Garlic Parmesan Crockpot Chicken and Potatoes can totally save your weeknight, no joke. Ever come home exhausted, with zero energy to cook but still want real food? Man, that’s me every Thursday. If you’ve ever felt like tossing takeout menus out the window, stick around. This Garlic Parmesan Crockpot Chicken and Potatoes recipe is about to be your new best friend, and it’s even easier than you’d expect. By the way, if you’re interested in other simple meals, check out this hearty slow cooker beef stew or maybe peek at this cozy crockpot chicken and rice for more inspiration.
Ingredients For Garlic Parmesan Chicken & Potatoes
Honestly, the ingredient list here is so down to earth, you’ll probably have half of it in your kitchen right now. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (thighs work if you want extra juiciness)
- 1.5 pounds baby Yukon Gold or red potatoes (cut those big guys up)
- 1/3 cup grated parmesan cheese (dust it on like you’re in a pizza joint)
- 1/4 cup melted unsalted butter
- 4 garlic cloves (smash ‘em or mince, dealer’s choice)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (or just throw in some dried basil and oregano if that’s what you’ve got)
- A sprinkle of chopped parsley for color, if you’re feeling fancy
I love that this recipe doesn’t force you to hunt for oddball stuff at the store. If you want a little heat, red pepper flakes are never a bad idea. Seriously, tweak as needed.
How To Make Garlic Parmesan Chicken & Potatoes
Okay, so here’s where it gets oddly satisfying. You dump most of it in, push a button, and boom! A five-star restaurant at home (well, almost).
First, spray the inside of your slow cooker. This keeps cleanup from being, uh, tragic. Arrange your chicken in a single layer. Next, toss those potato chunks right on top or around it. In a small bowl (and don’t bother getting fancy), mix melted butter with minced garlic, parmesan, salt, pepper, and your Italian herbs. Pour this awesome-smelling mix right over the chicken and potatoes.
You’ll want to put the lid on, set your crockpot to LOW for about 6 hours or HIGH for 3. Give it a check at the halfway mark if you like things extra tender or want to sneak a taste (no shame, we’ve all done it).
After cooking, everything should be fork-tender, especially those potatoes. Serve hot and enjoy the smells taking over your kitchen—seriously, the garlic alone is worth it.
“This is hands-down my favorite meal to come home to after work. It’s filling, flavorful, and so easy it almost feels like cheating. My picky kids love it too!”
What Cut Of Chicken To Use
Most folks, myself included, grab boneless skinless chicken breasts for this one. They’re just so easy to work with, plus they soak up flavor without getting weirdly chewy. But, if you’re the sort who likes richer, juicier bites, boneless chicken thighs might be your go-to. I won’t lie, thighs bring a lot of extra flavor.
Some readers have asked about using bone-in pieces. Honestly, you totally can, but add a bit more time and check that doneness with a quick slice in the thickest part. Crockpots are forgiving, but the trick is making sure things don’t all go mushy if you forget about it. Just keep an eye on it and you’ll be golden.
What Type Of Potatoes To Use
Potato choice? This gets people way more heated than you’d expect. Yukon Golds are creamy and hold up nicely, but I’m not above using red potatoes (or honestly whatever’s lurking in my pantry). Chop bigger ones down. Baby potatoes look cute and soak everything up, but russets can get a bit too soft.
Ever tried purple potatoes? Wild, but they work if you’re feeling adventurous. The point is, as long as they’re not overly starchy or massive, you’ll get good results. And hey, nobody’s judging yard-sale potatoes here—save those for mashed, though.
Ingredient | Amount | Substitutes |
---|---|---|
Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts | 4 pieces | Boneless chicken thighs for extra juiciness |
Baby Yukon Gold or Red Potatoes | 1.5 pounds | Regular potatoes, sweet potatoes for variation |
Grated Parmesan Cheese | 1/3 cup | Nutritional yeast for a dairy-free option |
Melted Unsalted Butter | 1/4 cup | Olive oil or coconut oil |
Garlic Cloves | 4 cloves | Garlic powder (1 tsp) in a pinch |
FAQs & Tips
Let’s talk quick fixes and upgrades. If you’re pressed for time, toss everything together the night before and chill—dump it all in the crockpot before work, and dinner’s done by evening. If you need a crispier top, broil the chicken for a few minutes after slow cooking (just don’t burn it!).
And here’s what makes this killer for families:
- Kid-approvable (Total miracle, right?)
- Makes enough for lunch leftovers
- Works with a side of crusty bread or a quick salad
- You can double for a crowd
Once, I swapped in sweet potatoes just because I ran out of regular. Honestly, amazing. The more you tweak, the more this becomes your own. The garlic parmesan flavor is like magic—simple, comforting, and everyone thinks you worked way harder than you did.
Common Questions
Q: Can I use frozen chicken?
A: Not the best idea. Defrost first so it cooks evenly.
Q: Does this get too oily?
A: Nope. The butter makes everything silky, but it’s not greasy if you don’t overdo it.
Q: Can I add other vegetables?
A: Absolutely. Try carrots or green beans. Just don’t overcrowd, or it’ll steam instead of roast.
Q: Will this work with dairy-free cheese?
A: Yup! Swapped in vegan parmesan before with no issues. Still tasty.
Q: How do leftovers hold up?
A: Reheat in a skillet for best texture. Microwaving works too but can get a little soggy.
Ready To Make Dinner Actually Easy?
So there it is. You don’t need a culinary degree to pull off Garlic Parmesan Crockpot Chicken and Potatoes, and it truly tastes as good as it smells. Just dump, push the button, and enjoy a real meal with barely any effort. By the way, if you crave more easy recipes, check out the Crockpot Butter Chicken or slow-cooked pork roast for more inspiration. Don’t be afraid to make it your own—go wild with garlic or double the parmesan (my secret move). Go on, give it a try. You might find yourself making it twice in one week.
Garlic Parmesan Crockpot Chicken and Potatoes
- Total Time: 195 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Gluten-Free
Description
A simple and satisfying crockpot recipe combining garlic, Parmesan, chicken, and potatoes for an easy weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1.5 pounds baby Yukon Gold or red potatoes, cut into chunks
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup melted unsalted butter
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Spray the inside of your slow cooker with cooking spray.
- Arrange the chicken breasts in a single layer in the crockpot.
- Add the potato chunks on top or around the chicken.
- In a small bowl, mix melted butter with minced garlic, Parmesan, salt, pepper, and Italian herbs.
- Pour the mixture over the chicken and potatoes.
- Cover and set crockpot to LOW for 6 hours or HIGH for 3 hours.
- Check for doneness halfway through. Serve hot.
Notes
For a crispier top, broil the chicken for a few minutes after slow cooking. You can also substitute with chicken thighs for extra juiciness and feel free to add other vegetables like carrots or green beans.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 180 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American