This Easy Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes is a winner for busy days! It’s packed with delicious garlic flavor and cheesy goodness, all cooked in one pot.
I love how tender the chicken gets, and the potatoes soak up all that tasty sauce. Plus, it makes my kitchen smell heavenly while it cooks. Who doesn’t love that? 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless and skinless are perfect here for easy shredding later. If you prefer thighs, they add a richer flavor. Just adjust the cooking time slightly as thighs may take a bit longer.
Baby Potatoes: These little guys are great because they cook quickly and absorb flavors. If you can’t find them, use regular potatoes cut into chunks, but make sure they are similar in size for even cooking.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic delivers the best flavor. If you’re in a pinch, garlic powder works too, but the taste won’t be as bold. I just love that punchy garlic flavor!
Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan adds cheesy goodness. You can swap it for Pecorino Romano for a sharper taste, or use nutritional yeast if you want a dairy-free version while still keeping that cheesy essence.
Butter: This ingredient gives richness to the dish. If you want a healthier alternative, try using olive oil instead; it’ll still add great flavor.
How Do You Get the Best Flavor in Your Crockpot Meal?
The secret to amazing flavor in a crockpot dish is layering the ingredients correctly and using enough seasoning. Here’s how to get it right:
- Start with your hearty ingredients like potatoes at the bottom. They should cook in the flavorful broth.
- Season your chicken well. This ensures it absorbs flavor from the broth and spices.
- Make sure to mix your sauce ingredients thoroughly. This helps them distribute evenly when cooked.
- Keep it covered! Every time you open the lid, you let heat escape, which can affect cooking time.
- Cook it low and slow for the most tender chicken. Trust me, it’s worth the wait!
Garnishing with fresh parsley adds a nice pop of color and freshness just before serving. Enjoy your cozy meal!
Easy Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Dish:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1.5 pounds baby potatoes, halved
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
For The Sauce:
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For Garnishing:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious crockpot meal takes about 15 minutes of prep time and then cooks for 6-7 hours on low, or 3-4 hours on high. Perfect for busy days when you want to come home to a warm, hearty dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Garlic Parmesan Sauce:
In a medium bowl, mix together the melted butter, minced garlic, grated Parmesan cheese, chicken broth, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir it all until well combined.
2. Layer the Ingredients:
Take your crockpot and place the halved baby potatoes at the bottom. They will soak up so much flavor from the sauce! Season the chicken breasts with a bit of salt and pepper, then lay them on top of the potatoes.
3. Add the Sauce:
Pour the creamy garlic Parmesan mixture evenly over the chicken and potatoes. Make sure everything is well covered; it will keep the chicken moist and infuse the potatoes with flavor.
4. Set the Crockpot:
Cover the crockpot with the lid and set it to cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Trust that everything will cook beautifully—you don’t even have to stir!
5. Finish and Serve:
Once the cooking time is up, check that the chicken is cooked through and the potatoes are tender. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley for a touch of color and brightness. Serve warm and enjoy your tasty, comforting meal!
FAQ for Easy Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes
Can I Use Frozen Chicken in This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken! Just ensure it’s fully thawed before cooking for even doneness. If you’re using frozen chicken, increase the cooking time by about 1-2 hours on low or 30-60 minutes on high.
Can I Substitute the Chicken with Another Protein?
Absolutely! You can use boneless skinless thighs or even pork chops. Just adjust the cooking time as needed, since different meats may require more or less time to cook through.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store leftover chicken and potatoes in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth if needed to keep it moist.
Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prep all the ingredients and set them in the crockpot insert the night before. Just cover and store in the fridge. In the morning, you can start cooking right away for a delicious meal by dinner time!