If you are on the hunt for a wholesome, effortless dinner that fills your kitchen with irresistible aromas, the Slow Cooker Parmesan Garlic Chicken and Potatoes Recipe is exactly what you need. This dish brings together tender, juicy chicken thighs (or breasts) and soft, flavorful baby potatoes all infused with a luscious blend of Parmesan cheese, garlic, and herbs. It’s a perfect harmony of creamy, savory, and subtly smoky notes baked slowly to perfection, making every bite comforting and satisfying. Whether you’re a busy weeknight warrior or someone who loves set-it-and-forget-it meals, this recipe is bound to become a treasured favorite in your home-cooked repertoire.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Slow Cooker Parmesan Garlic Chicken and Potatoes Recipe is a simple staple, carefully chosen to enhance the flavor and texture of the dish while keeping things easy in the kitchen. From aromatic garlic to the melty richness of Parmesan, each element plays a delightful role.
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts: Opt for thighs for juiciness, breasts if you prefer leaner meat.
- 1.5 pounds baby potatoes, halved: Their small size ensures quick cooking and a tender bite.
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a nutty, creamy flavor that melts beautifully onto the chicken and potatoes.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic gives the dish its signature punch of aroma and taste.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder: Enhances savory depth without overpowering the dish.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A fragrant mix of herbs to bring warmth and Mediterranean flair.
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika: Introduces a subtle smoky sweetness that elevates the flavor profile.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Essential for bringing all the flavors together.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a mild heat and complexity.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Helps to keep the chicken moist and adds richness.
- 1/2 cup chicken broth: Keeps everything tender and juicy throughout the slow cooking process.
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish): Brightens the dish with color and fresh herbaceous notes.
- Optional: extra Parmesan for topping: For an added cheesy finish just before serving.
How to Make Slow Cooker Parmesan Garlic Chicken and Potatoes Recipe
Step 1: Mix the Parmesan Garlic Seasoning
Start by creating the magic seasoning blend that defines this dish. In a small bowl, combine the grated Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, onion powder, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. This flavorful mix will coat the chicken and potatoes, infusing them with irresistible taste throughout the cooking journey.
Step 2: Prepare Chicken and Potatoes
Place your chosen chicken thighs or breasts and the halved baby potatoes directly into the slow cooker. This layering ensures the potatoes absorb all the wonderful juices that drip from the chicken, resulting in a deliciously cohesive meal.
Step 3: Drizzle and Season
Drizzle the olive oil evenly over the chicken and potatoes to lock in moisture and richness. Then sprinkle the Parmesan garlic seasoning mixture uniformly on top, making sure every inch gets a touch of that cheesy, garlicky goodness.
Step 4: Add Chicken Broth
Pour the chicken broth gently around the sides of the slow cooker rather than directly on top of the seasoning. This keeps the seasonings in place while providing enough liquid to steam the ingredients, ensuring the meat stays tender and the potatoes become perfectly soft.
Step 5: Slow Cook Until Tender
Cover your slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 6–7 hours or on high for 3–4 hours. The slow simmer allows the flavors to deepen and the chicken to become melt-in-your-mouth tender, while the potatoes soak up all the savory juices.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Once cooked, serve the dish piping hot, sprinkled with freshly chopped parsley to add a pop of green freshness. If you like, grate some extra Parmesan on top for that perfect finishing touch.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Parmesan Garlic Chicken and Potatoes Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkling fresh parsley over the finished dish not only adds a lovely splash of color but also brightens the palate with a subtle herbal note. For cheese lovers, an extra grating of Parmesan on the hot chicken and potatoes intensifies the richness and adds a lovely cheesy crust.
Side Dishes
This hearty main pairs beautifully with simple sides like a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables. The fresher, lighter accompaniments balance the richness of the chicken and potatoes, while some crusty bread on the side can help soak up any leftover savory juices.
