Why Make This Recipe
Garlic Parmesan Crockpot Chicken and Potatoes is a delightful dish that is perfect for busy families and anyone who enjoys flavorful meals without spending hours in the kitchen. This recipe offers a simple, comforting meal that combines tender chicken breasts with tender, buttery potatoes. The ease of using a crockpot makes it especially appealing, allowing you to set it and forget it until mealtime.
This dish is not only delicious but also quite nutritious. Chicken is a great source of lean protein, and potatoes provide essential vitamins and minerals. The addition of garlic and Parmesan cheese adds rich flavors that elevate this meal to a comforting family favorite. Whether you’re planning a busy weeknight dinner, a weekend gathering, or meal prep for the week, this recipe delivers the warmth and satisfaction that everyone craves.
How to Make Garlic Parmesan Crockpot Chicken and Potatoes
Making Garlic Parmesan Crockpot Chicken and Potatoes is simple and can be done in just a few easy steps. It doesn’t require any fancy techniques, making it accessible for cooks of all levels. Below is a breakdown of the ingredients and directions you’ll need to follow to perfect this hearty dish.
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
Preparation of Potatoes and Garlic: Begin by washing the baby potatoes to remove any dirt. Once cleaned, cut them in half and set them aside. Take the garlic cloves and mince them finely. This will bring out the garlic flavor in your dish.
Season the Chicken: In a bowl, mix together the olive oil, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and, if you like a bit of heat, the red pepper flakes. Use your hands to rub this fragrant mixture over the chicken breasts. Ensure that each piece of chicken is well-coated with the seasoning for maximum flavor.
Layering in the Crockpot: Place the halved potatoes at the bottom of the crockpot. This will serve as the base for your dish. Next, lay the seasoned chicken breasts on top of the layer of potatoes. This arrangement allows the chicken juices to drip down and infuse the potatoes with flavor while they cook.
Adding Broth and Garlic: Pour the chicken broth evenly over the chicken and potatoes. This helps keep everything moist as it cooks. After that, sprinkle the minced garlic over the chicken, distributing it well. Finally, add the grated Parmesan cheese on top. This will create a creamy and rich flavor as it melts during cooking.
Cooking: Cover the crockpot with its lid. You can choose to cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, depending on your schedule. Cooking slowly on low allows a more tender and flavorful result, but both methods will work well.
Check for Doneness: When the cooking time is up, use a meat thermometer to check that the chicken has reached an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). The potatoes should be fork-tender. If everything is cooked, it’s time to serve.
Serving the Dish: Once cooked, gently remove the chicken and potatoes from the crockpot. Spoon any remaining sauce over the chicken and potatoes for added flavor. If you wish, garnish with freshly chopped parsley for an appealing look.
Enjoy Your Meal: Serve your Garlic Parmesan Crockpot Chicken and Potatoes hot. This dish pairs well with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables to round out your meal.
How to Serve Garlic Parmesan Crockpot Chicken and Potatoes
Serving Garlic Parmesan Crockpot Chicken and Potatoes can be done in a few delightful ways. Once you have removed the chicken and potatoes from the crockpot, you can plate them together on a large serving dish or individual plates. For a more elegant presentation, consider the following ideas:
Garnish with Fresh Parsley: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top before serving. It adds a pop of color and freshness, enhancing the dish’s visual appeal.
Add a Side Salad: Pair the meal with a light green salad. A simple mix of greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette complements the hearty chicken and potatoes beautifully.
Serve with Crusty Bread: To soak up any leftover sauce, warm some crusty bread or dinner rolls as a side. This turns the meal into a comforting feast.
Make It a Buffet Style: For gatherings, serve everything in the crockpot on a table so guests can help themselves. This encourages a communal dining experience.
How to Store Garlic Parmesan Crockpot Chicken and Potatoes
If you have leftovers, storing Garlic Parmesan Crockpot Chicken and Potatoes is easy. Here are the steps to keep your dish fresh for another meal:
Cool Down: Allow the chicken and potatoes to cool down to room temperature before packing them away. This helps prevent condensation inside the storage container.
Use Airtight Containers: Divide the leftovers into airtight containers. You can store the chicken and potatoes together or separately based on your preference.
Refrigerate: Place the containers in the refrigerator. This dish will typically last for 3-4 days in the fridge.
For Longer Storage: If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing the leftovers. Use freezer-safe containers and try to remove as much air as possible before sealing. It can last for up to 3 months in the freezer.
Reheat Properly: When you want to enjoy the leftovers, reheat the chicken and potatoes in the microwave or oven. Make sure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) again to ensure it’s safe to eat.
Tips to Make Garlic Parmesan Crockpot Chicken and Potatoes
Here are some tips to help you make the best Garlic Parmesan Crockpot Chicken and Potatoes:
Marinate for More Flavor: If you have time, marinate the chicken breasts in the seasoning mixture for a few hours or overnight. This allows the flavors to penetrate the meat more deeply.
Customize the Spices: Feel free to adjust the spices according to your taste. Adding more garlic or using different herbs can change the dish to suit your preference.
Choose the Right Potatoes: Baby potatoes work well because they retain their shape and have a nice texture. However, you can also use Yukon Gold potatoes or red potatoes if that’s what you have on hand.
Add Vegetables: Consider adding other vegetables such as carrots or bell peppers to the crockpot. They will cook nicely and add even more nutrition and flavor to the dish.
Make It a Complete Meal: To make it a complete meal, serve with a green vegetable like steamed broccoli or a side of rice.
Variations
While Garlic Parmesan Crockpot Chicken and Potatoes is delicious as it is, there are some simple variations you can try:
Lemon Herb Chicken: Add some lemon juice and zest to the seasoning for a bright, citrusy flavor. This pairs wonderfully with the garlic and parmesan.
Creamy Version: For a creamier sauce, stir in a cup of heavy cream or cream cheese during the last hour of cooking to create a rich, creamy sauce.
Spicy Chicken: If you love spice, add more red pepper flakes or serve the dish with a side of hot sauce for those who enjoy a kick.
Herb Variations: Swap the Italian seasoning for fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme for a different flavor profile.
FAQs
Q1: Can I use frozen chicken breasts for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts. However, the cooking time may increase. Make sure the chicken reaches the safe temperature of 165°F (75°C) before serving.
Q2: Can I cook this recipe on the stovetop instead of a crockpot?
Yes, if you don’t have a crockpot, you can cook this recipe in a large pot on low heat on the stovetop. Adjust the cooking time to about 1-1.5 hours while keeping an eye on the chicken and potatoes.
Q3: Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Absolutely! You can omit the Parmesan cheese or use a dairy-free cheese alternative. The dish will still be flavorful with the garlic and seasonings.
By following this detailed guide, anyone can create a delicious meal your family and friends will love. Enjoy your cooking adventure!
Garlic Parmesan Crockpot Chicken and Potatoes
Ingredients
Method
- Wash the baby potatoes to remove any dirt, then cut them in half and set aside.
- Mince the garlic cloves finely to enhance their flavor.
- In a bowl, mix together olive oil, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes. Rub this mixture over the chicken breasts until well-coated.
- Place the halved potatoes at the bottom of the crockpot as the base.
- Lay the seasoned chicken breasts on top of the potatoes.
- Pour the chicken broth evenly over the chicken and potatoes.
- Sprinkle the minced garlic and grated Parmesan cheese over the top.
- Cover the crockpot with its lid. Cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken has reached an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and the potatoes are fork-tender.
- Gently remove the chicken and potatoes from the crockpot and spoon any remaining sauce over them.
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.
- Serve the dish hot, potentially with a side of green salad or steamed vegetables.