The Best Garlic Parmesan Crockpot Chicken and Potatoes
There’s something undeniably comforting about a Garlic Parmesan Crockpot Chicken and Potatoes meal. Honestly, just thinking about it conjures images of cozy evenings spent at home, the delicious aroma wafting through the air, and family gathering around the dinner table. I remember the first time I stumbled upon a crockpot recipe—my kitchen was a chaotic mess, and I had just burned dinner (again). I was half-expecting a takeout menu to become my new best friend when I spotted this little gem nestled in my recipe box. It became my saving grace!
From that very first experiment with my trusty slow cooker, something magical happened. The mishaps of daily kitchen life faded, and all I had to do was prep the ingredients, set the timer, and let the crockpot work its wonders. I loved how the flavors melded together, creating a dish that felt like a cozy hug. As the chicken slowly cooked, the blend of garlic and parmesan filled the air, warming my home and heart.
This recipe has morphed into a family favorite. It’s perfect for those busy weeknights when you just want to throw something in the crockpot and forget about it until dinner time. It’s comforting, delicious, and the leftovers? Oh, they taste even better the next day! Can you hear the collective sigh of relief from busy parents everywhere? It’s the epitome of easy weeknight dinners and you don’t even have to sacrifice taste!
So, let’s dive into this mouthwatering adventure of flavors and memories, where you’ll discover why this Garlic Parmesan Crockpot Chicken and Potatoes recipe will make its way to the top of your go-to list.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Easy Peasy: Seriously, if you can chop potatoes and sprinkle seasoning, you can make this. Minimal effort for maximum flavor is a win.
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Comfort Food Vibes: It feels like a warm hug, bringing back memories of family dinners and cozy nights in.
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Picky Eater Approved: The delightful combo of garlic and parmesan is a favorite among kids and adults alike, making it a crowd-pleaser.
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Leftover Heaven: It tastes even better the next day! Think about it—it’s perfect for meal prep for lunches.
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Budget-Friendly: You’re getting a great meal without breaking the bank. This recipe is a budget-friendly recipe that utilizes simple ingredients.
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Healthy Comfort: Packed with protein from the chicken and bursting with flavor, this dish checks off those high protein meals boxes, too.
What Makes This Recipe Special?
What sets this recipe apart is not just the rich flavor of garlic and cheese mingling together, but the simplicity it carries—like that friend who’s effortlessly adorable in a t-shirt and jeans. It emphasizes the beauty of good, wholesome chicken, and showcases how a few key ingredients can work wonders.
Subtle notes of Italian seasoning elevate the dish and add an aromatic twist, while the crispy parmesan topping gives it a delightful texture that keeps every bite interesting. Oh, and let’s be real—melted cheese can make anything feel gourmet, right?
The best part is the slow cooker aspect! I’ve had many kitchen disasters where I’ve burned, dropped, or overcooked my meals. But with a crockpot, it’s almost impossible to mess up! Just set it and forget it! Well, almost. I mean, you’ll still want to check in and inhale those divine scents as they swirl around the room, reminding you of the delicious meal that awaits.
Ingredients
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4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 pounds): The star of the show! Opt for high-quality chicken for juiciness, and trust me, you’ll thank your taste buds!
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1.5 pounds baby potatoes, halved: Baby potatoes are as cute as they are yummy. I love their creamy texture, which gets super soft and buttery in the slow cooker. Don’t skip them!
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1 cup chicken broth: This adds moisture and depth of flavor. I usually go for low-sodium varieties, but if you’re feeling adventurous, homemade stock ups the ante!
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1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese: The crown jewel! You can never have too much cheese, am I right? Freshly grated cheese is ideal; just avoid the pre-packaged stuff to amp up the flavor.
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4 cloves garlic, minced: Because garlic makes everything better! Don’t shy away here—give your chicken that bold flavor boost!
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1 tablespoon Italian seasoning: Your kitchen’s secret weapon! It’s an aromatic blend that’s both convenient and full of flavor. You can even make your own version if you’re feeling crafty.
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1 teaspoon salt: Always a must for seasoning—it helps all those flavors pop!
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1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Just enough to elevate the taste without overwhelming it.