Creative Ways to Present
For a cozy family dinner, serve the chicken and potatoes straight from the slow cooker on a rustic platter. If entertaining, consider plating individual portions with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and a lemon wedge to add a zesty brightness. You might even add roasted cherry tomatoes or sautéed mushrooms for added flavor and color flair.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any uneaten Slow Cooker Parmesan Garlic Chicken and Potatoes in an airtight container and refrigerate. It will stay fresh and flavorful for up to 3 days, making it a perfect next-day meal option that’s just as satisfying.
Freezing
This recipe also freezes very well. Freeze portions in airtight containers or heavy-duty freezer bags for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the microwave or oven until warmed through. Adding a splash of chicken broth or olive oil while reheating can help maintain moisture and keep the chicken tender and juicy.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
It’s best to use fresh or fully thawed chicken for even cooking. Using frozen chicken may affect the cooking time and could lead to unevenly cooked chicken and potatoes.
What can I substitute for baby potatoes?
Small red potatoes or Yukon Gold potatoes cut into bite-sized pieces work well. Avoid larger potatoes as they may take longer to cook through.
Is it possible to make this recipe without cheese?
While Parmesan cheese is key to the dish’s signature flavor, you could omit it if necessary and instead boost the herbs and garlic for a tasty, though different, result.
Can I add vegetables to this dish?
Absolutely! Adding carrots, green beans, or mushrooms about halfway through cooking can add more texture and nutrition, just be mindful of the cooking times so everything finishes perfectly.
Do I need to brown the chicken before putting it in the slow cooker?
No need to brown the chicken beforehand. The slow cooking process will develop plenty of flavor and tenderize the chicken beautifully on its own.
Final Thoughts
Trust me, once you try this Slow Cooker Parmesan Garlic Chicken and Potatoes Recipe, it will quickly become your go-to comfort food for busy days. The blend of creamy Parmesan, fragrant garlic, and perfectly cooked chicken and potatoes is pure magic made easy. This recipe is all about cozy, flavorful simplicity and the pleasure of coming home to a home-cooked meal you didn’t have to fuss over. Give it a try, and I promise it will warm your heart and delight your taste buds every time.
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Slow Cooker Parmesan Garlic Chicken and Potatoes Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Slow Cooker Parmesan Garlic Chicken and Potatoes is a comforting, flavorful one-pot meal featuring tender chicken thighs or breasts slow-cooked with baby potatoes in a garlic and Parmesan seasoned broth. Perfect for an effortless dinner, the dish melds savory herbs, smoked paprika, and a cheesy crust, garnished with fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
Ingredients
Chicken and Potatoes
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- 1.5 pounds baby potatoes, halved
Seasoning Mix
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Other Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Optional: extra Parmesan for topping
Instructions
- Prepare the seasoning mixture: In a small bowl, combine the grated Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, onion powder, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper until well mixed.
- Arrange chicken and potatoes: Place the chicken thighs or breasts along with the halved baby potatoes inside the slow cooker, spreading them evenly.
- Add oil and seasoning: Drizzle the olive oil over the chicken and potatoes, then sprinkle the prepared Parmesan and spice mixture evenly on top to coat the ingredients well.
- Pour in chicken broth: Carefully pour the chicken broth around the edges of the slow cooker, ensuring not to wash away the seasoning from the top, to keep the dish moist during cooking.
- Cook in slow cooker: Cover and cook on low heat for 6 to 7 hours or on high heat for 3 to 4 hours until the chicken is tender and the potatoes are cooked through.
- Serve and garnish: Once done, serve the chicken and potatoes hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley and a sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese if desired.
Notes
- For a thicker sauce, remove the lid during the last 30 minutes of cooking to allow some liquid to evaporate.
- Chicken thighs provide more moisture and flavor, but chicken breasts work well if preferred.
- You can add vegetables like carrots or green beans for extra nutrition and color.
- Adjust seasoning to taste, especially salt, depending on the Parmesan cheese saltiness.
- If your slow cooker runs hot, check the chicken periodically to avoid overcooking.
