Remember that time last winter when my sister Sarah came to visit me from out of town? She had just started a new job and was feeling a little stressed, so I wanted to make her a nice, comforting home-cooked meal to help her unwind. That’s when I decided to whip up a batch of my famous Garlic Parmesan Crockpot Chicken and Potatoes. Let me tell you, the aroma that filled my apartment as it simmered away in the slow cooker all afternoon was simply heavenly.
As soon as Sarah walked through the door, she immediately perked up and asked, “Mmm, what is that amazing smell?” I just grinned and told her to have a seat at the table – dinner was ready. When I served up those tender, juicy chicken thighs nestled alongside the perfectly roasted garlic Parmesan potatoes, her eyes lit up. “This looks incredible!” she exclaimed. We spent the evening catching up over our delicious Garlic Parmesan Crockpot Chicken and Potatoes, and by the time she left, Sarah was feeling refreshed and recharged. That recipe has been a go-to of mine ever since.
Why This Garlic Parmesan Crockpot Chicken and Potatoes Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
The Secret Behind Perfect Garlic Parmesan Crockpot Chicken and Potatoes
The key to this Garlic Parmesan Crockpot Chicken and Potatoes recipe is the perfect blend of savory, aromatic flavors. By slow-cooking the chicken and potatoes together in the crockpot, the flavors have time to meld and intensify, creating a dish that’s both comforting and downright crave-worthy. The Parmesan cheese adds a delightful nutty, salty element, while the garlic provides an irresistible fragrance and punch of flavor. Plus, the hands-off crockpot cooking method makes this recipe an absolute breeze to prepare.
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
- Chicken thighs: Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs are the perfect cut for this recipe. They stay juicy and tender throughout the long cooking time.
- Potatoes: Yukon Gold or red potatoes work best, as they hold their shape and develop a delicious, crispy exterior in the crockpot.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic is a must for maximum flavor. Mince it up or use a garlic press for the best results.
- Parmesan cheese: Grated Parmesan cheese melts beautifully into the dish, creating a luxurious, creamy sauce.
- Seasonings: A simple blend of salt, pepper, and dried herbs like oregano or basil complement the other flavors perfectly.
Step-by-Step Garlic Parmesan Crockpot Chicken and Potatoes Instructions
Preparing Your Garlic Parmesan Crockpot Chicken and Potatoes
This Garlic Parmesan Crockpot Chicken and Potatoes recipe is incredibly easy to make, with just a few minutes of prep work required. Simply toss everything in the slow cooker and let it work its magic for a few hours. The end result is a comforting, flavor-packed meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends.
1- Start by arranging the chicken thighs in the bottom of your crockpot. Make sure to leave a little space between each piece so they cook evenly.
2- Add the cubed potatoes around the chicken, then sprinkle the minced garlic all over the top. Season generously with salt and pepper.
3- Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and the potatoes are tender.
4- About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. This will allow it to melt into a rich, creamy sauce that coats the chicken and potatoes.
5- For extra flavor, you can also add a sprinkle of dried oregano or basil at this stage.
6- Serve your Garlic Parmesan Crockpot Chicken and Potatoes hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired. Enjoy!
Pro Tips for Success
To get the best texture, be sure not to overcrowd the crockpot. Leaving a little space between the chicken and potatoes allows them to brown and crisp up nicely.
If you want an extra golden, crispy top, you can broil the dish for a few minutes after cooking. Just transfer the chicken and potatoes to a baking sheet and broil for 2-3 minutes.
Keep an eye on the cooking time, as slow cookers can vary. The chicken should be cooked through but still juicy, and the potatoes should be tender but not falling apart.
Serving and Storing Your Garlic Parmesan Crockpot Chicken and Potatoes
Perfect Pairings for Garlic Parmesan Crockpot Chicken and Potatoes
This Garlic Parmesan Crockpot Chicken and Potatoes dish is a hearty, satisfying meal on its own, but it also pairs beautifully with a fresh green salad or steamed broccoli for a complete dinner. For a comforting, cozy meal, serve it alongside some crusty bread or dinner rolls to soak up the delicious sauce.
