Garlic Parmesan Crockpot Chicken Potatoes: Easy & Delicious Recipe

Garlic Parmesan Crockpot Chicken Potatoes: Imagine coming home after a long day to the aroma of tender chicken and creamy potatoes, infused with the rich flavors of garlic and Parmesan. This isn’t just a meal; it’s a comforting hug in a bowl, and the best part? It practically cooks itself!

While the exact origins of combining chicken, potatoes, garlic, and Parmesan in a slow cooker are somewhat modern, the individual ingredients boast a rich history. Garlic, for instance, has been used for both culinary and medicinal purposes for thousands of years, dating back to ancient Egypt. Potatoes, originating in the Andes, have become a staple in countless cuisines worldwide. Parmesan cheese, with its nutty and savory notes, adds a touch of Italian elegance to this otherwise humble dish.

People adore Garlic Parmesan Crockpot Chicken Potatoes for several reasons. First, the convenience is unmatched. Simply toss everything into your crockpot, set it, and forget it! Second, the flavor profile is universally appealing. The savory garlic, the salty Parmesan, and the creamy potatoes create a symphony of textures and tastes that even the pickiest eaters will enjoy. Finally, it’s incredibly versatile. You can easily customize this Garlic Parmesan Crockpot Chicken Potatoes recipe with your favorite herbs, spices, or vegetables to create a truly personalized meal. So, are you ready to experience the magic of effortless cooking and incredible flavor? Let’s get started!

Ingredients:

• Chicken: 2.5 – 3 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• Potatoes: 2 lbs Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cubed into 1-inch pieces
• Garlic: 6 cloves, minced
• Parmesan Cheese: 1 cup, freshly grated
• Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons
• Chicken Broth: 1 cup, low sodium
• Heavy Cream: 1/2 cup
• Butter: 4 tablespoons, unsalted, cut into pats
• Dried Italian Seasoning: 2 teaspoons
• Garlic Powder: 1 teaspoon
• Onion Powder: 1 teaspoon
• Salt: 1 teaspoon, or to taste
• Black Pepper: 1/2 teaspoon, or to taste
• Fresh Parsley: 1/4 cup, chopped, for garnish (optional)

Preparing the Chicken and Potatoes:

1. First, let’s get those potatoes ready! Peel your Yukon Gold potatoes and cut them into roughly 1-inch cubes. We want them to be uniform in size so they cook evenly in the crockpot. Place the cubed potatoes in the bottom of your crockpot. This will act as a bed for the chicken and prevent it from sticking.
2. Now, let’s prepare the chicken. If your chicken breasts are particularly thick, I recommend pounding them to an even thickness of about 1 inch. This will ensure they cook through evenly and prevent them from drying out. You can do this by placing the chicken breasts between two sheets of plastic wrap and gently pounding them with a meat mallet or rolling pin.
3. In a small bowl, combine the dried Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. This is our flavor powerhouse! Mix it all together really well.
4. Take about half of the seasoning mixture and sprinkle it evenly over both sides of the chicken breasts. Gently rub the seasoning into the chicken to make sure it adheres well. We want every bite to be bursting with flavor!

Layering and Cooking in the Crockpot:

1. Place the seasoned chicken breasts on top of the bed of potatoes in the crockpot. Try to arrange them in a single layer, if possible. If they overlap slightly, that’s okay.
2. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the chicken broth and minced garlic. This will create a flavorful sauce that will infuse the chicken and potatoes as they cook.
3. Pour the chicken broth and garlic mixture over the chicken and potatoes in the crockpot. Make sure the liquid is distributed evenly.
4. Now, sprinkle about half of the grated Parmesan cheese over the chicken and potatoes. This will add a cheesy, nutty flavor that complements the garlic and herbs perfectly.
5. Place the pats of butter evenly over the chicken. The butter will melt and create a rich, creamy sauce as it cooks.
6. Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. The cooking time will vary depending on your crockpot, so it’s important to check the chicken for doneness. The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). You can use a meat thermometer to check the temperature.

Creating the Creamy Parmesan Sauce:

1. Once the chicken is cooked through, carefully remove it from the crockpot and set it aside on a plate. Cover it loosely with foil to keep it warm.
2. Using a slotted spoon, remove the potatoes from the crockpot and place them in a separate bowl.
3. Now, it’s time to make the creamy Parmesan sauce! Turn the crockpot to high.
4. Pour the heavy cream into the crockpot with the remaining cooking liquid.
5. Add the remaining grated Parmesan cheese to the crockpot.
6. Whisk the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese into the cooking liquid. Continue whisking until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy. This should take about 5-10 minutes. If the sauce is too thin, you can let it simmer for a few more minutes to thicken it up.
7. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning as needed. You may want to add a little more salt, pepper, or garlic powder to taste.

