This Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes is the definition of effortless comfort food. With juicy chicken infused with the rich flavors of garlic, butter, and Parmesan, paired with tender, creamy potatoes, every bite is a warm, satisfying hug. The slow cooker does all the work, letting the flavors blend beautifully while you go about your day.
Perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends, this dish is a lifesaver when you want something hearty and wholesome without standing over the stove. Serve it up with a side of roasted veggies or a simple salad for a complete meal that’s sure to become a family favorite!
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 ½ lbs baby potatoes, halved
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Directions:
- Lightly grease the inside of your slow cooker with olive oil or non-stick spray.
- Place the halved baby potatoes in the bottom of the slow cooker.
- In a small bowl, mix melted butter, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Rub the seasoning mixture evenly over the chicken breasts.
- Arrange the seasoned chicken on top of the potatoes.
- Pour the chicken broth around the chicken and potatoes.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 5-6 hours or HIGH for 2.5-3 hours, until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
- In the last 30 minutes of cooking, stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, ensuring the sauce thickens.
- Once done, garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 5 hours | Total Time: 5 hours 10 minutes
Kcal: 430 kcal per serving | Servings: 4 servings
Origin and Inspiration
This Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes is inspired by classic comfort food recipes that bring together tender, slow-cooked meat with a creamy, flavorful sauce. The combination of garlic, butter, and Parmesan is a timeless favorite, originating from Italian cuisine, where Parmesan cheese is often used to enhance the depth of flavor in savory dishes. The slow cooker allows all the ingredients to meld beautifully, creating a rich and satisfying meal with minimal effort.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔ Effortless Cooking: Set it and forget it—this dish requires just a few minutes of prep before letting the slow cooker do all the work.
✔ Rich & Creamy Flavor: The combination of garlic, Parmesan, and heavy cream creates a velvety sauce that coats the chicken and potatoes perfectly.
✔ Family-Friendly: A comforting, crowd-pleasing meal that’s great for busy families.
✔ Meal Prep-Friendly: Stores well in the fridge and can be reheated for easy lunches or dinners throughout the week.
✔ Customizable: Add extra vegetables or swap the potatoes for a low-carb alternative like cauliflower.
Ingredient Breakdown
- Chicken Breasts: Lean, protein-rich, and tender when slow-cooked. You can also use chicken thighs for a juicier result.
- Baby Potatoes: Small, tender potatoes that absorb the garlic-Parmesan sauce beautifully. You can also use Yukon Gold or red potatoes.
- Garlic: The key flavor component that enhances the entire dish. Fresh garlic is recommended for the best taste.
- Parmesan Cheese: Adds a nutty, umami depth to the creamy sauce. Use freshly grated Parmesan for maximum flavor.
- Heavy Cream: Creates a rich and creamy texture that binds everything together.
- Butter & Olive Oil: These fats add richness and help develop the deep garlic flavor.
- Chicken Broth: Provides moisture and enhances the overall taste of the dish.
- Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme that complement the garlic-Parmesan flavors.
Cooking Tips & Variations
🔹 Make It Spicier: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper for a bit of heat.
🔹 Thicker Sauce: If you prefer a thicker sauce, stir in a slurry of cornstarch and water during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
🔹 More Vegetables: Add carrots, green beans, or spinach to increase the nutritional value.
🔹 Swap the Protein: Try boneless, skinless chicken thighs for a juicier and more flavorful alternative.
🔹 Low-Carb Option: Replace potatoes with cauliflower or zucchini for a keto-friendly version.
How to Store & Reheat
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: Freeze in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheating: Warm on the stove over low heat or in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between to prevent separation.
Perfect Pairings & Serving Suggestions
Pair this creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes with:
🥗 A fresh green salad with a lemon vinaigrette for balance.
🥖 Garlic bread or dinner rolls to soak up the delicious sauce.
🥦 Steamed or roasted broccoli, asparagus, or green beans for extra nutrition.
FAQs
❓ Can I use frozen chicken?
It’s best to thaw the chicken before slow cooking to ensure even cooking and proper texture.
❓ Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes! Substitute the heavy cream with coconut milk and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan.
❓ How do I make the sauce creamier?
For an extra creamy sauce, add 1 tablespoon of cream cheese during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Pro Tips for the Best Garlic Parmesan Chicken & Potatoes
🔸 Sear the Chicken First: If you have a few extra minutes, lightly brown the chicken in a pan before adding it to the slow cooker. This enhances the flavor.
🔸 Stir in Parmesan at the End: Adding Parmesan in the last 30 minutes keeps it from getting grainy and helps create a smooth sauce.
🔸 Use Fresh Garlic: Minced fresh garlic gives a more intense flavor compared to pre-minced or garlic powder.
🔸 Make it Low-Carb: Swap the potatoes for cauliflower or zucchini for a keto-friendly version.
🔸 Thicken the Sauce: If you want a thicker sauce, stir in 1 tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with water in the last 30 minutes.
How to Store & Reheat
Leftovers? No problem! Here’s how to store and enjoy your meal later:
- Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freeze: Place in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
- Reheat: Warm on the stove over low heat or microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.
What to Serve With This Dish
This Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes is already a complete meal, but here are some great serving ideas:
🥗 Fresh Salad: A Caesar salad or mixed greens with a light vinaigrette balances the richness.
🥖 Garlic Bread: Perfect for soaking up the creamy Parmesan sauce!
🥦 Steamed Vegetables: Serve with broccoli, asparagus, or green beans for extra nutrition.
🍷 Wine Pairing: A light Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc pairs beautifully with this dish.
Conclusion
This Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes is the ultimate set-it-and-forget-it meal that delivers rich, savory flavors with every bite. Whether you’re feeding a busy family, meal prepping for the week, or looking for a comforting yet effortless dinner, this recipe is a must-try.