Garlic Parmesan Crockpot Chicken & Potatoes
This dish is a crowd-pleaser that balances the sharpness of Parmesan with the aromatic warmth of roasted garlic. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want a “hug in a bowl” without standing over a stove.
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Prep time: 15 minutes
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Cook time: 4 hours (High) or 7 hours (Low)
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Servings: 4-6
Ingredients
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Chicken: 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs (cut into 1-inch chunks).
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Potatoes: 1.5 lbs baby gold or red potatoes (quartered).
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Aromatics: 6 cloves garlic (minced) and 1 small yellow onion (diced).
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The Sauce:
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1/2 cup olive oil or melted butter.
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3/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
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1 tsp dried oregano.
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1 tsp dried basil.
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1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional for a tiny kick).
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Salt and black pepper to taste.
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Garnish: Fresh parsley and extra Parmesan.
Instructions
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Prep the Slow Cooker: Lightly grease your crockpot with non-stick spray or a little olive oil.
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Layer: Place the quartered potatoes and diced onions at the bottom. Top with the chicken chunks.
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Whisk & Pour: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil (or butter), minced garlic, Parmesan cheese, oregano, basil, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Pour this mixture evenly over the chicken and potatoes.
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Toss: Give everything a gentle toss inside the crockpot to ensure every piece is coated in the garlic-Parmesan mixture.
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Cook: Cover and cook on Low for 6–7 hours or High for 3–4 hours until the potatoes are fork-tender.
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Finish: Garnish with fresh parsley and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan before serving.
Notes & Tips
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Potato Sizes: Keep your potato chunks uniform. If they are too large, the chicken will dry out before the potatoes are soft.
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Crispy Finish: If you prefer a bit of a “crust,” you can transfer the finished dish to a baking sheet and broil it for 3–5 minutes.
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Fresh vs. Shaker Cheese: Use freshly grated Parmesan from a block if possible. The pre-shaken “green bottle” stuff doesn’t melt as smoothly and can be a bit grainy.
Nutritional Info (Per Serving)
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Calories: ~420 kcal
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Protein: 32g
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Carbohydrates: 28g
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Fat: 22g
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Fiber: 3g
Benefits of This Dish
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High Protein: Excellent for muscle recovery and keeping you full longer.
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Gluten-Free: Naturally wheat-free (just double-check your spices/cheese labels).
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Low Effort: Minimal cleanup since it’s a one-pot meal.
Q&A
Q: Can I use frozen chicken? A: It’s best to thaw it first. Cooking frozen chicken in a slow cooker can keep the meat in the “danger zone” temperature for too long, and it releases a lot of excess water which thins the sauce.
Q: Why are my potatoes still hard? A: Potatoes take longer than chicken. Ensure they are at the bottom of the pot (closer to the heat source) and cut into small, even pieces.
Q: Can I add vegetables? A: Absolutely. Green beans or broccoli work great, but add them in the last 30–45 minutes of cooking so they don’t get mushy.