Garlic Parmesan Crockpot Chicken Potatoes: Easy Recipe & Tips

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 culinary hug in a bowl, and the best part? Your trusty crockpot does almost all the work!

Crockpot cooking, also known as slow cooking, has a rich history, dating back to the early 20th century. It gained immense popularity as a convenient way for busy families to enjoy home-cooked meals without spending hours in the kitchen. This Garlic Parmesan Crockpot Chicken Potatoes recipe perfectly embodies that spirit of ease and deliciousness.

What makes this dish so irresistible? It’s the symphony of flavors and textures. The chicken becomes incredibly moist and flavorful as it simmers in the creamy garlic Parmesan sauce. The potatoes absorb all those delicious juices, becoming melt-in-your-mouth tender. People adore this recipe because it’s a complete meal in one pot, minimizing cleanup and maximizing flavor. It’s also incredibly versatile – you can easily customize it with your favorite vegetables or herbs. So, get ready to experience the magic of slow cooking with this incredibly easy and satisfying recipe!

Ingredients:

• Chicken: 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• Potatoes: 2 lbs Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cubed
• Garlic: 6 cloves, minced
• Parmesan Cheese: 1 cup, grated
• Butter: 1/2 cup, melted
• Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons
• Chicken Broth: 1 cup
• Heavy Cream: 1/2 cup
• 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)

Preparing the Potatoes and Chicken:

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 a large bowl.
2. Now, let’s prepare the chicken. If your chicken breasts are particularly thick, I recommend pounding them to an even thickness of about 1/2 inch. This will help them cook more 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 the bowl with the potatoes, add the minced garlic, melted butter, olive oil, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Toss everything together really well to ensure the potatoes are evenly coated with the seasonings. This step is crucial for infusing the potatoes with that delicious garlic parmesan flavor.

Layering in the Crockpot:

1. Now comes the layering process in the crockpot. This is important for even cooking and flavor distribution. Start by spreading the seasoned potatoes evenly across the bottom of your crockpot. This will create a nice base for the chicken.
2. Next, arrange the chicken breasts on top of the potatoes. Try to space them out evenly so they’re not overlapping too much. This will allow the chicken to cook properly and absorb the flavors from the potatoes and sauce.
3. Pour the chicken broth over the chicken and potatoes. The chicken broth will help keep everything moist and create a flavorful sauce as it cooks.
4. Sprinkle about half of the grated parmesan cheese evenly over the chicken. This will add a cheesy, nutty flavor to the chicken as it cooks. Reserve the remaining parmesan cheese for later.

Cooking Process:

1. Cover the crockpot with the lid and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. The cooking time will depend on your crockpot and the thickness of your chicken breasts. 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. The potatoes should be tender and easily pierced with a fork.
2. About 30 minutes before the end of the cooking time, stir in the heavy cream. This will create a creamy, rich sauce that coats the chicken and potatoes.
3. Sprinkle the remaining parmesan cheese over the top of the chicken and potatoes. This will create a cheesy crust as it melts.
4. Continue cooking for the remaining 30 minutes, or until the parmesan cheese is melted and bubbly.

Serving and Garnishing:

1. Once the chicken and potatoes are cooked through and the parmesan cheese is melted, it’s time to serve! Carefully remove the chicken and potatoes from the crockpot using a slotted spoon.
2. Place the chicken and potatoes on a serving platter or individual plates.
3. Spoon some of the creamy garlic parmesan sauce from the crockpot over the chicken and potatoes.
4. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
5. Serve immediately and enjoy! This Garlic Parmesan Crockpot Chicken and Potatoes is delicious on its own, but you can also serve it with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

Tips and Variations:

1. Chicken Thighs: You can substitute boneless, skinless chicken thighs for the chicken breasts. Chicken thighs are more forgiving and tend to stay more moist during the long cooking process.
2. Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables to the crockpot, such as broccoli florets, carrots, or bell peppers. Add them in the last hour of cooking so they don’t get too mushy.
3. Spices: Adjust the spices to your liking. You can add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat, or use different herbs like oregano or basil.
4. Cheese: You can use a blend of parmesan and mozzarella cheese for a cheesier dish.
5. Cream Cheese: For an even creamier sauce, add 4 ounces of cream cheese to the crockpot along with the heavy cream.
6. Browning the Chicken: For extra flavor, you can brown the chicken breasts in a skillet before adding them to the crockpot. This will add a nice sear and caramelization to the chicken.
7. Low Sodium: To reduce the sodium content, use low-sodium chicken broth and reduce the amount of salt added.
8. Make Ahead: You can prepare the potatoes and chicken ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator overnight. Then, simply add them to the crockpot in the morning and cook as directed.
9. Leftovers: Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until heated through.

