Looking for a cozy, comforting, and incredibly easy one-pot dinner? Slow Cooker Parmesan Garlic Chicken and Potatoes is your go-to. Juicy chicken breasts or thighs are slow-cooked with baby potatoes in a rich, creamy garlic Parmesan sauce that’s full of flavor. This set-it-and-forget-it recipe is a lifesaver for busy days, feeding your family a satisfying meal with minimal prep.
Perfect for weeknights, meal prepping, or when you just want comfort food with little effort, this dish will quickly become a regular in your slow cooker rotation.
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1.5 lbs baby potatoes (halved if large)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese (freshly grated for best results)
- 1 packet (1 oz) dry ranch or Italian dressing mix
- 1 cup heavy cream or half and half
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh chopped parsley for garnish (optional)
Preparation:
Step 1: Prep the Chicken and Potatoes
- Season the chicken lightly with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Place it at the bottom of the slow cooker. Add the baby potatoes on top or around the chicken.
Step 2: Mix the Sauce
- In a bowl, whisk together the Parmesan cheese, cream, chicken broth, dressing mix, and minced garlic. Stir until mostly smooth.
Step 3: Pour and Cook
- Pour the sauce over the chicken and potatoes. Dot the top with butter. Cover and cook on LOW for 6–7 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and the potatoes are fork-tender.
Step 4: Stir and Serve
- Stir the sauce gently before serving. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and additional Parmesan, if desired.
Variation:
- Add veggies: Toss in green beans, baby carrots, or broccoli florets during the last hour of cooking.
- Cheesy version: Stir in ½ cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese at the end.
- Spicy twist: Add crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños for a little kick.
- Low-carb option: Replace potatoes with cauliflower florets or chopped zucchini.
COOKING Note:
For extra richness, use heavy cream, but if you want to lighten things up, half and half or whole milk works too. Freshly grated Parmesan gives the best melt and flavor, but pre-grated can be used in a pinch.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve with bread: Crusty garlic bread is great for soaking up the sauce.
- Side salad: A crisp Caesar or garden salad balances the creamy richness.
- With rice or pasta: Skip the potatoes and serve the chicken over cooked pasta or rice instead.
- Meal prep: Portion into containers with veggies for easy lunches.
Tips:
- Cut larger potatoes in half to ensure even cooking.
- Stir halfway through if possible for even sauce distribution.
- Want a thicker sauce? Stir in a cornstarch slurry (1 tbsp cornstarch + 1 tbsp cold water) during the last 20–30 minutes.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days and reheat in the microwave or stovetop.
⏱️ Time Overview:
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 6–7 hours on LOW or 3–4 hours on HIGH
- Total Time: ~6.5 hours
🍽️ Nutritional Information (approx. per serving, based on 6 servings):
- Calories: ~410
- Protein: ~31g
- Carbohydrates: ~18g
- Fat: ~25g
- Sodium: ~600mg
- Fiber: ~2g
- Sugar: ~2g
Nutritional values vary based on exact ingredients used.
❓FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken?
- It’s best to use thawed chicken for food safety and even cooking, but you can use frozen if you increase the cook time and monitor the internal temp (165°F).
What kind of potatoes are best?
- Baby red, Yukon gold, or fingerling potatoes work great. Avoid russets—they break down too much.
Can I cook it overnight?
- Yes, on LOW for 6–7 hours, but keep in mind the texture may change slightly if held on warm too long after cooking.
Can I make this dairy-free?
- You can substitute the cream with a non-dairy milk (like coconut cream), but it may change the flavor slightly. Use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan for a dairy-free version.
Is this freezer-friendly?
- Yes, you can freeze the cooked dish. Cool completely, portion, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw and reheat gently.
Conclusion:
Slow Cooker Parmesan Garlic Chicken and Potatoes is the kind of meal you’ll come back to week after week. It’s easy, comforting, and packed with savory, cheesy garlic flavor. Perfect for feeding a hungry family or meal prepping for the week, it combines all the best parts of slow cooking: convenience, flavor, and minimal cleanup.
Serve it over pasta, rice, or with a big salad on the side—either way, it’s bound to be a hit