As for beverages, a crisp white wine or a light, refreshing beer would be the perfect accompaniment. Or, for a family-friendly option, try pairing it with a tall glass of iced tea or lemonade.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Leftover Garlic Parmesan Crockpot Chicken and Potatoes can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply place the desired portion in the microwave or oven until warmed through.
This recipe also freezes really well. Once cooled, transfer the chicken and potatoes to a freezer-safe container or bag and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
For a make-ahead meal, you can even assemble the entire dish in the crockpot the night before, cover, and refrigerate. In the morning, simply turn on the slow cooker and let it do its thing while you’re at work or running errands.
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Garlic Parmesan Crockpot Chicken and Potatoes
Creative Garlic Parmesan Crockpot Chicken and Potatoes Variations
Looking to switch things up? Try adding some diced onion or bell pepper to the mix for extra flavor and color. You could also swap out the potatoes for other root vegetables like carrots, parsnips, or sweet potatoes.
For a zestier version, stir in a tablespoon or two of Dijon mustard along with the Parmesan cheese. Or, for a herbaceous twist, toss in some fresh thyme or rosemary.
And if you’re feeling adventurous, you can even try using bone-in chicken breasts instead of thighs for a leaner protein option.
Making Garlic Parmesan Crockpot Chicken and Potatoes Diet-Friendly
To make this Garlic Parmesan Crockpot Chicken and Potatoes recipe more diet-friendly, you can easily swap out a few ingredients. For a gluten-free version, simply use gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour in place of the Parmesan cheese.
For a low-carb adaptation, skip the potatoes and serve the Garlic Parmesan Crockpot Chicken over a bed of roasted cauliflower or zucchini noodles instead.
And if you’re looking for a dairy-free option, you can omit the Parmesan cheese and use a plant-based, vegan Parmesan alternative.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use boneless, skinless chicken breasts instead of thighs?
A: While you can certainly use boneless, skinless chicken breasts, I’d recommend sticking with bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs for this Garlic Parmesan Crockpot Chicken and Potatoes recipe. The thighs stay juicier and more flavorful throughout the long cooking time.
Q: How long should I cook the Garlic Parmesan Crockpot Chicken and Potatoes?
A: The cooking time can vary depending on your slow cooker, but generally, you’ll want to cook the Garlic Parmesan Crockpot Chicken and Potatoes on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The chicken should be cooked through and the potatoes tender when it’s done.
Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! This Garlic Parmesan Crockpot Chicken and Potatoes recipe is perfect for meal prepping. You can assemble the entire dish in the crockpot the night before, cover, and refrigerate. In the morning, just turn on the slow cooker and let it work its magic while you’re at work or running errands.
Q: How do I store and reheat leftovers?
A: Leftover Garlic Parmesan Crockpot Chicken and Potatoes can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply place the desired portion in the microwave or oven until warmed through. The dish also freezes really well for up to 3 months.
Print
Garlic Parmesan Crockpot Chicken and Potatoes
- Total Time: 30
- Yield: 6
Description
Tender, juicy chicken and perfectly cooked potatoes simmered in a rich and creamy garlic parmesan sauce – the ultimate comfort food recipe that’s ready in just 30 minutes!
Ingredients
– 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
– 2 lbs Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch chunks
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– 1 tsp dried parsley
– 1/2 tsp salt
– 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
1. – Place the chicken and potatoes in a crockpot.
2. – In a bowl, whisk together the garlic, heavy cream, parmesan, thyme, parsley, salt, and pepper. Pour the mixture over the chicken and potatoes and stir to combine.
3. – Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and the potatoes are tender.
4. – Serve hot, garnished with additional parsley if desired.
Notes
– For best results, use freshly grated parmesan cheese.
– You can substitute boneless, skinless chicken thighs for the breasts if desired.
– Feel free to add other vegetables like carrots or green beans to the crockpot.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 20
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Crockpot
- Cuisine: American
Conclusion
There’s a reason why this Garlic Parmesan Crockpot Chicken and Potatoes recipe has become a go-to of mine – the flavor is out of this world, and the hands-off crockpot cooking method makes it a breeze to prepare. Whether you’re looking for a comforting weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing meal to share with friends and family, this dish is sure to become a new favorite. So why not give it a try? I promise your taste buds (and your stomach) will thank you!