Garlic Parmesan Crockpot Chicken Potatoes: Easy & Delicious Recipe

Garlic Parmesan Crockpot Chicken Potatoes: Imagine coming home after a long day to the aroma of tender chicken and perfectly cooked potatoes, infused with the rich, savory flavors of garlic and Parmesan. This isn’t just a meal; it’s a comforting hug in a bowl, and the best part? It practically cooks itself!

Crockpot cooking, also known as slow cooking, has a long and fascinating history, evolving from early methods of simmering food over low heat for extended periods. While the modern electric slow cooker gained popularity in the mid-20th century, the concept of slow cooking has been around for centuries, allowing families to create delicious and nourishing meals with minimal effort. This Garlic Parmesan Crockpot Chicken Potatoes recipe is a modern take on this classic technique, blending convenience with incredible flavor.

What makes this dish so irresistible? It’s the harmonious blend of textures and tastes. The chicken becomes incredibly tender and juicy, practically falling apart with each bite. The potatoes, infused with the creamy garlic Parmesan sauce, are soft and flavorful. The simplicity of the ingredients and the hands-off cooking process make it a weeknight winner, while the rich, satisfying flavor makes it a crowd-pleaser for any occasion. This Garlic Parmesan Crockpot Chicken Potatoes recipe is sure to become a family favorite!

Ingredients:

• Chicken: 2.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• Potatoes: 2 lbs Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cubed
• Garlic: 6 cloves, minced
• Parmesan Cheese: 1 cup, grated
• Chicken Broth: 1 cup
• Heavy Cream: 1/2 cup
• Butter: 4 tablespoons, melted
• Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons
• Italian Seasoning: 2 teaspoons
• Garlic Powder: 1 teaspoon
• Onion Powder: 1 teaspoon
• Salt: 1 teaspoon, or to taste
• Black Pepper: 1/2 teaspoon, or to taste
• Fresh Parsley: 2 tablespoons, chopped (for garnish)

Preparing the Chicken and Potatoes:

1. First, let’s get our chicken ready. Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. This helps them brown better and absorb the flavors.
2. Next, in a large bowl, toss the cubed Yukon Gold potatoes with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning, 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon of onion powder, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper. Make sure the potatoes are evenly coated with the spices.
3. In a separate bowl, prepare the chicken. Drizzle the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil over the chicken breasts. Then, sprinkle them with the remaining 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning, 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon of onion powder, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper. Again, ensure the chicken is well-coated.

Layering in the Crockpot:

1. Now, it’s time to layer everything in the crockpot. Start by placing the seasoned potatoes in an even layer at the bottom of the crockpot. This will help them cook evenly and prevent them from sticking too much.
2. Next, arrange the seasoned chicken breasts on top of the potatoes. Try to space them out so they aren’t overlapping too much. This will ensure they cook through properly.

Making the Garlic Parmesan Sauce:

1. In a medium bowl, let’s create that delicious garlic parmesan sauce. Combine the melted butter, minced garlic, chicken broth, and heavy cream. Whisk everything together until it’s well combined.
2. Pour this garlic parmesan sauce evenly over the chicken and potatoes in the crockpot. Make sure the sauce is distributed so that everything gets a good coating.

Cooking Process:

1. Cover the crockpot with the lid.
2. Cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. The cooking time will depend on your crockpot and the thickness of the chicken breasts. You’ll know it’s done when the chicken is cooked through and easily shreds with a fork, and the potatoes are tender.
3. Important: To ensure the chicken is cooked through, use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).

Shredding the Chicken and Adding Parmesan:

1. Once the chicken is cooked, carefully remove it from the crockpot and place it on a cutting board.
2. Using two forks, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
3. Return the shredded chicken to the crockpot.
4. Stir in the grated parmesan cheese. Make sure the cheese is evenly distributed throughout the chicken and potatoes.
5. Cover the crockpot again and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes, or until the parmesan cheese is melted and creamy. This will help the sauce thicken up a bit too.

