If you’re looking for a comforting meal that’s both easy to prepare and full of flavor, look no further than this Slow Cooker Parmesan Garlic Chicken and Potatoes recipe. This dish combines tender chicken breasts with creamy garlic sauce and perfectly cooked potatoes for a satisfying dinner that your whole family will love. The best part? You can set it and forget it—just toss the ingredients into your slow cooker in the morning, and by dinner time, you’ll be greeted with an irresistible aroma that fills your home. Plus, this recipe is versatile enough to customize to your taste preferences. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply enjoying a cozy night in, this dish makes for an ideal choice. With minimal prep work required, you can spend more time relaxing while your slow cooker does all the hard work.
Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Parmesan Garlic Chicken and Potatoes
- Quick and Easy: Minimal prep time and straightforward steps make this recipe stress-free, even for novice cooks
- Flavorful and Versatile: Enjoy outstanding flavor with ingredients you can easily customize by adding your favorites or adjusting spices
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Ideal for casual gatherings, holiday celebrations, or weeknight dinners
Ingredients for Slow Cooker Parmesan Garlic Chicken and Potatoes
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts: I usually use about 3-4 chicken breasts, but you can adjust the amount depending on how many people you’re feeding
- Fresh Garlic: Choose firm, fresh garlic cloves for the best flavor
- Potatoes: Use small baby potatoes or cut larger ones into uniform pieces to ensure even cooking
- Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated cheese offers better flavor than pre-grated varieties
- Chicken Broth: Low-sodium broth helps control saltiness without compromising taste
For the Sauce:
- Heavy Cream: This adds richness to the sauce; feel free to substitute with half-and-half if desired
- Dried Italian Herbs: A blend of oregano, thyme, and basil enhances the flavor profile beautifully
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Slow Cooker Parmesan Garlic Chicken and Potatoes
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Start by prepping all your ingredients. Clean the potatoes thoroughly and cut them into halves if they are larger than bite-sized pieces. Mince the garlic cloves finely.
Step 2: Season the Chicken
In a bowl, combine salt, pepper, and dried Italian herbs. Rub this mixture over each chicken breast to ensure they are well-seasoned before cooking.
Step 3: Arrange in the Slow Cooker
Place the seasoned chicken breasts at the bottom of your slow cooker. Scatter the halved potatoes evenly on top.
Step 4: Prepare the Sauce
In a separate bowl, whisk together heavy cream, chicken broth, minced garlic, and grated parmesan cheese until smooth. Pour this mixture over the chicken and potatoes in the slow cooker.
Step 5: Set Your Slow Cooker
Cover your slow cooker with its lid and set it on low heat. Allow it to cook for approximately six hours or until both chicken and potatoes are tender.
Step 6: Serve Your Dish
Once done cooking, transfer everything onto plates using a slotted spoon. Drizzle some of the remaining sauce over the top for extra flavor before serving.
Tips and Tricks
Here are some helpful tips to ensure the best results for your dish:
- Even Cooking: Make sure all ingredients are cut to similar sizes for consistent cooking times
- Temperature Control: Let ingredients reach room temperature before starting for better results
- Advanced Technique: For enhanced flavor, try marinating the ingredients overnight
Now that you have all these tips at hand along with an easy-to-follow recipe guide on making Slow Cooker Parmesan Garlic Chicken and Potatoes, you’re ready to impress everyone at your next meal! Enjoy every bite of this creamy goodness paired perfectly with tender potatoes!
How to Serve Slow Cooker Parmesan Garlic Chicken and Potatoes
This Slow Cooker Parmesan Garlic Chicken and Potatoes is versatile and pairs wonderfully with:
- Rice or Potatoes: A hearty base that soaks up the delicious sauce.
- Fresh Salad: Adds a crisp and refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the dish.
- Crusty Bread: Perfect for enjoying every last drop of the flavorful sauce.
Feel free to pair it with your favorite sides for a personalized meal!
Make Ahead and Storage
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the chicken and potatoes up to one day in advance. Simply chop the vegetables and marinate the chicken in garlic, Parmesan, and herbs. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before cooking.
- Storing: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for three to four days. For longer storage, freeze leftovers for up to three months. Ensure they are completely cooled before sealing.
- Reheating: To reheat, use a microwave-safe dish and cover it with a lid or plastic wrap. Microwave on medium heat for about two minutes, stirring halfway through. Alternatively, reheat in a skillet over medium-low heat until warmed through, which usually takes about five to seven minutes.
Suggestions for Slow Cooker Parmesan Garlic Chicken and Potatoes
Ensure Proper Seasoning
One common mistake in preparing Slow Cooker Parmesan Garlic Chicken and Potatoes is under-seasoning. The slow cooking process can sometimes dilute flavors, making it essential to season generously. Use salt, pepper, and the key ingredients like garlic and parmesan throughout the preparation. Additionally, consider adding herbs such as thyme or rosemary for extra depth. Taste the dish before serving; if it lacks flavor, a sprinkle of salt or a squeeze of lemon can enhance the overall taste significantly.
