When you need a simple and delicious meal that takes little effort, Garlic Parmesan Crockpot Chicken and Potatoes is the perfect recipe. This dish combines tender chicken breasts, flavorful garlic, and soft baby potatoes in one pot. You just set it and forget it! With a rich taste of parmesan and Italian herbs, this recipe ticks all the boxes for a comforting home-cooked meal. It’s great for busy weekdays or laid-back weekends when you want something easy and satisfying.
Why Make This Recipe
There are many reasons to make Garlic Parmesan Crockpot Chicken and Potatoes. First, it’s extremely easy! You don’t need to spend hours in the kitchen preparing complicated dishes. Just throw everything into the crockpot and let it do the work for you.
Second, it’s a complete meal. The chicken provides protein, while the baby potatoes are a great source of carbohydrates. With the added flavor from garlic and parmesan cheese, this dish is not only filling but also incredibly tasty.
Furthermore, this recipe is versatile. You can use fresh or frozen chicken, and you can tweak the seasonings to match your taste. If you love a bit of heat, add some red pepper flakes. You can also adjust the amount of garlic for a stronger or milder taste.
Lastly, this dish is family-friendly. Even picky eaters will love the flavorful chicken and tender potatoes. You can even involve kids in the preparation process, making it a fun family activity!
How to Make Garlic Parmesan Crockpot Chicken and Potatoes
Making Garlic Parmesan Crockpot Chicken and Potatoes is a straightforward process. Below is a step-by-step guide to ensure your meal turns out perfectly.
Ingredients
To make Garlic Parmesan Crockpot Chicken and Potatoes, you will need 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
Now that you have your ingredients, let’s go through the cooking steps:
Wash and halve the baby potatoes. Start by rinsing the baby potatoes under cold water to remove any dirt. Then, carefully cut each potato in half so they cook evenly.
Mince the garlic cloves and set aside. Take the garlic cloves, peel them, and chop them finely. Set the minced garlic aside for later use.
Rub chicken breasts with olive oil and season. In a large bowl, take the chicken breasts and drizzle olive oil over them. Use your hands to rub the oil all over the chicken. Next, sprinkle Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes onto the chicken. Make sure each piece is coated well with the seasoning.
Place halved potatoes in the bottom of the crockpot. Spread the halved potatoes evenly in the bottom of the crockpot. This will be the base for the chicken.
Add the seasoned chicken on top of the potatoes. Lay the seasoned chicken breasts on top of the potatoes in the crockpot.
Pour chicken broth over chicken and potatoes. Carefully pour the chicken broth in the crockpot, ensuring it covers the potatoes and chicken evenly.
Sprinkle minced garlic and parmesan cheese. Evenly distribute the minced garlic and grated parmesan cheese over the chicken. This will give the dish its delicious flavor.
Cover and cook on low or high. Put the lid on the crockpot. Cook the dish on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The low setting is best for tender chicken!
Check that chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. It’s important to ensure that the chicken is cooked properly. Use a meat thermometer to check the thickest part of the chicken.
Remove from crockpot and serve. Once the chicken is done, carefully remove it from the crockpot. Serve the chicken and potatoes together, drizzling some of the sauce from the bottom of the pot on top.
Garnish with fresh parsley if desired. To add a pop of color, sprinkle some fresh parsley over the chicken before serving.
How to Serve Garlic Parmesan Crockpot Chicken and Potatoes
When serving Garlic Parmesan Crockpot Chicken and Potatoes, presentation matters. Serve the chicken breasts and potatoes on a large platter. Drizzle the cooking liquid over the top for an extra burst of flavor.
This dish pairs well with a simple side salad or steamed vegetables. You can also serve it with crusty bread to soak up the rich sauce. If you want a comforting vibe, serve with a side of creamy mashed potatoes or rice.
For a family dinner, encourage everyone to take what they like from the serving platter. This dish is hearty enough to be a meal on its own, but sides can enhance the experience.
How to Store Garlic Parmesan Crockpot Chicken and Potatoes
If you have leftovers, storing them properly is important for keeping them fresh. Allow the dish to cool down to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. Make sure to store both the chicken and potatoes together.
You can keep the leftovers in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. If you want to store it for a longer time, consider freezing the chicken and potatoes. Place them in a freezer-safe container or a resealable bag. When stored properly, they can last for up to three months in the freezer.
When reheating, you can use the microwave or the stove. Always make sure to heat until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F again. This ensures the food is safe to eat.
Tips to Make Garlic Parmesan Crockpot Chicken and Potatoes
Here are some helpful tips to ensure that your Garlic Parmesan Crockpot Chicken and Potatoes turns out great every time:
- Choose fresh ingredients. Fresh garlic and high-quality chicken make a big difference in taste.
- Do not overcrowd the crockpot. If your crockpot is too full, the chicken might not cook evenly. Make sure there’s enough space for steam to circulate.
- Adjust seasoning to your preference. If you prefer more or less garlic, feel free to adjust the quantities.
- Experiment with added vegetables. You can add carrots or green beans to the dish for more variety.
- Try different cheeses. If you love cheese, consider mixing different types like cheddar or mozzarella for a unique flavor twist.
Variation
If you’re looking to change things up, here are some variations you can try with this recipe:
- Lemon Garlic Rice Bowl: Instead of potatoes, serve the chicken over lemon-flavored rice. Just add lemon zest and juice to the rice while cooking.
- Add Spinach or Kale: For some greens, add fresh spinach or kale into the crockpot during the last hour of cooking.
- Different Seasonings: Swap out Italian seasoning for taco seasoning or barbecue seasoning for a different flavor profile.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen chicken breasts?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts in the crockpot. Just remember that cooking time might be a bit longer, usually by an hour or so.
2. What can I do if I don’t have baby potatoes?
If you don’t have baby potatoes, you can use regular potatoes. Just cut them into smaller pieces for even cooking.
3. Can this recipe be made in an Instant Pot?
Absolutely! You can make this in an Instant Pot by using the sauté function first to brown the chicken. Then, add all the ingredients and cook on high pressure for about 10-12 minutes, followed by a natural release.
Making Garlic Parmesan Crockpot Chicken and Potatoes is truly simple and incredibly satisfying. Enjoy your cooking adventure!
Garlic Parmesan Crockpot Chicken and Potatoes
Ingredients
Method
- Wash and halve the baby potatoes.
- Mince the garlic cloves and set aside.
- Rub chicken breasts with olive oil and season with Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes.
- Place halved potatoes in the bottom of the crockpot.
- Add the seasoned chicken on top of the potatoes.
- Pour chicken broth over chicken and potatoes.
- Sprinkle minced garlic and parmesan cheese over the dish.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
- Check the chicken's internal temperature to ensure it reaches 165°F.
- Remove from crockpot and serve, drizzling the sauce over the top.
- Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.