This Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes is a true comfort dish! It’s packed with juicy chicken, creamy garlic sauce, and soft potatoes—all cooked together to soak up those yummy flavors.
What I love most is how effortless it is to make. Just toss everything into the slow cooker, and you can spend your time watching your favorite show while dinner cooks itself! 🍽️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Thighs: Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are my go-to because they’re juicy and tender after cooking. You can also use chicken breasts, but they might turn out a bit drier. For a budget option, try drumsticks!
Baby Potatoes: These tiny potatoes are perfect for this dish! If they’re not available, you could use regular potatoes, just cut them into smaller chunks. Sweet potatoes could add a nice twist, too!
Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan adds a great flavor to this dish. If you’re after a cheese swap, Pecorino Romano can work well. Nutritional yeast is a solid dairy-free option for a cheesy flavor.
Garlic: Fresh garlic is best for that robust taste, but if you’re short on time, garlic powder works too. Use about 1/8 teaspoon for every clove. You can skip it if you’re not a garlic fan!
How Do I Ensure My Chicken and Potatoes Cook Perfectly in the Crockpot?
Cooking in a crockpot is simple, but timing and layering are key to getting juicy chicken and tender potatoes. Here’s how to nail it:
- When layering in the crockpot, always put the denser items like potatoes and onions at the bottom. They need more heat to cook through.
- Season your chicken thighs well and let them marinate in the olive oil and garlic mix for at least 30 minutes before cooking for better flavor.
- Cook on low for 6-8 hours for tender results. If you’re short on time, the high setting for 3-4 hours works, but keep an eye on it!
- Adding Parmesan and parsley in the last 30 minutes helps keep the cheese from getting too brown and ensures the herbs remain fresh.
How to Make Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken and Potatoes:
- 4-6 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 pound baby potatoes, halved
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
For Flavor:
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (plus more for garnish)
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Optional: additional Parmesan cheese for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious meal requires about 15 minutes of prep time. Then you’ll let it cook in the crockpot for either 6-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high. So, just set it and let it do its thing while you enjoy your day!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
In a large bowl, take your chicken thighs and drizzle the olive oil over them. Add in the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Toss everything together until the chicken is well coated with the seasonings. This will add lots of flavor to your dish!
2. Layer the Vegetables:
Now, grab your crockpot! Start by placing the diced onions and halved baby potatoes in the bottom of the crockpot. This will create a cozy bed for the chicken to cook on.
3. Add the Chicken:
Carefully place the seasoned chicken thighs right on top of the potatoes and onions. Make sure they’re evenly spaced so they can cook properly.
4. Pour in the Broth:
Pour the chicken broth over everything in the crockpot. This will keep the chicken moist and flavorful while it cooks.
5. Cooking Time:
Cover the crockpot with the lid and let it cook. Choose low for 6-8 hours, or high for 3-4 hours. The chicken is done when it’s cooked through and tender, ready to fall apart with a fork!
6. Finishing Touches:
In the last 30 minutes of cooking, sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley over the chicken and potatoes. This will melt the cheese and enhance that lovely flavor.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Once everything is fully cooked, serve it hot right from the crockpot. Garnish with extra parsley and Parmesan cheese if you like. Enjoy your warm and cozy meal with family and friends!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken Thighs for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken thighs! Just remember that cooking times may increase. If you’re short on time, it’s best to thaw them overnight in the fridge or place them in a sealed bag and submerge in cold water for quicker thawing. Ensure the chicken is fully cooked before serving!
What if I Don’t Have Baby Potatoes?
No problem! You can substitute baby potatoes with regular potatoes, just chop them into smaller pieces to keep the cooking time similar. Alternatively, you can use other root vegetables like carrots or sweet potatoes for a different twist.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prep everything the night before and store it in the fridge. Just combine the chicken, seasoning, and potatoes in the crockpot, cover it, and refrigerate. In the morning, simply add the broth and start cooking!
How to Store Leftovers
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a little chicken broth or water to keep the dish moist. Enjoy your meal again!