Choose the Right Cut of Chicken
Selecting the appropriate cut of chicken is crucial for achieving tender results. For this recipe, boneless chicken thighs work best as they remain moist during long cooking periods. Breast meat tends to dry out more easily in a slow cooker. If you prefer using chicken breasts, consider adding extra liquid to keep them juicy. Avoid pre-cooked or frozen chicken; fresh cuts will provide the best texture and flavor.
Layer Ingredients Correctly
The order in which you layer your ingredients can impact how the flavors meld together. Start by placing potatoes at the bottom of the slow cooker, followed by chicken on top. This method allows the potatoes to absorb all those delicious juices while cooking. If you add garlic too early, it might burn and turn bitter; instead, incorporate it halfway through cooking for maximum flavor without bitterness.
Control Cooking Time
Overcooking can lead to dry chicken and mushy potatoes in your Slow Cooker Parmesan Garlic Chicken and Potatoes. Always refer to recommended cooking times based on your slow cooker model. Generally, cooking on low for 6-8 hours yields optimal results; however, every appliance varies slightly. Check for doneness with a meat thermometer—chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). If you’re short on time, you may opt for high heat but reduce the total cooking time accordingly.
FAQs
What side dishes pair well with Slow Cooker Parmesan Garlic Chicken and Potatoes?
Slow Cooker Parmesan Garlic Chicken and Potatoes is a versatile dish that pairs beautifully with various sides. Consider serving it with steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans for added color and nutrition. A fresh garden salad with a light vinaigrette complements this meal perfectly, balancing its richness. If you’re looking for something heartier, crusty bread or dinner rolls can soak up any leftover sauce from the dish.
Can I use frozen chicken in my Slow Cooker Parmesan Garlic Chicken and Potatoes?
Using frozen chicken is not recommended when making Slow Cooker Parmesan Garlic Chicken and Potatoes. The slow cooking process may not effectively raise the temperature of frozen poultry quickly enough to prevent bacterial growth. Instead, always thaw your chicken beforehand in the refrigerator or microwave before cooking to ensure it’s safe and cooks evenly throughout.
How do I store the leftovers ?
Storing leftovers from your Slow Cooker Parmesan Garlic Chicken and Potatoes is simple and helps reduce food waste. Allow the dish to cool completely before transferring it into an airtight container. Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to three days or freeze them for future meals. When reheating, ensure that both chicken and potatoes are heated thoroughly before serving again.
Can I adjust the recipe for dietary restrictions?
Yes! You can easily modify Slow Cooker Parmesan Garlic Chicken and Potatoes to suit various dietary needs. For a gluten-free version, choose gluten-free pasta if you wish to add it as a side dish rather than using breadcrumbs in traditional recipes. To make it dairy-free, substitute nutritional yeast or dairy-free cheese alternatives for parmesan cheese while maintaining overall flavors.
Conclusion
In summary, preparing Slow Cooker Parmesan Garlic Chicken and Potatoes requires careful consideration of seasoning, ingredient selection, layering techniques, and cooking times to achieve perfect results. By avoiding common mistakes like under-seasoning or using frozen chicken, you set yourself up for success in creating a delicious meal that pleases everyone at the table. Remember that pairing this dish with complementary sides enhances its overall appeal while storing leftovers properly ensures nothing goes to waste. Enjoy your culinary adventure with this comforting recipe!
Slow Cooker Parmesan Garlic Chicken and Potatoes
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Main
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Slow Cooker Parmesan Garlic Chicken and Potatoes is a delightful, hassle-free meal that brings comfort and flavor to your dinner table. This recipe features succulent chicken breasts simmered in a rich, creamy garlic sauce, complemented by tender baby potatoes. Simply toss the ingredients into your slow cooker and let it do the work while you enjoy your day. The result is a mouthwatering dish perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions. Pair it with crusty bread to savor every drop of sauce or a fresh salad for a refreshing contrast to the creamy goodness. With minimal prep time and maximum flavor, this recipe will quickly become a family favorite.
Ingredients
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts
- Fresh garlic
- Baby potatoes
- Parmesan cheese
- Heavy cream
- Chicken broth
- Dried Italian herbs
Instructions
- Prepare the ingredients: Clean and halve the potatoes; mince the garlic.
- Season the chicken: Mix salt, pepper, and herbs; rub over chicken breasts.
- Arrange in slow cooker: Place chicken at the bottom; layer potatoes on top.
- Prepare the sauce: Whisk together cream, broth, garlic, and Parmesan; pour over chicken and potatoes.
- Set your slow cooker: Cover and cook on low for 6 hours until tender.
- Serve your dish: Use a slotted spoon to serve; drizzle remaining sauce over plates.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (approximately 300g)
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
