recipe is the definition of effortless comfort food. Juicy, tender chicken and buttery potatoes are cooked together in a rich, garlicky Parmesan sauce that will make your kitchen smell like heaven.
It’s a one-pot meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights, lazy Sundays, or whenever you want something hearty and delicious without spending hours in the kitchen. Bonus: the slow cooker does all the hard work for you!
What You’ll Need (Ingredients)
Here’s a quick rundown of the ingredients you’ll need for this delicious dish (full details in the recipe card below):
- Chicken thighs or breasts (bone-in or boneless—your choice!)
- Baby potatoes (or Yukon Golds) for creamy, tender bites
- Garlic cloves (lots of it!) for bold flavor
- Parmesan cheese for that rich, nutty finish
- Chicken broth for a flavorful base
- Butter and olive oil for richness
- Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper for seasoning
How to Make It
Slow Cooker Parmesan Garlic Chicken and Potatoes couldn’t be easier to whip up. Here’s how it’s done:
- Sear the chicken: This step is optional, but searing the chicken in a hot pan before adding it to the slow cooker locks in flavor and gives it a beautiful golden color.
- Prep the potatoes: Toss the baby potatoes with olive oil, garlic, Parmesan, and Italian seasoning. This ensures every bite is packed with flavor!
- Layer it up: Add the potatoes to the slow cooker, then place the chicken on top. Pour in the chicken broth and dot everything with butter.
- Slow cook to perfection: 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 perfectly cooked.
- Finish with Parmesan: Just before serving, sprinkle more Parmesan on top and let it melt into the dish.
Serve it up with a fresh salad or crusty bread for an easy, unforgettable meal.
Pro Tips for the Best Slow Cooker Chicken and Potatoes
- Choose the right chicken: Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs will stay juicier and add more flavor to the dish. If you prefer leaner meat, boneless chicken breasts work great too—just watch the cooking time so they don’t dry out.
- Cut potatoes evenly: If your baby potatoes are on the larger side, cut them in half or quarters so they cook evenly.
- Don’t skip the garlic: This dish is all about that garlic-Parmesan flavor, so go big on the garlic! Freshly minced garlic is best, but garlic powder works in a pinch.
- Searing the chicken: While optional, this step adds extra depth of flavor and gives the chicken a nice golden crust.
- Thicken the sauce: For a creamier sauce, stir in a splash of heavy cream or a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water) during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Make-Ahead Recipe Method
- Prep ahead: Chop the potatoes, mince the garlic, and season the chicken the night before. Store everything in the fridge in separate containers until you’re ready to cook.
- Assemble and refrigerate: You can layer the uncooked chicken and potatoes in the slow cooker insert, cover it, and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, simply pop the insert into the slow cooker and start cooking.
Storage
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: This dish freezes well! Transfer to freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
- Reheating tips: Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop over medium heat. Add a splash of chicken broth to loosen up the sauce if needed.
Tools for This Recipe
- Slow cooker: A 6-quart slow cooker works perfectly for this recipe.
- Cast iron skillet: If you’re searing the chicken, a cast iron skillet will give you the best golden crust.
- Garlic press: A lifesaver if you’re mincing a lot of garlic.
- Tongs: Makes handling the chicken easier.
FAQs
Q: Can I use a different type of potato?
Absolutely! Yukon Gold or red potatoes work great. Just make sure to cut them into evenly sized pieces so they cook through.
Q: Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes! Swap the butter for a plant-based alternative and use a dairy-free Parmesan substitute.
Q: Can I add veggies to this dish?
Definitely! Green beans, carrots, or broccoli can be added during the last hour of cooking to avoid overcooking.
Q: What can I serve with this dish?
It’s a complete meal on its own, but a simple side salad or crusty bread pairs beautifully with it.
This Slow Cooker Parmesan Garlic Chicken and Potatoes is the kind of meal you’ll keep coming back to. It’s hearty, flavorful, and ridiculously easy—perfect for when you want something delicious without the hassle. Enjoy! 🍗🥔✨
Slow Cooker Parmesan Garlic Chicken and Potatoes
Ingredients
- 4-6 chicken thighs or breasts bone-in or boneless
- 1 ½ lbs baby potatoes halved or quartered
- 4 tablespoons butter cut into small pieces
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 garlic cloves minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt adjust to taste
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese plus extra for garnish
Instructions
- (Optional) Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and sear the chicken for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown.
- In a large mixing bowl, toss the baby potatoes with olive oil, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Add the seasoned potatoes to the bottom of the slow cooker. Place the chicken on top of the potatoes.
- Pour the chicken broth over everything and dot with butter pieces.
- 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.
- During the last 30 minutes of cooking, sprinkle Parmesan cheese over the chicken and potatoes. Cover and let it melt.
- Garnish with additional Parmesan and fresh parsley before serving.