How to Make Garlic Parmesan Crockpot Chicken and Potatoes in 5 Easy Steps

Imagine coming home after a long day to the inviting aroma of savory herbs and melted cheese wafting through your kitchen. That’s the magic of slow cooker meals, especially the comforting Garlic Parmesan Crockpot Chicken and Potatoes recipe I’m sharing today. This dish combines tender chicken, perfectly cooked potatoes, and a rich, cheesy garlic sauce that will have your family requesting seconds. If you enjoy creamy chicken dishes, you’ll also appreciate my Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Recipe that offers similar flavors with a different preparation method. Both dishes deliver that irresistible combination of garlic and parmesan that elevates simple ingredients to restaurant-quality meals.

Ingredients & Kitchen Tools for Garlic Parmesan Crockpot Chicken and Potatoes

For the Chicken and Potatoes:
– 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
– 2 lbs baby potatoes, halved (red or gold work best)
– 1 medium onion, diced
– 6 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup chicken broth
– ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus extra for garnish)
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
– 2 teaspoons paprika
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– Salt and pepper to taste

For the Garlic Parmesan Sauce:
– 4 tablespoons butter
– 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
– 1 cup heavy cream
– ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Kitchen Tools:
– 6-quart slow cooker/crockpot
– Mixing bowls
– Measuring cups and spoons
– Small saucepan (for sauce)
– Whisk
– Cutting board and knife

Prep & Cooking Time for a Perfect Garlic Parmesan Crockpot Chicken and Potatoes Dish

– Prep Time: 15 minutes
– Cooking Time: 4 hours on HIGH or 7-8 hours on LOW
– Sauce Preparation: 5 minutes
– Total Time: Approximately 4 hours 20 minutes (using HIGH setting)

Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Garlic Parmesan Crockpot Chicken and Potatoes Easily

1. Season the chicken: Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.

2. Prepare the crockpot: Lightly grease your slow cooker with cooking spray or olive oil.

3. Layer ingredients: Place diced onion at the bottom of the crockpot. Arrange seasoned chicken thighs on top of the onions.

4. Add potatoes and seasonings: Combine halved potatoes with olive oil, minced garlic, and Italian seasoning in a bowl. Toss until well-coated, then arrange around the chicken in the crockpot.

5. Add liquid: Pour chicken broth around the edges of the crockpot (not directly over the chicken to preserve the seasoning).

6. First cooking phase: Cover and cook on HIGH for 3 hours or LOW for 6-7 hours.

7. Add cheese: Sprinkle ½ cup of Parmesan cheese over the chicken and potatoes. Cover and continue cooking for another hour.

8. Prepare garlic parmesan sauce: About 10 minutes before serving, melt butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add flour and whisk constantly for 1-2 minutes. Gradually whisk in heavy cream until smooth. Add ½ cup Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and sauce has thickened. This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Recipe element takes your Garlic Parmesan Crockpot Chicken and Potatoes to the next level.

9. Serve: Drizzle the sauce over the chicken and potatoes, garnish with fresh parsley and additional Parmesan if desired.

Nutritional Benefits of This Garlic Parmesan Crockpot Chicken and Potatoes Recipe

– Chicken thighs provide high-quality protein essential for muscle maintenance
– Potatoes offer complex carbohydrates and potassium
– Garlic contains allicin, which may help boost immune function
– Parmesan cheese supplies calcium and protein
– Olive oil provides heart-healthy monounsaturated fats
– Fresh herbs contribute antioxidants and micronutrients

Variations, Substitutions & Cooking Tips for Garlic Parmesan Crockpot Chicken and Potatoes Lovers

– Substitute chicken breasts for thighs (reduce cooking time by 30 minutes)
– Use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes for extra nutrients
– Add vegetables like carrots, mushrooms, or peas during the last hour of cooking
– Make it dairy-free by using nutritional yeast and coconut cream instead of Parmesan and heavy cream
– Add a splash of white wine to the broth for extra flavor
– Include fresh rosemary or thyme sprigs for additional aromatics

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Preparing Garlic Parmesan Crockpot Chicken and Potatoes

1. Overcrowding the crockpot: Ensure ingredients are arranged in an even layer
2. Removing the lid too often: Each peek extends cooking time by 15-20 minutes
3. Using frozen chicken: Always thaw meat completely before slow cooking for food safety
4. Cutting potatoes too small: They’ll become mushy during the long cooking process
5. Adding dairy too early: Save cheese and cream additions for the end to prevent curdling

Storage & Reheating Tips to Keep Your Garlic Parmesan Crockpot Chicken and Potatoes Fresh

– Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days
– Freeze portioned leftovers for up to 2 months (sauce may separate slightly when thawed)
– Reheat in the microwave at 70% power with a splash of broth to maintain moisture
– For best texture, reheat in the oven at 325°F for 15-20 minutes
– Store sauce separately when possible for best results when reheating

Conclusion: Final Thoughts on Making Garlic Parmesan Crockpot Chicken and Potatoes at Home

This Garlic Parmesan Crockpot Chicken and Potatoes recipe is the perfect solution for busy weeknights when you need a satisfying meal with minimal hands-on time. The slow cooking process allows the flavors to develop beautifully, creating a dish that tastes like you’ve been in the kitchen all day. Whether you’re new to crockpot cooking or looking to expand your slow cooker repertoire, this dish along with the Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Recipe should definitely be in your meal rotation. The combination of convenience, comfort, and incredible flavor makes this a true family favorite that’ll have everyone coming back for more.

FAQs About Cooking Garlic Parmesan Crockpot Chicken and Potatoes

Can I use bone-in chicken for this recipe?
Yes, bone-in chicken thighs or drumsticks work well. Increase the cooking time by 30-45 minutes and ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Why did my sauce break or curdle?
This usually happens when dairy is added too early or the temperature changes too drastically. Always add cream and cheese near the end of cooking and temper cream by warming it slightly before adding.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare all ingredients the night before and store them separately in the refrigerator. Combine everything in the crockpot in the morning for a ready-when-you-are dinner.

What if my potatoes aren’t cooking evenly?
Cut potatoes to uniform sizes and arrange them around the edges of the crockpot where the temperature is highest. Avoid stacking them on top of each other.

Is there a way to make this dish lower in calories?
Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, reduce the amount of cheese, and choose chicken breasts instead of thighs to lower the calorie content while maintaining flavor.