Garlic Parmesan Crockpot Chicken and Potatoes is more than just a meal; it’s a comforting dish that brings family together after a long day. Picture this: juicy chicken breasts infused with rich garlic flavors, paired with tender baby potatoes, all enveloped in savory chicken broth. It’s the epitome of ease and deliciousness—perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy family gathering. I still remember the first time I pulled this dish from the slow cooker; the aroma wafting through my kitchen was enough to make anyone’s mouth water!
Reasons to Try It
This delightful recipe is a game-changer on so many levels. For starters, it’s incredibly simple to make—just toss your ingredients in the crockpot and let it work its magic! It’s also budget-friendly; the ingredients are usually staples you might already have in your pantry. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or just looking for a satisfying meal after a long day, this dish checks all the boxes.
“Absolutely delicious! The simple combination of garlic and parmesan takes the chicken to another level. Plus, the potatoes were perfectly tender!” – Happy Home Cook
Preparing Garlic Parmesan Crockpot Chicken and Potatoes
Let’s break down how to create this scrumptious dish. You won’t need a lot of kitchen time, but the flavors will develop beautifully as everything simmers together. Here’s an overview of the steps you’ll take:
- You’ll start by prepping your baby potatoes and chicken.
- Season the chicken for maximum flavor.
- Layer your ingredients in the crockpot with easy steps.
- Let the magic happen as it cooks to perfection!
This method not only simplifies the process but also allows for those rich flavors to blend beautifully, transforming simple ingredients into a memorable meal.
What You’ll Need
Gather these items before you start cooking to ensure a smooth process:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1.5 pounds baby potatoes, halved
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Feel free to make substitutions based on your dietary needs. For instance, if you’re looking for a dairy-free option, skip the parmesan and opt for a dairy-free cheese alternative.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Now that you have everything ready, follow these clear steps to whip up your delicious meal:
- Prepare Your Potatoes: Wash the baby potatoes thoroughly and cut them in half. This ensures even cooking.
- Season the Chicken: Rub the chicken breasts with olive oil. Sprinkle with Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if you want some heat.
- Layer in the Crockpot: Place the halved potatoes at the bottom, followed by the seasoned chicken on top.
- Add Chicken Broth: Pour the chicken broth over everything, ensuring all are well-coated.
- Sprinkle Garlic and Cheese: Distribute minced garlic over the chicken and season with grated parmesan for a cheesy crust.
- Let It Cook: Cover and set your crockpot to cook on low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4 hours. Check the chicken for tenderness and ensure it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
- Serve and Enjoy: Gently remove the contents from the crockpot and drizzle any remaining sauce over the chicken and potatoes.
- Garnish: Add a pop of color by sprinkling fresh parsley over the dish before serving.
Best Ways to Enjoy It
To serve Garlic Parmesan Crockpot Chicken and Potatoes, let your creativity shine! Plate the chicken and potatoes together, drizzle extra sauce on top, and sprinkle with parsley for garnish. This hearty meal pairs beautifully with a side salad or roasted vegetables for a balanced dinner. You could also serve it with crusty bread to soak up that delicious broth!
Keeping Leftovers Fresh
Storing leftovers is simple! After allowing the dish to cool, transfer it to an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for 3–4 days. If you want to extend its life, consider freezing it. Just make sure to separate the chicken and potatoes into individual portions. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth to keep it moist.
Helpful Cooking Tips
To elevate your Garlic Parmesan Crockpot Chicken and Potatoes, consider these tips:
- For added flavor, marinate the chicken in the olive oil and spices for a few hours before cooking.
- If you enjoy a crispier texture, you can broil the chicken for a few minutes after slow-cooking to crisp the cheese.
- Experiment with different herbs or spices—like thyme or rosemary—for a unique twist.
Creative Twists
Feel free to get creative with this dish! You can add vegetables such as carrots or green beans into the crockpot for added nutrition. Alternatively, swap the Italian seasoning for Greek seasoning for a Mediterranean flair. If you’re a mushroom lover, toss in some sliced mushrooms for an earthy touch.
Common Questions
What’s the prep time for this recipe?
Preparation takes about 15 minutes, making it quick to put together before heading out for the day.
Can I use frozen chicken?
While it’s best to use fresh chicken for even cooking, you can use thawed frozen chicken. Just be sure to extend the cooking time slightly.
What if I don’t have baby potatoes?
You can substitute with regular potatoes, just cut them into smaller pieces to match the cooking time of the chicken.
With this recipe ready to go, you’ll be amazed at how easy it is to bring a burst of flavor to your dinner table. Happy cooking!
Garlic Parmesan Crockpot Chicken and Potatoes
Ingredients
Method
- Wash the baby potatoes thoroughly and cut them in half to ensure even cooking.
- Rub the chicken breasts with olive oil and sprinkle with Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if desired.
- Place the halved potatoes at the bottom of the crockpot and layer the seasoned chicken on top.
- Pour the chicken broth over everything, ensuring all ingredients are well-coated.
- Distribute minced garlic over the chicken and sprinkle the grated parmesan for a cheesy crust.
- Cover and set the crockpot to cook on low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4 hours, checking that the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
- Gently remove the contents from the crockpot and drizzle any remaining sauce over the chicken and potatoes.
- Sprinkle fresh parsley over the dish before serving.