Garlic Parmesan Crockpot Chicken and Potatoes is a super easy and tasty meal that mixes juicy chicken with tender potatoes, all coated in a flavorful garlic and parmesan sauce. The crockpot makes everything perfectly cooked and so soft, while the cheese and garlic give it a rich, comforting taste that’s hard to resist.
I love how simple this recipe is—just toss everything in the slow cooker and let it work its magic throughout the day. It’s one of those go-to dinners when I want something that feels special but doesn’t mean spending hours in the kitchen. Plus, the smell of garlic and parmesan cooking all day always makes the house feel cozy and inviting.
My favorite way to serve this dish is with a side of steamed green beans or a fresh salad to add a bit of crunch and color. It’s perfect for a relaxed family dinner or even for meal prep since it tastes great reheated. I’m pretty sure everyone will ask for seconds once they try this easy, cheesy, garlicky crockpot dinner!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken breasts: Boneless and skinless work best for even cooking in the crockpot. You can swap with thighs if you want a juicier, more flavorful result.
Baby potatoes: Using a mix of red and yellow potatoes adds nice texture. If you can’t find baby potatoes, quarter regular potatoes to keep the timing right.
Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan gives the best flavor and melts smoothly. If needed, Pecorino Romano or Asiago can work as substitutes.
Heavy cream or half-and-half: Heavy cream makes the sauce rich and creamy; half-and-half is a lighter option. For dairy-free, try coconut cream but expect a hint of coconut flavor.
Garlic: Minced fresh garlic provides the best aroma and taste. Garlic powder is okay in a pinch but use less since it’s more concentrated.
How Can I Keep Chicken Tender and Potatoes Perfect in the Crockpot?
Slow cooking can sometimes dry out chicken or make potatoes mushy if not timed right. Here’s how to avoid that:
- Pat the chicken dry and season well to lock in moisture and flavor.
- Layer potatoes at the bottom where they get more heat and cook evenly.
- Use the low setting for longer, gentle cooking that keeps chicken juicy.
- Check potatoes with a fork before serving to ensure they’re tender but not falling apart.
- If you want a bit of crisp, after slow cooking, you can quickly broil chicken on high heat for 3-5 minutes.
Following these tips helps balance smooth, tender potatoes with juicy chicken every time!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Crockpot/slow cooker – It cooks everything evenly and lets you set it and forget it while you go about your day.
- Mixing bowl – Handy for whisking together the garlic parmesan sauce before pouring it over the chicken and potatoes.
- Measuring cups and spoons – Keep your seasoning and sauces balanced for the best flavor every time.
- Wooden spoon or tongs – Great for gently stirring or shredding the chicken once it’s cooked.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap chicken breasts for thighs to get a juicier, more flavorful result that stays tender after slow cooking.
- Add green beans or baby carrots for extra color and a fresh crunch that complements the creamy sauce.
- Stir in red pepper flakes or smoked paprika if you want a little kick of heat and smoky depth.
- Mix in cream cheese or mozzarella for an even richer, gooier garlic parmesan sauce.
How to Make Garlic Parmesan Crockpot Chicken and Potatoes
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1.5 pounds baby potatoes (mix of red and yellow), halved
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning (or a mix of oregano, basil, thyme)
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley (plus extra for garnish)
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter
- Optional: Fresh lemon juice from half a lemon for brightness
How Much Time Will You Need?
This meal takes just about 15 minutes to prepare, and then you’ll let it cook in the crockpot for 6-7 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high. It’s a hands-off dinner perfect for busy days!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prep Your Crockpot and Potatoes:
Lightly grease your slow cooker with olive oil or cooking spray. Spread the halved baby potatoes evenly at the bottom. Sprinkle a little salt, pepper, and half of the dried parsley over the potatoes.
2. Season the Chicken:
Pat your chicken breasts dry to help the seasonings stick. Then, rub both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Place the chicken on top of the potatoes in the crockpot.
3. Make the Garlic Parmesan Sauce:
In a bowl, whisk together minced garlic, Parmesan cheese, heavy cream (or half-and-half), chicken broth, Italian seasoning, the leftover dried parsley, and olive oil or melted butter. Pour this sauce evenly over the chicken and potatoes.
4. Cook and Finish:
Cover the crockpot. Cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the chicken is cooked through and potatoes are tender. For added texture, you can shred some of the chicken with two forks and gently stir it into the sauce and potatoes. If you like, add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice at the end to brighten the flavors.
5. Serve and Enjoy:
Plate your chicken and potatoes, and sprinkle freshly chopped parsley and extra Parmesan cheese on top if you wish. Serve hot and enjoy this creamy, delicious, and comforting meal!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can! Just make sure to fully thaw the chicken breasts in the refrigerator overnight before adding them to the crockpot. This helps ensure even cooking and food safety.
Can I Substitute Heavy Cream with Something Lighter?
Absolutely! Half-and-half works well for a lighter option and still gives a creamy texture. For a dairy-free alternative, try coconut milk or almond milk, but the flavor will be slightly different.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stove, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream if the sauce has thickened too much.
Can I Add Other Vegetables to This Dish?
Yes! Feel free to add vegetables like green beans, carrots, or mushrooms. Add sturdy veggies like carrots earlier in the cooking time and quicker-cooking ones like green beans closer to the end to avoid overcooking.
