Garlic Parmesan Crockpot Chicken & Potatoes

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.

  • Prep time: 15 minutes

  • Cook time: 4 hours (High) or 7 hours (Low)

  • Servings: 4-6

Ingredients

  • Chicken: 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs (cut into 1-inch chunks).

  • Potatoes: 1.5 lbs baby gold or red potatoes (quartered).

  • Aromatics: 6 cloves garlic (minced) and 1 small yellow onion (diced).

  • The Sauce:

    • 1/2 cup olive oil or melted butter.

    • 3/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese.

    • 1 tsp dried oregano.

    • 1 tsp dried basil.

    • 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional for a tiny kick).

    • Salt and black pepper to taste.

  • Garnish: Fresh parsley and extra Parmesan.

Instructions

  1. Prep the Slow Cooker: Lightly grease your crockpot with non-stick spray or a little olive oil.

  2. Layer: Place the quartered potatoes and diced onions at the bottom. Top with the chicken chunks.

  3. 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.

  4. Toss: Give everything a gentle toss inside the crockpot to ensure every piece is coated in the garlic-Parmesan mixture.

  5. Cook: Cover and cook on Low for 6–7 hours or High for 3–4 hours until the potatoes are fork-tender.

  6. Finish: Garnish with fresh parsley and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan before serving.

Notes & Tips

  • Potato Sizes: Keep your potato chunks uniform. If they are too large, the chicken will dry out before the potatoes are soft.

  • 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.

  • 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)

  • Calories: ~420 kcal

  • Protein: 32g

  • Carbohydrates: 28g

  • Fat: 22g

  • Fiber: 3g

Benefits of This Dish

  • High Protein: Excellent for muscle recovery and keeping you full longer.

  • Gluten-Free: Naturally wheat-free (just double-check your spices/cheese labels).

  • 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.

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