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1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): For those who like a little kick, this is your go-to! I usually sprinkle in a bit for fun.
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2 tablespoons olive oil: This is crucial for coating the chicken and giving it that golden, crispy finish when you bake it later.
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Fresh parsley for garnish (optional): Because we all need a pop of green on our plates!
Tips:
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Don’t use frozen chicken! It’ll cook unevenly, and nobody likes rubbery chicken.
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If you want to bulk it up a little, consider throwing in some veggies like carrots or even green beans!
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Remember to adjust seasoning based on personal preference. It’s all about you!
How to Make It Step-by-Step
Now that you have your ingredients gathered, let’s get to the fun part: cooking. I can’t lie—I get as excited for the process as I do for the final result. So grab a glass of wine, crank up your favorite playlist, and let’s dive in!
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Wash the Baby Potatoes: To start, I always wash my baby potatoes first. It’s quite therapeutic. Just a quick rinse and scrub, then slice them in half. I mean, we’ve all been there, and it’s not a pleasant surprise to bite into dirt!
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Mince the Garlic: Next, let’s talk garlic. Mince those four cloves until they’re almost pasty. You will smell its deliciousness filling the air, and just take a moment to appreciate it. I always find myself a little overzealous and end up with more than I intended, but let’s be real—a little extra garlic never hurt anyone.
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Season the Chicken: Time to give those chicken breasts some love! Rub them with olive oil, then sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if you’re feeling bold. Get your hands in there! It’s messy, sure, but it’s all part of the fun.
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Layer the Potatoes: Place the halved potatoes in the bottom of the crockpot. Here’s where it starts to look good: make sure they’re evenly spread out so all those flavors seep into the potatoes as they cook! This is the moment I usually oops by trying to layer too high—it’s a crockpot, not a tower!
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Place the Chicken on Top: Lay the seasoned chicken breasts over the potatoes like a cozy blanket. It’s almost poetic.
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Add the Chicken Broth: Pour in that cup of chicken broth evenly over everything. This will create a lovely braising liquid and keep everything moist while cooking. Pro tip: use a spoon to help distribute it evenly if needed.
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Sprinkle Garlic and Parmesan: Now, add the minced garlic over the chicken, and follow it up with that glorious parmesan cheese. Oh yes, just as you’re layering on the cheese, turn on a classic rom-com because you deserve the full experience!
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Time to Cook: Cover the crockpot and set it to cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours. I always go for low if I’m home to enjoy the anticipation. The smell will tease you throughout the day, making it feel like a culinary Christmas!
When it’s done cooking, you might hear a faint sigh of relief from the crockpot as you unveil your masterpiece. Gently remove the chicken and potatoes from the pot, maybe scoop some broth on top for extra flavor, and you are done!
Tips for Best Results
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Check your cook times! Every crockpot is different, and you’ll want to keep an eye to avoid overcooking.
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If you’re craving a bit of crispiness, after the slow cooking, you can toss your chicken under the broiler for 2-3 minutes for a golden finish! Just be sure to keep an eye on it. Trust me; the crispy top is worth that little extra step!
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Keep some broth to the side so you can spoon it onto the chicken and potatoes when serving — it’s the flavorful cherry on top!
Ingredient Substitutions & Variations
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Chicken: If you’re feeling adventurous, swap out the chicken breasts for thighs—more flavor and juiciness!
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Potatoes: Sweet potatoes work just as well and add a lovely sweetness to the dish.
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Herbs: Experiment with different herbs! Rosemary or thyme would add a lovely twist.
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Vegan Option: Swap the chicken with chickpeas or a plant-based protein. Use vegetable broth rather than chicken broth, and you can still keep those cheesy vibes with a plant-based parmesan.
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Dairy-Free: Use nutritional yeast in lieu of parmesan for a cheesy flavor without the dairy.
Directions
- Wash and halve the baby potatoes.
- Mince the garlic and prepare the seasonings.
- Rub chicken breasts with olive oil and seasonings, then layer the halved potatoes in the crockpot.
- Place the seasoned chicken on top of the potatoes.
- Pour in the chicken broth evenly, then sprinkle minced garlic and parmesan cheese over everything.
- Cover and cook on low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4 hours.
