Let’s be honest: some nights, dinner feels like another item on the never-ending to-do list. That’s where Garlic Parmesan Crockpot Chicken swoops in to save the day. This creamy chicken dinner is the kind of meal that practically cooks itself, filling your kitchen with an aroma that’ll have the whole family wandering in, asking, “When’s dinner ready?”
We’re talking tender slow cooker chicken, baby potatoes that soak up all the garlicky goodness, and a velvety Parmesan finish that feels indulgent yet fuss-free. It’s a one-pot wonder that brings comfort without requiring you to juggle a dozen pans or scrub a sink full of dishes afterwards.
Whether you’re a busy mom managing homework hour, a professional sneaking in a late dinner after Zoom calls, or someone just craving cosy flavours without standing at the stove, this dish is for you. So go ahead, let your slow cooker do the heavy lifting while you sip your coffee, catch up on your favourite show, or finally fold that laundry pile that’s been giving you side-eye all week.
Why You’ll Love This Garlic Parmesan Crockpot Chicken
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Effortless prep: 15 minutes of chopping and seasoning, then your slow cooker takes over.
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Family-friendly flavors: Creamy, garlicky, and cheesy—basically irresistible.
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One-pot convenience: Chicken and potatoes cook together, so dinner’s complete with minimal fuss.
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Flexible timing: Cook low and slow for tender perfection, or speed things up on high.
Ingredients
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4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 680 g)
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1.5 pounds (680 g) baby potatoes, halved
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1 cup (240 ml) chicken broth
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1/2 cup (50 g) grated parmesan cheese
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4 cloves garlic, minced
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1 tablespoon (15 ml) Italian seasoning
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1 teaspoon (5 g) salt
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1/2 teaspoon (2 g) black pepper
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1/2 teaspoon (2 g) red pepper flakes (optional)
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2 tablespoons (30 ml) olive oil
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Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Step-by-Step Directions
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Prep the veggies & garlic. Wash and halve your baby potatoes. Mince the garlic cloves and set aside.
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Season the chicken. Rub chicken breasts with olive oil, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like a little heat.
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Layer it up. Place halved potatoes at the bottom of your crockpot. Arrange chicken breasts right on top.
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Add the liquid & flavor. Pour in chicken broth, making sure everything gets moistened. Sprinkle the garlic over, then add a generous layer of Parmesan.
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Slow cook to perfection. Cover and cook on low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4 hours. The chicken should be tender and potatoes fork-soft.
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Check doneness. Chicken should reach 165°F (75°C).
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Serve & enjoy. Spoon the creamy sauce over chicken and potatoes, garnish with parsley, and serve warm.
Cooking Tips for Success
Here’s the thing about crockpot recipes: they’re forgiving. But a few little tweaks can make this slow cooker chicken dinner next-level delicious:
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Don’t skip the sear (optional): If you have a few extra minutes, quickly sear the chicken in a skillet before adding it to the crockpot. It deepens the flavor.
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Cheese matters: Freshly grated Parmesan melts creamier than the pre-shredded bagged version. If you can, go fresh—it’s worth it.
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Potato swap: Baby gold or red potatoes hold up best here, but if all you’ve got are russets, just cut them into chunks.
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Creamy upgrade: Stir in a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half at the end if you want an even silkier sauce.
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Extra veggies: Toss in carrots or green beans during the last hour of cooking for a more rounded meal.
And if your sauce looks a little separated toward the end, don’t panic. Give it a quick stir before serving—it’ll come together like magic.
A Little Story from My Kitchen
I first made this creamy chicken dinner on one of those chaotic weekdays—you know the type: soccer practice, a late grocery run, and a sink that somehow multiplied dishes on its own. I tossed everything into the slow cooker in a rush, half expecting it to taste “meh” since I didn’t babysit it like I usually do.
Well, hours later, my family walked in to the smell of garlic and Parmesan filling the house. My husband swore I’d secretly hired a personal chef, and my kids devoured the chicken and potatoes without a single complaint (a miracle, considering one of them usually “doesn’t like potatoes this way”).
