This Easy Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes is a winner for busy days! Juicy chicken and tender potatoes come together with a cheesy, creamy garlic sauce that makes every bite delicious.
The best part? Just toss everything in the crockpot and let it work its magic while you relax. I love serving it with a side salad—it balances out all that yum! 🥗
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless and skinless chicken breasts work perfectly here for a juicy result. If you’re looking for something leaner, try skinless chicken thighs, which also add extra flavor.
Baby Potatoes: These little gems are my favorite for their texture. If you can’t find them, use regular potatoes and cut them into bite-sized pieces. Just remember that larger pieces may need more cooking time!
Heavy Cream: I like using heavy cream for a rich sauce, but you can substitute half-and-half for a lighter option or even a plant-based cream if you prefer dairy-free. Coconut cream adds a nice twist too!
Parmesan Cheese: Fresh grated Parmesan gives the best flavor. If you’re in a pinch, bagged Parmesan will work, or try Pecorino Romano for a saltier kick.
How Do I Get the Best Flavor from My Garlic?
Minced garlic is an essential ingredient in this dish, but it’s easy to overlook its preparation! To get the most flavor, make sure to mince it finely and add it to the cream mixture directly. This method helps to infuse the dish with garlic goodness as it cooks.
- When mincing, try to smash the garlic clove slightly with the knife before chopping; this releases more oils and flavor.
- Add the garlic to the liquid mixture, as it will cook and mellow out, ensuring it doesn’t overpower the dish.
Easy Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken and Potatoes:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1.5 pounds baby potatoes, halved or quartered if large
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
For the Creamy Sauce:
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup heavy cream (or half and half)
- 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
For Seasoning:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning (or a mix of dried basil, oregano, and thyme)
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious meal takes about 15 minutes of prep time, plus a long, cozy cooking time of either 6-7 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high in the crockpot. Just set it and forget it, and you’ll have dinner ready when you are!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Crockpot:
Start by lightly greasing the inside of your crockpot with a little olive oil or non-stick spray. This helps keep everything from sticking and makes cleanup easier!
2. Layer the Potatoes:
Place the baby potatoes in the bottom of the crockpot. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and sprinkle with salt, pepper, and half of the Italian seasoning. Toss the potatoes lightly to coat them in the oil and seasoning.
3. Season the Chicken:
Now, take the chicken breasts and season them by rubbing salt, pepper, paprika, and the remaining Italian seasoning on both sides. This adds lots of flavor to the main dish!
4. Assemble Ingredients:
Carefully place the seasoned chicken breasts on top of the layer of potatoes in the crockpot. They will cook beautifully while resting on the potatoes.
5. Make the Creamy Sauce:
In a small bowl, whisk together the minced garlic, heavy cream, chicken broth, and grated Parmesan cheese until everything is well combined and creamy.
6. Add the Sauce:
Pour the garlic Parmesan mixture evenly over the chicken and potatoes in the crockpot. Make sure to cover everything for maximum flavor!
7. Cook:
Cover the crockpot and set it to cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. You’ll know it’s ready when the chicken is cooked through and the potatoes are tender.
8. Garnish and Serve:
Once cooked, remove the lid and garnish your meal with freshly chopped parsley. This adds a lovely touch of color and freshness!
9. Enjoy!
Serve hot with a generous spoonful of the creamy sauce over the chicken and potatoes. Enjoy your comforting and flavorful meal!
FAQ for Easy Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes
Can I Use Frozen Chicken in This Recipe?
Yes! If using frozen chicken, you’ll want to ensure it’s completely cooked through. Cook on high for about 4-5 hours instead of on low. Always check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F for safe consumption.
What If I Don’t Have Heavy Cream?
No worries! You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk for a lighter sauce. For a dairy-free option, try using coconut cream or a plant-based cream alternative.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prep the ingredients a day in advance. Just store the seasoned chicken and potatoes in the fridge, and mix the sauce when you’re ready to cook. This makes it super quick to start the crockpot the next day!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in the microwave or on the stove, adding a splash of cream if needed to refresh the sauce.
