Cooking at home is a great way to enjoy delicious meals while saving time and money. One dish that is both easy to make and incredibly tasty is Garlic Parmesan Crockpot Chicken and Potatoes. This recipe combines tender chicken breasts with hearty baby potatoes, all cooked together in a flavorful sauce. Using a crockpot means you can set it and forget it, allowing you to focus on other tasks while dinner cooks. With rich flavors of garlic and parmesan, this dish will please everyone at the table. In this article, we will explore why this recipe is a must-try, how to prepare it step by step, and tips for serving and storing it.
Why Make This Recipe
Garlic Parmesan Crockpot Chicken and Potatoes is a perfect choice for several reasons. First, it is incredibly simple to prepare. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep time, you can have a filling meal ready without spending hours in the kitchen. The flavors are rich and comforting, making it an ideal dish for family dinners or meal prep for the week ahead.
Another reason to make this recipe is its versatility. You can enjoy it for lunch, dinner, or even as leftovers. The crockpot does all the heavy lifting, allowing the chicken to absorb the flavors from garlic, parmesan cheese, and spices. This not only makes the chicken juicy and tender but also infuses the potatoes with amazing taste.
Additionally, this recipe is perfect for busy days. Whether you are headed to work, running errands, or taking care of the kids, the crockpot allows you to set everything up in the morning and come home to a warm, ready meal. Its hands-off cooking method is perfect for those who want to enjoy home-cooked meals without the hassle.
How to Make Garlic Parmesan Crockpot Chicken and Potatoes
Ingredients
To make Garlic Parmesan Crockpot Chicken and Potatoes, gather the following ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1.5 pounds baby potatoes, halved
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Directions
Let’s go through the steps to prepare this delicious meal:
Prepare the Potatoes: Start by washing the baby potatoes thoroughly under running water. Once clean, cut them in half. This will help them cook evenly and absorb the flavors of the dish. After cutting, set the potatoes aside.
Mince the Garlic: Next, take the garlic cloves and peel them. Once peeled, chop them finely. Fresh garlic will provide the best flavor, so it’s worth the effort to mince it instead of using garlic powder. Set the minced garlic aside for later use.
Season the Chicken: Take the chicken breasts and rub them with olive oil. This not only adds flavor but also helps the spices stick to the chicken. After applying the oil, sprinkle the chicken with Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if you want some heat). Rub the seasonings into the chicken so every piece is well coated.
Layer the Ingredients: In your crockpot, start by placing the halved baby potatoes at the bottom. This allows the potatoes to cook in the flavorful juices that will come from the chicken. Once the potatoes are in place, layer the seasoned chicken breasts on top of them.
Add Liquid and Flavor: Pour the chicken broth over both the chicken and potatoes. This will keep everything moist and tender during the cooking process. Then, spread the minced garlic evenly over the chicken and finish by sprinkling the grated parmesan cheese on top.
Cooking Time: Cover the crockpot with its lid. You can choose to cook the dish on low for 6–7 hours or on high for 3–4 hours. The low setting is ideal for developing deeper flavors, while the high setting is perfect if you are short on time.
Check for Doneness: After the cooking time, check the chicken’s temperature using a meat thermometer. It should reach at least 165°F (75°C) to be safe for eating. If it’s not quite there, you can cook it a little longer.
Serve the Dish: After the chicken is cooked, carefully remove it along with the potatoes from the crockpot. Place them on plates and spoon some of the delicious sauce over the top for added flavor.
Garnish and Enjoy: If you like, you can chop fresh parsley and sprinkle it on top for extra color and freshness. Serve the dish while it’s warm and enjoy your homemade dinner!
How to Serve Garlic Parmesan Crockpot Chicken and Potatoes
When it comes to serving Garlic Parmesan Crockpot Chicken and Potatoes, simplicity is key. Just plate the chicken and potatoes together, making sure to add some of the sauce from the crockpot on top. This dish pairs well with a side of steamed vegetables or a simple salad. A glass of white wine, like Chardonnay, can complement the flavors beautifully.
If you are hosting guests or want to make it more festive, consider serving it with crusty bread on the side. This way, everyone can enjoy dipping the bread in the flavorful sauce left on their plates.
How to Store Garlic Parmesan Crockpot Chicken and Potatoes
If you find yourself with leftovers, storing them is easy. Allow the chicken and potatoes to cool down to room temperature first. Then, transfer them to an airtight container. You can store them in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.
If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze the leftovers. Make sure to use freezer-safe containers or bags and remove as much air as possible before sealing. Frozen leftovers can last up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in the microwave or on the stove.
Tips to Make Garlic Parmesan Crockpot Chicken and Potatoes
Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and herbs make a big difference in flavor. Try to use fresh, not dried, for this recipe.
Don’t Skip the Browning: For extra flavor, you could sear the chicken breasts in a pan for a few minutes before placing them in the crockpot. This adds a nice depth of flavor.
Adjust the Spice Level: If you are cooking for children or guests who are sensitive to spice, you may want to omit the red pepper flakes.
Try Different Potatoes: While baby potatoes are delicious, feel free to experiment with other types like red or Yukon gold potatoes.
Make it a One-Pot Meal: If you want to add vegetables like carrots or green beans, throw them in with the potatoes for a complete meal in one pot.
Variation
If you want to mix things up, consider adding different herbs and spices. For instance, you could use ranch seasoning instead of Italian seasoning for a totally different flavor profile. You might also try using different cheeses like cheddar or a blend for a unique twist. If you love more veggies, toss in some broccoli or bell peppers for added nutrition and color.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken breasts in this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts, but the cooking time may need to be increased. Frozen chicken can take longer to reach the safe temperature of 165°F (75°C).
Can I cook this dish on high for less time?
Yes, you can cook Garlic Parmesan Crockpot Chicken and Potatoes on high for about 3-4 hours. Just be sure to check the internal temperature to confirm it has reached 165°F.
Can this recipe be doubled?
Yes, you can easily double the recipe. Just make sure your crockpot is large enough to hold all the ingredients. You may need to adjust the cooking time slightly if you’re making a larger batch.
In conclusion, Garlic Parmesan Crockpot Chicken and Potatoes is a simple, satisfying dish that is perfect for busy days. With the rich flavors and easy steps, it’s sure to become a favorite in your household. Enjoy this wonderful meal with family and friends!
Garlic Parmesan Crockpot Chicken and Potatoes
Ingredients
Method
- Wash the baby potatoes thoroughly under running water and cut them in half.
- Peel and finely chop the garlic cloves.
- Rub the chicken breasts with olive oil, then season with Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes.
- In the crockpot, layer the halved baby potatoes at the bottom, followed by the seasoned chicken breasts on top.
- Pour chicken broth over the chicken and potatoes, then spread the minced garlic and sprinkle parmesan cheese on top.
- Cover the crockpot and choose to cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
- Check the chicken’s internal temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure it's at least 165°F (75°C).
- Remove the chicken and potatoes from the crockpot and plate them, spooning sauce over the top.
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired and serve warm.