Garlic Parmesan Crockpot Chicken and Potatoes is a super easy and tasty one-pot meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Tender chicken breasts soak up all the garlicky, cheesy flavors, and the potatoes get perfectly soft, soaking up all the yummy sauce. It’s a simple mix of ingredients that comes together in the slow cooker, making dinner a breeze.
I love making this dish when I want something comforting without spending a lot of time in the kitchen. The smell of garlic and parmesan cooking all day is enough to get everyone’s tummy rumbling. I usually toss everything in the crockpot before I head out for the day, and it’s ready to dig into by dinnertime. The best part? Cleanup is a snap because it’s all cooked in one pot.
When I serve this chicken and potatoes, I like to add a side of steamed veggies or a fresh salad to brighten the meal up a bit. It’s the kind of dinner that everyone at the table seems to enjoy, no matter the day or occasion. Plus, leftovers warm up beautifully, which means I get to enjoy that cozy garlic parmesan flavor all over again.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken breasts: I prefer boneless, skinless for easy shredding and even cooking. You can swap for chicken thighs if you want a juicier, more forgiving cut.
Baby potatoes: Small yellow or red potatoes work best. If unavailable, use diced regular potatoes but cut them evenly so they cook well in the crockpot.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic adds the best flavor here. Garlic powder can work, but fresh really makes this dish shine.
Parmesan cheese: Use freshly grated for the creamiest taste. Grated pre-packaged Parmesan is fine too in a pinch.
Heavy cream: Rich cream helps build the luscious sauce. Half and half or whole milk can be used but expect a thinner sauce.
How Do You Get a Creamy Sauce That Isn’t Watery in the Crockpot?
Slow cooker liquids tend to thin out as cooking progresses. Here’s how to keep the sauce nice and creamy:
- Use heavy cream and Parmesan cheese together for thickening power.
- Don’t add too much broth; half a cup is usually enough since potatoes release liquid too.
- Mix the cream, broth, and cheese well before pouring over the chicken and potatoes.
- Cook the dish covered but avoid lifting the lid during cooking to keep steam in.
- If sauce seems thin at the end, remove the lid and cook on high for 15-20 minutes to reduce.
Following these tips, you’ll get a rich, garlicky Parmesan sauce that clings perfectly to both chicken and potatoes.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Crockpot or slow cooker – essential for easy all-day cooking with no fuss.
- Large skillet – great for searing chicken to add flavor before slow cooking.
- Mixing bowl – to whisk together the creamy Parmesan sauce smoothly.
- Wooden spoon or spatula – for layering and mixing ingredients without scratching your crockpot.
- Measuring cups and spoons – to keep your seasoning and liquids accurate.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap chicken breasts for boneless thighs for juicier, more flavorful meat.
- Add chopped mushrooms or green beans to the potatoes for extra veggies and texture.
- Sprinkle some crushed red pepper flakes in the sauce if you like a bit of heat.
- Mix in shredded mozzarella or cheddar with the Parmesan for a different cheesy twist.
How to Make Garlic Parmesan Crockpot Chicken and Potatoes
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1.5 lbs baby potatoes (yellow or red), whole or halved if large
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup heavy cream (or half and half)
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 teaspoons dried Italian seasoning (or a mix of oregano, basil, and thyme)
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare, plus 3 to 7 hours of slow cooking depending on your crockpot setting. You can cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Optional steps, like searing the chicken or broiling at the end, only add a few extra minutes.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
Sprinkle the chicken breasts evenly with salt, black pepper, paprika, and half of the Italian seasoning. This gives your chicken great flavor.
2. Sear the Chicken (Optional):
Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken breasts for 2-3 minutes per side until they’re golden brown. This step adds a nice crust and extra flavor, but you can skip it if you’re short on time.
3. Arrange Potatoes in the Crockpot:
Place the baby potatoes in the bottom of your crockpot. Season lightly with salt, pepper, and the remaining Italian seasoning.
4. Add Garlic and Make the Sauce:
Spread the minced garlic over the potatoes. In a separate bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, chicken broth, and grated Parmesan cheese until smooth.
5. Layer the Chicken and Pour Sauce:
Place the (seared) chicken breasts on top of the potatoes. Then pour the creamy Parmesan sauce evenly over everything.
6. Cook:
Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and the potatoes are tender.
7. Optional Finishing Touch:
For a golden, slightly crispy crust on the chicken, you can place it under a broiler for 2-3 minutes. Sprinkle a bit more Parmesan on top before broiling and watch carefully to avoid burning.
8. Garnish and Serve:
Sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley over the dish before serving. This adds a fresh flavor and lovely color.
9. Enjoy:
Serve warm! This meal goes great with steamed vegetables or a simple green salad for a full, comforting dinner.
Can I Use Frozen Chicken in This Recipe?
Yes, but make sure the chicken is fully thawed before cooking. Thaw it safely in the fridge overnight or in cold water in a sealed bag. Using frozen chicken can add extra cooking time and may affect the texture.
Can I Substitute the Potatoes?
Absolutely! Baby potatoes work best for even cooking, but you can use diced regular potatoes or sweet potatoes. Just cut them into similar-sized pieces to ensure they cook through properly in the crockpot.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of cream or broth to keep the sauce creamy.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prep everything the night before—season the chicken and potatoes, mix the sauce, and store separately. When ready, assemble everything in the crockpot and cook as directed for a hassle-free meal.