Shredding the Chicken and Assembling the Dish:

1. Using two forks, shred the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. You can also use a knife to cut the chicken into smaller pieces if you prefer.
2. Return the shredded chicken and the potatoes to the crockpot with the creamy Parmesan sauce.
3. Gently stir everything together to coat the chicken and potatoes evenly with the sauce.
4. Let the mixture simmer in the crockpot for another 5-10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

Serving and Garnishing:

1. Serve the Garlic Parmesan Crockpot Chicken and Potatoes hot.
2. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley, if desired. This adds a pop of color and freshness to the dish.
3. You can also serve this dish with a side of steamed vegetables, such as broccoli or green beans, for a complete and balanced meal.

Tips and Variations:

• Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the seasoning mixture for a little heat.
• Add vegetables: You can add other vegetables to the crockpot, such as carrots, celery, or onions. Add them along with the potatoes.
• Use different cheese: Try using a blend of Parmesan and Romano cheese for a more complex flavor.
• Make it lighter: Use light cream cheese instead of heavy cream to reduce the fat content.
• Add spinach: Stir in a bag of fresh spinach during the last 30 minutes of cooking for added nutrients and flavor.
• Browning the Chicken: For extra flavor, you can sear the chicken breasts in a skillet with a little olive oil before adding them to the crockpot. This will give them a nice golden-brown crust.
• Thickening the Sauce: If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water and whisk it into the sauce during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
• Storing Leftovers: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop.

Enjoy your delicious and easy Garlic Parmesan Crockpot Chicken and Potatoes!

Conclusion:

And there you have it! This Garlic Parmesan Crockpot Chicken and Potatoes recipe is truly a game-changer for busy weeknights or relaxed weekend meals. I know, I know, there are a million chicken and potato recipes out there, but trust me on this one. The slow cooker magic infuses every bite with incredible flavor, creating a dish that’s both comforting and surprisingly elegant.

Why is this a must-try? Well, first and foremost, it’s ridiculously easy. Minimal prep time means you can throw everything into the crockpot in the morning and come home to a delicious, ready-to-eat dinner. Secondly, the flavor profile is simply irresistible. The garlic and Parmesan create a savory, cheesy sauce that coats the chicken and potatoes perfectly. And finally, it’s a crowd-pleaser! Even picky eaters will devour this dish.

But the best part? It’s incredibly versatile! Feel free to experiment with different variations to suit your taste. For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce. If you’re a veggie lover, toss in some broccoli florets, sliced carrots, or bell peppers during the last hour of cooking. Want to make it even creamier? Stir in a dollop of sour cream or cream cheese before serving.

Speaking of serving, this Garlic Parmesan Crockpot Chicken and Potatoes is fantastic on its own, but it also pairs well with a variety of sides. A simple green salad or steamed vegetables would be a perfect complement. You could also serve it with crusty bread for soaking up all that delicious sauce. For a more substantial meal, consider adding a side of rice or quinoa.

Here are a few more serving suggestions to get your creative juices flowing:

* Parmesan Crusted Chicken Bowls: Serve the chicken and potatoes over a bed of rice or quinoa, topped with extra Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of fresh parsley.
* Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potato Wraps: Shred the chicken and combine it with the potatoes, then wrap it in a warm tortilla with your favorite toppings like lettuce, tomato, and avocado.
* Loaded Baked Potatoes: Top baked potatoes with the shredded chicken, potatoes, and a generous dollop of sour cream, chives, and bacon bits.

I’m so confident that you’ll love this recipe that I urge you to try it out as soon as possible. Don’t be afraid to get creative and put your own spin on it. Cooking should be fun and experimental!

Once you’ve made this Garlic Parmesan Crockpot Chicken and Potatoes, I’d absolutely love to hear about your experience. Did you make any modifications? What did you serve it with? What did your family think? Share your photos and comments in the section below. Your feedback is invaluable and helps other readers discover new and exciting ways to enjoy this recipe. Happy cooking! I can’t wait to hear all about your culinary adventures!

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