Serving Suggestions:

1. Side Salad: Serve with a simple green salad or a Caesar salad.
2. Steamed Vegetables: Steamed broccoli, green beans, or asparagus are great accompaniments.
3. Garlic Bread: Serve with crusty garlic bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
4. Mashed Potatoes: For an extra indulgent meal, serve with mashed potatoes.
5. Rice: Serve over rice to absorb the sauce.

Troubleshooting:

1. Chicken is Dry: If the chicken is dry, try reducing the cooking time or adding more chicken broth. Make sure the chicken breasts are not too thick. Pounding them to an even thickness will help them cook more evenly and prevent them from drying out.
2. Potatoes are Undercooked: If the potatoes are still hard after the recommended cooking time, continue cooking for another hour or until they are tender. Make sure the potatoes are cut into uniform sizes.
3. Sauce is Too Thin: If the sauce is too thin, you can thicken it by adding a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water) to the crockpot during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
4. Sauce is Too Thick: If the sauce is too thick, add a little more chicken broth or heavy cream to thin it out.
5. Crockpot is Cooking Too Hot: If your crockpot tends to cook hot, reduce the cooking time or use the low setting.

Nutritional Information (Approximate):

(Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.)

• Calories: 450-550 per serving
• Protein: 40-50g
• Fat: 25-35g
• Carbohydrates: 20-30g

Enjoy this easy and delicious Garlic Parmesan Crockpot Chicken and Potatoes! It’s a perfect weeknight meal that the whole family will love.

Conclusion:

So 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. The garlic parmesan sauce is the star, clinging beautifully to the tender chicken and perfectly cooked potatoes. It’s a symphony of savory goodness that your family will absolutely adore.

Why is this a must-try? Well, first and foremost, it’s incredibly easy. Seriously, the prep time is minimal, and the crockpot does all the heavy lifting. You can literally set it and forget it, freeing you up to tackle other tasks or simply relax. Secondly, the flavor profile is universally appealing. Who doesn’t love garlic, parmesan, and perfectly cooked chicken and potatoes? It’s a classic combination that’s elevated by the slow cooking process, resulting in a depth of flavor you just can’t achieve with other methods. And finally, it’s a complete meal in one pot, meaning fewer dishes to wash! Hallelujah!

Serving Suggestions and Variations

While this Garlic Parmesan Crockpot Chicken and Potatoes is delicious as is, there are plenty of ways to customize it to your liking. For a bit of added freshness, sprinkle some chopped fresh parsley or chives over the top before serving. A squeeze of lemon juice can also brighten up the flavors. If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding some vegetables to the crockpot along with the chicken and potatoes. Broccoli florets, sliced carrots, or even some chopped bell peppers would be fantastic additions. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly, as some vegetables may cook faster than others.

Another variation I love is to add a touch of heat. A pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce can really kick things up a notch. If you’re a cheese lover (and who isn’t?), feel free to add some extra parmesan cheese during the last 30 minutes of cooking. You could even sprinkle some shredded mozzarella or provolone over the top for an extra cheesy delight. For a creamier sauce, stir in a dollop of sour cream or cream cheese just before serving. This will add a richness and tanginess that’s simply irresistible.

Serving wise, this dish pairs perfectly with a simple side salad or some crusty bread for soaking up all that delicious sauce. You could also serve it over rice or pasta for a heartier meal. Leftovers (if there are any!) are fantastic the next day, either reheated as is or used in sandwiches or wraps. I’ve even been known to shred the chicken and use it as a topping for pizza or baked potatoes. The possibilities are endless!

I truly believe that this Garlic Parmesan Crockpot Chicken and Potatoes recipe will become a staple in your household. It’s easy, delicious, and endlessly customizable. So, what are you waiting for? Grab your crockpot, gather your ingredients, and get cooking! I’m confident that you’ll love it as much as I do.

And now, for the most important part: I want to hear from you! Once you’ve tried this recipe, please come back and share your experience in the comments below. Did you make any variations? What did your family think? I’m always eager to hear your feedback and learn from your culinary adventures. Happy cooking!

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