This Easy Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes is a cozy meal that cooks all day while you relax. It’s packed with tasty garlic and cheesy flavors that everyone will love!
The best part? You toss everything in and let the crockpot do its magic. It’s like your kitchen assistant that never complains—just perfect for busy days!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are great for this dish because they stay tender. If you want a twist, use thighs for a juicier result! If you’re on a budget, feel free to use frozen chicken; just add a bit of extra cooking time.
Baby Potatoes: These small potatoes are ideal as they cook evenly. If you can’t find baby potatoes, any small waxy potato works well. Just chop larger potatoes into smaller pieces to ensure even cooking.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic brings the best flavor, but garlic powder can work in a pinch. Use 1/2 tsp of garlic powder per clove of fresh garlic. Consider adding roasted garlic for a sweeter, richer taste!
Butter: Unsalted butter adds richness, but you can use olive oil for a lighter option. If you’re watching saturated fat, avocado oil is another heart-healthy substitute!
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated is preferable for that melt-in-your-mouth texture. If you need a dairy-free option, try nutritional yeast for a hint of cheesy flavor or vegan parmesan.
How Can I Ensure Perfectly Cooked Chicken and Potatoes?
Cooking chicken and potatoes perfectly in a crockpot is all about layering and timing. Start by placing the potatoes at the bottom since they take longer to cook.
- Spread the halved baby potatoes evenly in the bottom of the crockpot.
- Add the chicken breasts on top, making sure they’re in a single layer. This helps them cook evenly.
- Pour your garlic parmesan sauce evenly over the chicken and potatoes. This not only adds flavor but keeps everything moist.
Cooking on LOW ensures the chicken stays juicy while the potatoes get perfectly tender. If you want a thicker sauce, uncover the crockpot for the last 30 minutes—this allows some liquid to evaporate. Enjoy your kitchen adventure!
Easy Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1.5 lbs baby potatoes, halved or quartered if large
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (or 2 tbsp dried parsley)
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- Optional: 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes for a bit of heat
- 1/2 cup chicken broth or water (to help cook potatoes)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time, plus cooking time in the crockpot: 6-7 hours on LOW or 3-4 hours on HIGH. It’s perfect for setting it in the morning and coming home to a warm, delicious meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Garlic Parmesan Sauce:
In a medium bowl, mix together the melted butter, minced garlic, grated Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, pepper, and parsley. Stir well until it becomes a smooth sauce.
2. Prepare the Potatoes:
Place the halved baby potatoes in an even layer at the bottom of your crockpot. Pour the chicken broth or water over the potatoes to help them cook evenly and stay moist.
3. Layer the Chicken:
Now, gently place the chicken breasts on top of the potatoes in a single layer. This helps them cook perfectly and soak up all those tasty flavors.
4. Add the Sauce:
Carefully spoon the garlic parmesan sauce over the chicken and potatoes, making sure everything is evenly coated. If you’d like, save a bit of the sauce for drizzling on top when serving.
5. Cook:
Cover the crockpot and set it to cook on LOW for 6-7 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours. You’ll know it’s done when the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the potatoes are fork-tender.
6. Thicken the Sauce (Optional):
If you prefer a thicker sauce, uncover the crockpot for the last 30 minutes of cooking. This allows some of the liquid to evaporate.
7. Garnish and Serve:
Once cooked, garnish your dish with extra fresh parsley and a sprinkle of Parmesan for a delightful finish. Serve warm and enjoy this comforting, hearty meal!
This Easy Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes is a wonderful way to have a delicious homemade meal without the fuss. The rich garlic and cheesy flavors combined with tender chicken and potatoes make for a family favorite!
FAQ for Easy Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts! Just make sure to increase the cooking time by about an hour or so on LOW. The chicken should be cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) before serving.
What If I Don’t Have Baby Potatoes?
No worries! You can substitute baby potatoes with any small waxy potato, like red or yellow potatoes. Just chop them into similar-sized pieces to ensure even cooking. Regular-sized potatoes can also be used, but make sure to cut them into smaller chunks.
Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare everything in the crockpot, cover it, and store it in the fridge overnight. Just remember to cook it the next day and adjust the cooking time as needed, since it’ll be starting cold.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them up gently in the microwave or on the stove, adding a splash of water or broth to keep it moist.