Serving:

1. Before serving, give everything a good stir to ensure the parmesan cheese is fully incorporated and the sauce is creamy.
2. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
3. Serve hot. This Garlic Parmesan Crockpot Chicken and Potatoes is delicious on its own, but you can also serve it with a side salad or some steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

Tips and Variations:

• Cheese Variations: Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese. Asiago, mozzarella, or provolone would also be delicious in this recipe. You could even use a blend of cheeses for a more complex flavor.
• Vegetable Additions: Add other vegetables to the crockpot along with the potatoes. Carrots, onions, or bell peppers would all work well. Just make sure to cut them into similar sizes as the potatoes so they cook evenly.
• Spice Level: If you like a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce. You could also use a spicy Italian sausage instead of chicken for a different flavor profile.
• Cream Cheese: For an extra creamy sauce, stir in 4 ounces of cream cheese during the last 30 minutes of cooking. This will make the sauce even richer and more decadent.
• Browning the Chicken: If you have time, you can brown the chicken breasts in a skillet before adding them to the crockpot. This will add extra flavor and texture. Just sear them for a few minutes on each side until they are lightly browned.
• Using Frozen Chicken: While I recommend using fresh chicken breasts for the best results, you can use frozen chicken in a pinch. Just make sure to increase the cooking time by a few hours. Also, be aware that frozen chicken may release more liquid as it cooks, so the sauce may be a bit thinner.
• Low Carb Option: Substitute the potatoes with cauliflower florets for a low-carb version. The cauliflower will absorb the flavors of the sauce beautifully.
• Herbs: Experiment with different herbs. Fresh thyme, rosemary, or oregano would all be delicious additions to this recipe.
• Thickening the Sauce: If the sauce is too thin after cooking, you can thicken it by mixing 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water. Stir this mixture into the crockpot during the last 30 minutes of cooking.

Serving Suggestions:

• Serve over rice or pasta.
• Serve with a side of garlic bread.
• Serve with a fresh green salad.
• Serve with steamed broccoli or green beans.
• Make it a complete meal by adding a side of crusty bread for dipping in the delicious sauce.

Storage Instructions:

• Refrigerating: Store leftover Garlic Parmesan Crockpot Chicken and Potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Freezing: You can also freeze this dish for longer storage. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. When ready to eat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop.
• Reheating: To reheat, simply microwave the leftovers until heated through. You can also reheat it in a skillet on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. If the sauce has thickened too much, add a splash of chicken broth or water to thin it out.

Conclusion:

So, there you have it! This Garlic Parmesan Crockpot Chicken and Potatoes recipe is truly a weeknight dinner champion. I know, I know, there are a million chicken recipes out there, but trust me on this one. The ease of throwing everything into the crockpot, the incredible flavor that permeates every single bite, and the minimal cleanup make this a total winner. It’s the kind of meal that makes you feel like you’ve actually accomplished something, even on those days when just getting out of your pajamas feels like a victory.

But why is it a must-try? Because it’s more than just convenient; it’s genuinely delicious. The garlic parmesan sauce, infused with the chicken and potatoes as they slow cook, creates a symphony of savory goodness. The chicken becomes incredibly tender, practically falling apart with a gentle nudge of your fork, and the potatoes are perfectly cooked, absorbing all that flavorful sauce. It’s comfort food at its finest, but without all the fuss and complicated steps.

Serving Suggestions and Variations:

Now, let’s talk about how you can make this recipe your own! While it’s fantastic as is, there are plenty of ways to customize it to your liking. For a complete meal, I love serving this with a simple side salad or some steamed green beans. The freshness of the vegetables provides a nice contrast to the richness of the chicken and potatoes. You could also add a sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives for a pop of color and flavor.

Feeling adventurous? Consider adding some vegetables directly to the crockpot! Broccoli florets, sliced carrots, or even some chopped bell peppers would be delicious additions. Just be mindful of the cooking time; you might need to adjust it slightly depending on the vegetables you choose. For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce. And if you’re a cheese lover (like me!), feel free to sprinkle some extra parmesan cheese on top before serving.

Another great variation is to use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of breasts. Chicken thighs tend to be more forgiving in the slow cooker and stay incredibly moist. You could also experiment with different types of potatoes. Yukon gold potatoes would add a buttery richness, while red potatoes would hold their shape well during the cooking process.

This Garlic Parmesan Crockpot Chicken and Potatoes is a versatile recipe that you can easily adapt to your preferences and dietary needs. You can even make it ahead of time! Simply prepare the recipe as directed and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before cooking. This is a great option for busy weeknights when you know you won’t have much time to cook.

I truly believe that this recipe will become a staple in your household. It’s simple, satisfying, and guaranteed to please even the pickiest eaters. So, what are you waiting for? Grab your crockpot, gather your ingredients, and get ready to enjoy a delicious and effortless meal!

I’m so excited for you to try this recipe! Once you do, please come back and share your experience in the comments below. I’d love to hear what you think, what variations you tried, and any tips or tricks you discovered along the way. Happy cooking!

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