That night, I realized something magical: sometimes the best recipes are the ones that don’t ask much of us. This dish has since become my trusty go-to on days when life feels a little overwhelming—but I still want dinner to taste like it was made with love.
What to Serve with Garlic Parmesan Crockpot Chicken
This dish is hearty on its own, but a few simple sides can make it feel like a feast:
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A crisp green salad: Something light with lemon vinaigrette balances the richness.
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Roasted veggies: If your oven’s free, toss in some asparagus or broccoli.
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Garlic bread: Because, let’s be honest, you’ll want to soak up that sauce.
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Steamed rice or pasta: If you’re feeding extra-hungry mouths, this stretches the meal even further.
For a cozy Sunday dinner, I’ll often serve this alongside roasted carrots and a basket of warm dinner rolls. On a weeknight, though, salad and bread do the trick.
How to Store Leftovers
Good news: this dish reheats beautifully. Here’s how to make the most of it:
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Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Keep the chicken and potatoes with the sauce so they stay moist.
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Freezer: For longer storage, freeze portions in freezer-safe bags for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
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Reheating: Warm gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. Add a splash of chicken broth if the sauce seems too thick.
I’ve even shredded leftover chicken and tossed it with pasta the next day for a quick lunch. Talk about a two-for-one win!
FAQs About Garlic Parmesan Crockpot Chicken
Can I substitute the chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Swap in chicken thighs for juicier results. They hold up beautifully in crockpot recipes.
Can I make this without potatoes?
Yes—try cauliflower, sweet potatoes, or serve the creamy chicken over rice or noodles instead.
Do I have to use Parmesan?
Parmesan gives it that signature flavor, but you could use Asiago or Romano if that’s what you have on hand.
Can I double this recipe?
Yes, just make sure your slow cooker is large enough. Keep an eye on cooking time—it may take a bit longer with extra volume.
How do I prevent the sauce from separating?
Use freshly grated cheese and don’t cook much longer than needed. If it looks off, stir in a splash of cream to smooth things out.
Bringing It All Together
At the end of the day, Garlic Parmesan Crockpot Chicken isn’t just a recipe—it’s a solution for busy nights when you crave comfort without the chaos. It’s the meal that greets you with open arms (and amazing smells) after a long day, ready to nourish your family without draining your energy.
So the next time your slow cooker is sitting on the shelf, whispering, “Use me,” answer the call with this creamy, garlicky, cheesy goodness. Trust me—your kitchen will smell like heaven, your table will be filled with happy faces, and you’ll have one less thing to stress about. That’s the magic of a good crockpot dinner.
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Garlic Parmesan Crockpot Chicken and Potatoes
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes – 7 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Garlic Parmesan Crockpot Chicken and Potatoes is a creamy, comforting, and flavorful slow cooker dinner that practically cooks itself. Tender chicken breasts, seasoned baby potatoes, garlic, and Parmesan simmer together for hours, creating a rich, cheesy one-pot meal your whole family will love—with minimal effort.
Ingredients
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4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 680 g)
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1.5 lbs (680 g) baby potatoes, halved
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1 cup (240 ml) chicken broth
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½ cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese
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4 garlic cloves, minced
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1 tbsp (15 ml) Italian seasoning
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1 tsp (5 g) salt
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½ tsp (2 g) black pepper
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½ tsp (2 g) red pepper flakes (optional)
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2 tbsp (30 ml) olive oil
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Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
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Prep: Wash and halve baby potatoes. Mince garlic.
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Season Chicken: Rub chicken with olive oil, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.
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Assemble in Crockpot: Place potatoes in the bottom, layer chicken on top.
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Add Liquid & Flavor: Pour in broth. Add garlic and Parmesan over the top.
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Cook: Cover and cook on low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4 hours, until chicken is tender and potatoes are soft.
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Serve: Spoon sauce over chicken and potatoes. Garnish with parsley.
Notes
Optional: Sear chicken first for deeper flavor.
Use freshly grated Parmesan for the creamiest texture.
Add veggies like carrots or green beans during the last hour for a complete meal.
Stir in a splash of cream at the end for an even silkier finish.
Store leftovers up to 3 days in the fridge or freeze for up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6–7 hours (low) or 3–4 hours
- Category: Plats
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
