Slow Cooker Parmesan Garlic Chicken and Potatoes

Slow Cooker Parmesan Garlic Chicken and Potatoes is the ultimate comfort food made easy. This one-pot dish features tender, flavorful chicken and creamy potatoes all cooked in a rich, garlicky Parmesan sauce. It’s perfect for a no-fuss weeknight dinner or meal prep for busy days.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Minimal prep with hands-off slow cooker convenience
• Rich and savory Parmesan garlic flavor
• Hearty and satisfying with both protein and starch in one dish
• Great for families and picky eaters
• Easy to customize with added veggies or different cuts of chicken
• Creamy, cheesy, and comforting
• Freezer-friendly and great for leftovers
• Budget-friendly ingredients
• Naturally gluten-free
• Perfect as a full meal or served with a simple green salad

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
• Baby potatoes or Yukon Gold potatoes, halved or quartered
• Minced garlic
• Olive oil or melted butter
• Italian seasoning
• Salt and black pepper
• Garlic powder (optional for extra flavor)
• Grated Parmesan cheese
• Chicken broth or milk (optional for thinning sauce)
• Optional: cream cheese or heavy cream for extra creaminess
• Optional: shredded mozzarella for a melty topping
• Optional: chopped parsley for garnish

Directions

1. Lightly grease the slow cooker with cooking spray or oil.
2. Place potatoes in the bottom of the slow cooker.
3. Season the chicken with Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, garlic powder (if using), and place on top of the potatoes.
4. In a small bowl, mix olive oil or melted butter with minced garlic and Parmesan cheese. Pour over the chicken and potatoes.
5. (Optional) Add a splash of broth or milk for a slightly looser sauce.
6. Cover and cook on Low for 6–8 hours or High for 3–4 hours, until chicken is fully cooked and potatoes are tender.
7. (Optional) In the last 20–30 minutes, sprinkle with mozzarella cheese, cover again, and allow to melt.
8. Serve warm, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.

Servings and timing

• Servings: 4–6
• Prep time: 10 minutes
• Cook time: 3–4 hours on High or 6–8 hours on Low
• Total time: 3–8 hours depending on setting

Variations

• Use chicken thighs: Juicier and more forgiving than breasts
• Add vegetables: Try broccoli, green beans, or carrots added in the last 30 minutes
• Spice it up: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne
• Creamier version: Stir in a few tablespoons of cream cheese or heavy cream at the end
• Cheesy topping: Finish with shredded mozzarella or extra Parmesan
• Lighter version: Skip the cheese and butter, and use broth as the base

Storage/reheating

• Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days
• Freezing: Freeze in a sealed container for up to 2–3 months (note: potatoes may change texture slightly)
• Reheating: Warm gently in a skillet or microwave with a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce
• Oven option: Reheat in a covered baking dish at 350°F until heated through

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken?

It’s not recommended to use frozen chicken in a slow cooker due to food safety concerns. Always thaw first.

Should I brown the chicken before adding?

You can, for added flavor and color, but it’s optional.

Can I use pre-shredded Parmesan?

Yes, though freshly grated Parmesan will melt and incorporate more smoothly.

Will the potatoes get mushy?

Use waxy potatoes like baby potatoes or Yukon Golds—they hold up best in the slow cooker.

Can I cook pasta in the slow cooker with this?

It’s best to cook pasta separately and serve it with the chicken and sauce.

What can I serve with this dish?

It’s a full meal on its own, but a green salad, roasted veggies, or crusty bread make great sides.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes—use olive oil instead of butter and skip the cheese, though the flavor will change.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, just make sure your slow cooker is large enough to hold everything in a single layer.

Can I use sweet potatoes instead?

Yes, but they cook faster, so check for doneness earlier to avoid mushiness.

How do I thicken the sauce?

Remove the lid in the last 20–30 minutes to let moisture evaporate, or stir in a slurry of cornstarch and water.

Conclusion

Slow Cooker Parmesan Garlic Chicken and Potatoes is a hearty, flavorful, and comforting dish that’s incredibly easy to make. With just a few ingredients and minimal prep, you get a warm, cheesy, garlic-infused meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or weekend comfort. Try it once, and it’s sure to become a staple in your dinner rotation.

Print