When comfort food meets convenience, you get this Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes Skillet. This recipe delivers tender chunks of chicken and baby potatoes simmered in a creamy, garlicky parmesan sauce, all made in the slow cooker. It’s a hearty, flavorful dish that’s easy enough for weeknights and cozy enough for Sunday dinner.
What makes this dish special is the way the slow cooker blends the garlic, parmesan, and herbs into a rich sauce that soaks into every bite of chicken and potato. Plus, it’s a complete meal in one pot, just set it and forget it!
Ingredients:
- 1.5 to 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into chunks
- 1.5 lbs baby potatoes, halved
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese (optional)
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Fresh parsley or thyme, chopped (for garnish)
Preparation:
Step 1: Prep Chicken and Potatoes
- Dice the chicken into bite-sized chunks. Wash and halve the baby potatoes (no need to peel). Set aside.
Step 2: Sear for Flavor (Optional)
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken pieces for 2–3 minutes on each side until lightly golden. This step is optional but adds extra flavor.
Step 3: Add to Crockpot
- Lightly grease the crockpot. Add the chicken and potatoes. Sprinkle with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
Step 4: Prepare the Sauce
- In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute. Stir in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Bring to a light simmer, then mix in the parmesan and mozzarella (if using) until melted and smooth.
Step 5: Slow Cook
- Pour the sauce over the chicken and potatoes. Stir gently to coat. Cover and cook on LOW for 5–6 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours, until the potatoes are fork-tender and the chicken is fully cooked.
Step 6: Finish and Serve
- Give everything a good stir before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley or thyme for color and freshness.
Variation:
- Add vegetables: Toss in chopped spinach, green beans, or broccoli during the last 30 minutes for added nutrition.
- Make it spicy: Add red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce.
- Swap potatoes: Use sweet potatoes or red potatoes for a twist.
- Make it cheesy: Top with more shredded cheese and broil briefly for a crispy top (if transferring to a baking dish).
COOKING Note:
Don’t overfill the crockpot—make sure your ingredients sit comfortably under the lid. If using frozen chicken, thaw completely before cooking. For a thicker sauce, remove the lid during the last 30 minutes or stir in a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch + 1 tablespoon water).
Serving Suggestions:
- Crusty bread: Serve with warm bread to soak up the garlic parmesan sauce.
- Side salad: A light green salad balances the richness of the dish.
- Steamed veggies: Pair with peas, carrots, or sautéed zucchini.
- Rice or pasta: This also works well over a bed of rice or noodles for extra comfort.
Tips:
- Cut potatoes evenly so they cook at the same rate.
- Don’t skip the garlic—it’s the heart of the flavor.
- Use fresh grated parmesan for best results, not the powdery canned version.
- Let the dish sit uncovered for 5–10 minutes before serving to let the sauce thicken naturally.
⏱️ Time Overview:
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 5–6 hours on LOW or 3–4 hours on HIGH
- Total Time: ~6 hours
🍽️ Nutritional Information (per serving, based on 6 servings):
- Calories: ~520
- Protein: ~38g
- Carbohydrates: ~24g
- Fat: ~30g
- Sodium: ~640mg
- Sugar: ~2g
- Fiber: ~3g
Note: Nutrition will vary depending on exact ingredients and portion sizes.
❓FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken?
- It’s not recommended. Use fully thawed chicken to ensure even cooking and food safety.
What kind of potatoes are best?
- Baby Yukon Gold or red potatoes hold their shape well and have a buttery texture.
Can I make this ahead?
- Yes! Assemble the ingredients and store them in the fridge overnight, then start the crockpot the next day.
Can I use milk instead of cream?
- You can use whole milk, but the sauce will be thinner and less creamy. A mix of milk and cream cheese can work too.
How do I store leftovers?
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.
Conclusion:
This Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes Skillet is everything you want in a comforting meal—creamy, garlicky, rich, and made with simple ingredients. The tender chicken and soft potatoes are coated in a luxurious garlic parmesan sauce that brings restaurant-level flavor to your home kitchen with minimal effort.
Whether you serve it for a cozy dinner or as a make-ahead meal for busy weekdays, this dish will become a family favorite. Just one bite and you’ll see why this skillet-style slow cooker recipe is so satisfying and crowd-pleasing.