If you are looking for a comforting, flavorful dinner that practically cooks itself, the Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken & Potatoes Recipe is exactly what you need. This dish combines tender chicken breasts with creamy Parmesan-coated baby potatoes, slow-cooked to perfection with garlic, herbs, and a touch of cream. Every bite bursts with rich, savory goodness and the ease of using a crockpot means you can have a delicious homemade meal waiting for you, no stress involved. Whether for a busy weeknight or a relaxed weekend meal, this recipe will quickly become one of your favorites to prepare and share.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and quality ingredients. Each component plays a key role in building layers of flavor, ensuring the dish is hearty, creamy, and aromatic without much fuss.
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts: The star protein that becomes wonderfully tender and juicy after cooking.
- 1 pound baby potatoes: These little gems soak up all the tasty sauce, providing a creamy texture and satisfying bite.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Perfect for searing the chicken, locking in moisture and adding a subtle richness.
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic: Garlic intensifies the dish with its warm, savory essence.
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley: Adds a gentle herbal brightness and color contrast.
- 1 teaspoon dried basil: Brings a sweet, aromatic flavor that complements the cheese beautifully.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Essential for seasoning and enhancing all other flavors.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Offers a mild kick and depth.
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder: Provides a subtle savory undertone without overpowering the dish.
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder: Layers extra garlicky goodness.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Creates a luscious, nutty sauce that clings beautifully to chicken and potatoes.
- 1/2 cup chicken broth: Keeps everything moist and infuses a rich, savory base.
- 1/4 cup heavy cream: Adds creamy indulgence that makes the sauce irresistible.
How to Make Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken & Potatoes Recipe
Step 1: Sear the Chicken
Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. While it warms up, season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt, black pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder. Searing the chicken for 2 to 3 minutes on each side until golden brown seals in the juices, which ensures your chicken stays tender and flavorful even after slow cooking.
Step 2: Prepare the Crockpot Base
Once the chicken is perfectly seared, place it at the bottom of the crockpot. This setup lets the chicken form the savory foundation for the dish. Next, wash the baby potatoes thoroughly, cutting larger ones in half for even cooking, and arrange them around the chicken breasts.
Step 3: Add Seasonings and Liquids
Sprinkle the minced garlic, dried parsley, and dried basil evenly over the chicken and potatoes to coat everything with fragrant herbaceousness. Then pour the chicken broth and heavy cream on top, ensuring the mixture stays moist and develops a creamy sauce as it cooks.
Step 4: Sprinkle Parmesan Cheese and Cook
Top it all off with the grated Parmesan cheese, which melts slowly during cooking to create that classic garlic Parmesan flavor. Cover the crockpot with its lid and cook on low for about 6 hours. Cooking at this low temperature lets the flavors meld beautifully, the chicken reach a juicy temperature of 165°F, and the potatoes become perfectly tender.
Step 5: Final Touches Before Serving
When your crockpot signals the end, gently stir the potatoes to coat them fully with the creamy sauce, making sure every bite is indulgent. This stirring also mixes the flavors wonderfully right before plating.
How to Serve Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken & Potatoes Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate this dish even further, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or basil on top just before serving. A little extra grated Parmesan or a drizzle of olive oil can also add an attractive glossy finish and a burst of fresh flavor that contrasts the rich creaminess.
Side Dishes
This meal is fabulously filling on its own, but if you want to round it out, a crisp green salad or steamed green beans provide the perfect light, fresh counterbalance. Garlic roasted asparagus or a simple Caesar salad also pair well without overshadowing the star components.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the chicken sliced on a platter surrounded by the creamy potatoes and drizzle the sauce over everything for a rustic, hearty presentation. Alternatively, create individual servings in shallow bowls to showcase the inviting sauce soaking into each bite, making it cozy and comforting.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken & Potatoes Recipe can be stored in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keeping the sauce and chicken together helps maintain moisture and flavor, making your next meal just as delicious.
Freezing
This dish freezes really well. To freeze, portion out the chicken and potatoes with sauce into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty bags. It will keep for up to 2 months. Be sure to thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for best texture.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently either in a microwave or in a skillet over low heat to avoid drying out the chicken. Adding a splash of chicken broth or cream while reheating helps restore the creamy sauce’s consistency and richness.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken breasts for this recipe?
It’s best to use fresh or fully thawed chicken breasts to ensure even cooking in the crockpot. Using frozen chicken may result in uneven cooking and could extend the cooking time significantly.
What can I substitute for heavy cream?
If you want a lighter option, half-and-half or whole milk can work in a pinch, but keep in mind the sauce won’t be quite as rich and creamy. For a dairy-free alternative, coconut cream offers a creamy texture but will alter the flavor profile.
Can I prepare this recipe without searing the chicken first?
Yes, but searing adds a wonderful depth of flavor and texture by caramelizing the surface. Skipping this step might lead to less flavor and a softer texture on the chicken’s exterior.
How do I know when the potatoes are done?
After 6 hours on low, the baby potatoes should be fork-tender and easily pierced with a knife. If they’re still firm, you can cook the recipe longer or cut the potatoes smaller next time for faster cooking.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! The Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken & Potatoes Recipe is perfect for meal prep because it stores well, reheats beautifully, and tastes even better after the flavors sit overnight.
Final Thoughts
This Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken & Potatoes Recipe is a true game-changer for anyone wanting a cozy, flavorful meal with minimal hands-on time. The creamy sauce, tender chicken, and comforting potatoes all come together effortlessly in your crockpot, making dinner something to look forward to. Give it a try—I promise it’ll become a beloved staple in your weekly rotation!
