Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Potatoes

The Ultimate Comfort Food: Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes

Tired of complicated weeknight dinners? Imagine coming home to the savory aroma of a perfectly cooked meal, ready to serve with minimal fuss. That’s the promise of our incredible Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Potatoes recipe! This dish is the ultimate comfort food, featuring tender, juicy chicken and soft, creamy potatoes, all enveloped in a rich, savory garlic parmesan sauce that will have everyone asking for seconds.

The slow cooker truly works its magic here, transforming simple ingredients into a deeply flavorful, cohesive meal. It’s a true « set it and forget it » wonder, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully over hours, resulting in an exceptionally tender chicken and potato casserole slow cooker style. Get ready to add this to your collection of easy crockpot chicken and potatoes recipes!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Minimal Effort, Maximum Flavor: This is a quintessential dump and go crockpot recipe. Simply prep a few ingredients, toss them in, and let your slow cooker do all the heavy lifting. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you crave a homemade meal without the stress.
• A True One-Pot Wonder: Say goodbye to piles of dishes! This recipe cooks your protein, starch, and a luscious sauce all in one vessel. The convenience of a one pot chicken and potatoes meal means less time cleaning and more time enjoying.
• Creamy & Savory Perfection: The combination of garlic, rich parmesan, and a blend of savory seasonings creates an irresistible, creamy garlic chicken crock pot sauce. Every bite is packed with flavor, making this a standout garlic parmesan chicken recipe slow cooker style.
• Family-Friendly Favorite: This comforting dish is a definite crowd-pleaser. Adults and kids alike will adore the tender chicken and potatoes in slow cooker perfection, making it an ideal family dinner slow cooker recipe.

Ingredient Breakdown: The Keys to a Perfect Dish

For the Chicken

For this delicious slow cooker chicken breast recipe, you have options. Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are a popular choice for a leaner meal, cooking up incredibly tender in the slow cooker. However, if you’re seeking even more flavor and moisture, boneless, skinless chicken thighs are an excellent alternative, perfect for a slow cooker garlic chicken thighs and potatoes dish. Whichever you choose, ensure you cut the chicken into uniform, bite-sized pieces (about 1-inch cubes) for even cooking.

Choosing Your Potatoes

The right potato makes all the difference! We recommend Yukon Gold potatoes for their creamy texture and ability to hold their shape without getting mushy. Red potatoes are another great waxy option that holds up well. While Russet potatoes can be used, they are starchier and tend to break down more, becoming very soft – perfect if you prefer a mashed potato-like consistency within your crock pot creamy chicken and potatoes recipe. Crucially, dice your chosen potatoes into small, even 1-inch cubes so they cook through in the same time as the chicken.

The Magic Sauce & Seasonings

The heart of this comfort food crockpot recipe is its incredible sauce. For ultimate convenience, we love using a pre-made Garlic Parmesan sauce, like the popular Buffalo Wild Wings variety, giving you instant crockpot chicken with buffalo wild wings sauce flavor. Alternatively, you can easily make a homemade version by whisking together heavy cream, chicken broth, and plenty of grated parmesan cheese. Enhance the dish with a balanced spice blend: paprika for warmth and color, onion powder for depth, and Italian seasoning for an aromatic touch. Finally, a generous sprinkle of shredded mozzarella cheese adds a gooey, delicious topping. Other great melting cheeses like provolone or an Italian blend also work wonderfully.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes

Creating this easy crockpot chicken and potatoes meal is simpler than you think! Follow these steps for a perfect outcome.

Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes

First, wash and dice your chosen potatoes into uniform 1-inch cubes. Lightly grease the bottom and sides of your slow cooker insert with a little olive oil or non-stick spray. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze. Add the diced potatoes to the greased crockpot, spreading them into an even layer to form a flavorful base for your crockpot recipes with potatoes.

Step 2: Season the Foundation

Drizzle the potatoes with about a tablespoon of olive oil. Add a generous amount of minced garlic (fresh is always best!), along with half of your paprika, onion powder, and Italian seasoning. Toss everything together directly in the slow cooker until the potatoes are evenly coated. This ensures every piece of potato is infused with savory flavor from the start, contributing to the tender chicken and potatoes in slow cooker perfection.

Step 3: Season and Layer the Chicken

In a separate medium bowl, combine your cubed chicken with the remaining paprika, onion powder, and Italian seasoning. Toss until the chicken is well coated. This step is crucial for ensuring every piece of chicken is flavorful. Once seasoned, layer the chicken cubes evenly on top of the seasoned potatoes in the slow cooker. This layering helps to distribute flavors and allows the chicken to cook beautifully.

Step 4: Sauce and Slow Cook

Now, pour your garlic parmesan sauce directly over the chicken and potatoes, making sure everything is well-coated. Use about 1.5 cups of sauce, or more if you prefer an extra creamy dish. Cover your slow cooker and set it to cook on LOW for 6 hours or on HIGH for 3-4 hours. While cooking on high is faster, cooking on low is highly recommended for the most tender, succulent chicken breasts.

