If you’re in the mood for an easy, flavorful, and comforting meal, Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes is the answer. This dish combines tender chicken, golden potatoes, and a rich garlic Parmesan sauce all cooked together in one pot for a hassle-free dinner. The slow cooking process ensures that the chicken is juicy and flavorful, while the potatoes soak up all the savory goodness of the sauce. It’s the perfect recipe for busy days when you want a satisfying meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Let’s explore how to make this delicious dish!
Ingredients Breakdown
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Chicken Breasts or Thighs: The chicken provides the main protein for the dish. Chicken thighs are often preferred due to their juiciness, but chicken breasts work well too. The slow cooking ensures the chicken stays tender and absorbs all the garlic and Parmesan flavors.
Baby Potatoes: These small, round potatoes are perfect for this recipe because they cook quickly and evenly. Their skin holds up well during the slow cooking process, and they become soft and flavorful as they soak up the sauce.
Garlic: Fresh garlic is the backbone of this dish’s flavor, adding a savory and aromatic base. It complements the creamy Parmesan sauce and infuses the chicken and potatoes with a rich taste.
Parmesan Cheese: The star ingredient of the sauce, Parmesan cheese adds a savory, umami flavor that coats both the chicken and potatoes. It melts into the sauce to create a creamy texture.
Butter: Butter helps to create a rich, silky sauce that enhances the flavor of the chicken and potatoes. It also adds a comforting creaminess that brings everything together.
Heavy Cream: To balance the richness of the Parmesan and butter, heavy cream is used to create a creamy, smooth sauce. It adds a silky texture to the dish.
Chicken Broth: Chicken broth is the liquid that helps to cook the chicken and potatoes while adding depth of flavor. It also helps to create the sauce that ties everything together.
Dried Herbs (Thyme and Oregano): These herbs are perfect for adding a bit of earthy and aromatic flavor to the dish. They complement the garlic and Parmesan beautifully.
Salt and Pepper: Simple seasonings that bring out the best flavors in the chicken, potatoes, and sauce.
Fresh Parsley: Fresh parsley is optional but highly recommended for a garnish. It adds a burst of color and freshness that contrasts nicely with the richness of the dish.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
- Prepare the Ingredients: Wash and halve the baby potatoes, and season them with salt and pepper. If you’re using chicken breasts, season them with salt, pepper, and a bit of garlic powder.
- Layer the Crockpot: Place the seasoned potatoes at the bottom of the crockpot. Add the chicken on top of the potatoes. This layering helps the potatoes cook perfectly while absorbing all the flavors from the chicken and sauce.
- Make the Sauce: In a mixing bowl, whisk together melted butter, heavy cream, chicken broth, garlic, Parmesan cheese, dried thyme, and oregano. Pour this creamy sauce over the chicken and potatoes in the crockpot, making sure everything is coated evenly.
- Cook the Dish: Cover the crockpot with its lid and set it to cook on low for 4-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours. The chicken should be fully cooked and tender, and the potatoes should be soft.
- Serve and Garnish: Once cooked, remove the chicken and potatoes from the crockpot. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and added flavor. Serve immediately, and enjoy the creamy, flavorful goodness!
Servings and Timing
This recipe serves about 4-6 people, depending on portion sizes. The total cooking time is approximately 4-6 hours on low or 2-3 hours on high in the crockpot.
Equipment Needed: Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
Full-Size Blender – is a powerful kitchen appliance for making smoothies, soups, and sauces in large batches.
3-in-1 Air Fryer – This versatile 3-in-1 air fryer offers Air Fry for healthier meals with less oil, Bake for bakery-quality desserts and treats, and Reheat to bring leftovers back to life with crispy, flavorful results
Variations and Customizations
While Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes is already delicious, there are plenty of ways to customize this recipe to fit your tastes and dietary needs.
- Add Vegetables: You can easily add other vegetables like carrots, green beans, or bell peppers. Just chop them into similar sizes to the potatoes to ensure even cooking.
- Make It Spicy: If you like heat, you can add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce mixture to give it a spicy kick.
- Cheese Variations: If you want to experiment with different cheeses, try using Asiago, Romano, or a blend of cheeses for a different twist on the traditional Parmesan flavor.
- Low-Carb Option: To make the recipe more low-carb, you can replace the potatoes with cauliflower florets. Cauliflower holds up well in the crockpot and will soak up the creamy sauce just like potatoes.
- Use Chicken Thighs: If you want an even juicier result, use chicken thighs instead of breasts. Thighs tend to stay tender and juicy after slow cooking, and they provide extra flavor.
- Gluten-Free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free chicken broth and double-check the Parmesan cheese to ensure it’s gluten-free.
- Vegan Version: To make this dish vegan, you can substitute the chicken with plant-based chicken alternatives, and use vegan butter, cream, and cheese to create a plant-based version of this comforting dish.
Nutrition and Dietary Info
Here’s a breakdown of the nutrition facts per serving of Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes (assuming 4 servings):
| Nutrient | Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 500 kcal |
| Protein | 34 g |
| Carbohydrates | 28 g |
| Fat | 33 g |
| Saturated Fat | 16 g |
| Fiber | 4 g |
| Sugar | 2 g |
| Sodium | 860 mg |
Expert Tips & Customizations
Don’t Overcrowd the Crockpot: Ensure there’s enough space for the chicken and potatoes to cook evenly. If your crockpot is too full, the ingredients may not cook properly.
Layering is Key: Always layer the potatoes at the bottom of the crockpot and place the chicken on top. This allows the potatoes to cook perfectly while soaking up the flavors from the chicken and sauce.
Use a Meat Thermometer: To ensure your chicken is fully cooked, check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) before serving.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but you may need to increase the cooking time. Make sure to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Can I use russet potatoes instead of baby potatoes?
Yes, russet potatoes work well too. Just cut them into smaller pieces so they cook evenly.
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare everything in the crockpot the night before, store it in the fridge, and cook it the next day.
Can I add cheese to the sauce?
Yes! You can sprinkle extra Parmesan or even mozzarella on top of the chicken and potatoes in the last 10 minutes of cooking for a cheesy finish.
Can I use heavy whipping cream instead of heavy cream?
Yes, you can use heavy whipping cream as a substitute for heavy cream in this recipe.
Can I add other herbs?
Yes! Feel free to add herbs like rosemary, basil, or parsley for extra flavor.
Can I make this dish in the oven instead of the crockpot?
Yes, you can bake it in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 40-45 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and the potatoes are tender.
How do I know when the chicken is done?
Check the internal temperature of the chicken with a meat thermometer. It should read 165°F (74°C).
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, you can substitute the butter, cream, and cheese with dairy-free alternatives to make this dish dairy-free.
Conclusion
Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes is a comforting, flavorful, and incredibly easy meal to make. With tender chicken, soft potatoes, and a creamy garlic Parmesan sauce, this dish is sure to satisfy your cravings and become a family favorite. Plus, with the simplicity of using a slow cooker, it’s a perfect dish for busy days when you want a delicious home-cooked meal with minimal effort!
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