- Serve the chicken and potatoes drizzled with sauce and garnish with parsley if desired.
Pair it with a light salad or some crusty bread for dipping. Trust me, this and a rom-com is perfection!
Pairing Ideas (Drinks, Sides, etc.)
First things first; I love a glass of crisp white wine with this dish—something cold and refreshing that compliments that garlic and parmesan beautifully.
As for sides, a bright green salad dressed lightly with lemon vinaigrette cuts through the richness perfectly. Or consider some sautéed greens, like spinach or green beans, to add color and flavor.
Dessert? A simple sorbet or dark chocolate would cleanse the palate and leave you feeling as satisfied as can be.
How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
Leftovers?! More like treasures! Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge—this dish keeps well for up to 3-4 days.
When it’s time to reheat, pop it in the microwave or put it on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth if it looks dry. Just be careful not to overheat—nobody wants rubber chicken!
Make-Ahead and Freezer Tips
You can absolutely get a head start on this baby! Prep your ingredients the night before and pop everything into the crockpot in the morning if you want to wake up to kitchen bliss.
For freezing, I recommend prepping everything (without the broth) and storing it in a large freezer bag. When you’re ready to cook, thaw overnight in the fridge and follow the same steps as above!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
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Using frozen chicken: As I mentioned earlier, don’t go there. Fresh or thawed chicken lets all those lovely flavors penetrate.
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Skipping the seasoning: Seasoning is where the magic happens! Don’t hold back!
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Overflowing the pot: If you jam too much in, you might end up with a gooey mess. Better to give it room to breathe.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can I use frozen chicken?
Nope! Try to avoid that for the best results. Stick with fresh or thawed chicken.
2. Is it okay to open the lid during cooking?
Each time you open the lid, you release heat and moisture. Try not to sneak a peek too much—let it cook undisturbed!
3. Can I add vegetables?
Absolutely! Try carrots, bell peppers, or broccoli if you want to bulk it up.
4. Can I make this dish in an Instant Pot?
Yes, you can! Just adjust the time: cook on high pressure for about 15-20 minutes.
Cooking Tools You’ll Need
- A reliable crockpot: Seriously, invest in a good one—it’s a game-changer.
- A good chef’s knife: You’ll need it for slicing potatoes and mincing garlic.
- A cutting board: For all your chopping needs.
- Airtight containers for leftovers: To keep all that goodness fresh.
Final Thoughts
Honestly, there’s something truly special about gathering around the dinner table for a warm, homemade meal. It creates connections, memories, and comfort. Whether it’s just you or a crowded table, this Garlic Parmesan Crockpot Chicken and Potatoes brings everyone together. It’s simple, filled with flavor, and somehow feels like home.
So, the next time you’re rummaging through your recipe collection or staring blankly into your fridge wondering what to cook, remember this dish. You’ve got this—give it a whirl, and don’t forget to share your own twists and tales from the kitchen!
If you enjoyed this recipe, don’t forget to save it on Pinterest or share it with a friend! Happy cooking, my fellow culinary adventurers!
Garlic Parmesan Crockpot Chicken and Potatoes
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts Opt for high-quality chicken for juiciness.
- 1.5 pounds baby potatoes, halved Creamy texture that gets super soft in the slow cooker.
- 1 cup chicken broth Low-sodium varieties preferred.
Flavor Enhancers
- 0.5 cup grated parmesan cheese Freshly grated cheese is ideal.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced Adds bold flavor.
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning Convenient and flavorful.
- 1 teaspoon salt Enhances all flavors.
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper Adds a mild spice.
- 0.5 teaspoon red pepper flakes Optional for those who like a kick.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil Crucial for a golden, crispy finish.
- fresh parsley to taste for garnish Optional, adds a pop of color.
Instructions
Preparation
- Wash the baby potatoes and slice them in half.
- Mince the garlic.
- Rub chicken breasts with olive oil and seasonings.
Cooking
- Layer the halved potatoes in the bottom of the crockpot.
- Place the seasoned chicken on top of the potatoes.
- Pour in the chicken broth evenly.
- Sprinkle minced garlic and parmesan cheese over everything.
- Cover and cook on low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4 hours.
- Gently remove the chicken and potatoes from the crockpot when done.