Step 5: The Final Touches

Once the cooking time is complete, gently stir the Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Potatoes together. The chicken should be fork-tender and the potatoes soft. Now, sprinkle your shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the dish. Cover the crockpot again for another 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is beautifully melted, bubbly, and gooey. This adds a fantastic finish to your creamy garlic chicken crock pot meal.

Expert Tip: « The magic of slow cooking is in the wait. Resist the urge to lift the lid too often, as this releases heat and extends cooking time. Let the flavors marry! »

Pro Tips for Recipe Success

• Don’t Overcook: Chicken breasts can become dry if overcooked. Check for doneness around the minimum cooking time. Chicken is cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
• For a Thicker Sauce: If your sauce seems too thin at the end of cooking, create a cornstarch slurry. Whisk together 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water, then stir it into the crockpot during the last 30 minutes of cooking. Cover and cook until thickened. This is a great tip for how to make creamy chicken in crockpot with perfect consistency.
• Optional Browning Step: For an extra layer of flavor and texture, briefly sear the seasoned chicken cubes in a hot pan with a little olive oil before adding them to the crockpot. This adds a lovely golden crust.
• Fresh vs. Dried Herbs: While dried herbs work perfectly, a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or chives at the very end can brighten the dish with a burst of fresh flavor and color.

Recipe Variations & Substitutions

• Add Some Veggies: Boost the nutrition by adding vegetables! Stir in broccoli florets, green beans, or fresh spinach during the last 30-45 minutes of cooking. They will cook perfectly in the rich sauce.
• Make it Spicy: For those who love a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes along with your other seasonings. You can adjust the amount to your preferred spice level.
• Cream Cheese Version: For an even richer, tangier sauce, stir in 4 ounces of softened cream cheese during the last 30 minutes of cooking. It will melt into the sauce, creating an incredibly decadent crock pot creamy chicken and potatoes recipe.
• Using Different Potatoes: As mentioned, Yukon Gold and red potatoes are excellent choices. If using Russets, consider peeling them as their skins can be thicker, and expect a softer, more « mashed » consistency.
• Homemade Sauce Option: Craving a completely homemade garlic butter chicken crock pot experience? Sauté 2 tbsp butter with 2 cloves minced garlic, then whisk in 2 tbsp flour, 1 cup chicken broth, 1 cup heavy cream, and 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper, then pour over the chicken and potatoes.

What to Serve with Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes

This hearty Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Potatoes dish is incredibly satisfying on its own, but here are some delightful pairings to complete your meal:

• Bread: A crusty baguette, garlic bread, or soft dinner rolls are perfect for soaking up every last drop of the delicious, creamy sauce.
• Salad: Cut through the richness with a light, fresh green salad. A simple vinaigrette dressing made with olive oil and lemon juice works beautifully.
• Steamed Vegetables: For an extra healthy side, serve with simply steamed broccoli, asparagus, or green beans.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Leftovers of this incredible one pot chicken and potatoes meal are just as delicious!

• Refrigeration: Store any leftover Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Freezing: Due to the potatoes and creamy sauce, this dish does not freeze particularly well, as the sauce can separate and the potatoes can become mealy upon thawing.
• Reheating: For best results, reheat individual portions in the microwave in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between, until heated through. You can also gently reheat on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk or chicken broth to loosen the sauce if needed.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Using boneless, skinless chicken thighs for your slow cooker garlic chicken thighs and potatoes will result in an even more tender and flavorful dish. The cooking time will be similar.

Do I need to peel the potatoes?

It’s entirely a matter of preference. For waxy potatoes like Yukon Gold or red varieties, the skin is thin and adds good texture and nutrients, so you can leave it on. For starchier Russets, peeling is generally recommended for a smoother texture.

My sauce is too thin. How can I fix it?

To thicken a runny sauce, make a cornstarch slurry (1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp cold water) and stir it into the crockpot during the last 30 minutes of cooking. Alternatively, removing the lid for the final 30 minutes can allow some liquid to evaporate, thickening the sauce naturally. This is a key tip for how to make creamy chicken in crockpot to your desired consistency.

Can I cook this on high to save time?

Yes, you can cook this Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Potatoes recipe on high for 3-4 hours. However, for the most consistently tender and succulent chicken, especially chicken breast, cooking on the low setting is always recommended.

Can I add other vegetables like carrots or celery?

Yes, heartier vegetables such as carrots, celery, or even bell peppers can be added at the beginning of the cooking process along with the potatoes. They will soften beautifully as the dish cooks.

Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Potatoes Recipe Card

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Conclusion

There you have it – the ultimate guide to making an unbelievably delicious and easy Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Potatoes. This comfort food crockpot recipe delivers on flavor, convenience, and pure satisfaction, making it a perfect weeknight slow cooker meal. With tender chicken, soft potatoes, and a rich, creamy sauce, it’s destined to become a staple in your home.

So, why wait? Gather your ingredients, set your slow cooker, and let the magic happen. Try this incredible crock pot creamy chicken and potatoes recipe tonight and taste the joy of effortless home cooking. Don’t forget to share your experience and tell us what you think in the comments below!