This slow cooker Parmesan garlic chicken and potatoes recipe is a true delight for any dinner table. With minimal prep time, you can enjoy a comforting meal bursting with flavor. Ideal for busy weeknights or family gatherings, this dish features tender chicken and creamy potatoes coated in a delicious garlic Parmesan sauce. It’s perfect for anyone looking to savor a hearty meal without the fuss.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy Preparation: This recipe requires just 15 minutes of prep time, making it perfect for busy days.
- Flavorful Sauce: The creamy Parmesan garlic sauce elevates the dish, providing rich and savory flavors.
- Versatile Dish: Great for weeknight dinners, family gatherings, or even meal prep for the week ahead.
- Crowd-Pleaser: With its cheesy goodness, this dish is sure to impress your family and friends.
- One-Pot Wonder: Everything cooks together in one slow cooker, minimizing clean-up time.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into this delicious recipe, ensure you have the right tools on hand to make your cooking experience smooth and enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Slow cooker
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring spoons
- Chef’s knife
- Cutting board
Importance of Each Tool
- Slow cooker: This tool allows you to cook meals slowly over several hours, resulting in tender meat and flavorful dishes.
- Mixing bowl: Perfect for combining ingredients effortlessly before adding them to the slow cooker.
- Measuring spoons: Ensure accurate measurements for seasoning and sauces to achieve the best flavor.
Ingredients
To create this comforting slow cooker Parmesan garlic chicken and potatoes dish, gather the following ingredients:
For the Potatoes
- 2 pounds potatoes, cut in 1 1/2 -2 inch chunks
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 3/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
For the Chicken
- 2 pounds skinless, boneless chicken breasts
For the Sauce
- 1 cup creamy Parmesan garlic sauce, such as Buffalo Wild Wings® Parmesan Garlic
- 1/2 cup water or chicken stock
For Toppings
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley, or to taste (optional)
How to Make Slow Cooker Parmesan Garlic Chicken and Potatoes
Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables
Combine potatoes, olive oil, 3/4 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, and paprika in the bottom of a slow cooker. Stir until well coated.
Step 2: Add Chicken
Place chicken pieces on top of the potato mixture. Sprinkle with remaining salt and pepper.
Step 3: Mix Sauce
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the creamy Parmesan garlic sauce and water until well incorporated.
Step 4: Combine All Ingredients
Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken and potatoes in the slow cooker.
Step 5: Cook
Cook on High for 4 hours or Low for 6 hours until chicken is cooked through and potatoes are tender.
Step 6: Add Cheese
During the last 20 minutes of cooking, add mozzarella and optional grated Parmesan cheese. Continue to cook covered until cheese is melted.
Step 7: Serve
Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley before serving. Enjoy your delicious slow cooker Parmesan garlic chicken and potatoes!
How to Serve Slow Cooker Parmesan Garlic Chicken and Potatoes
This flavorful dish is perfect for family dinners or gatherings. It can be served in a variety of ways to suit different tastes and occasions.
Over Rice
- Serve the chicken and potatoes over a bed of fluffy rice for a hearty meal. The rice absorbs the delicious garlic sauce.
With Fresh Salad
- Pair with a crisp salad to add freshness. A simple mix of greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette complements the richness of the dish.
In Tacos
- Shred the chicken and serve it in warm tortillas. Top with fresh cilantro, diced onions, and avocado for a fun twist.
As Leftovers
- Enjoy this dish as leftovers for lunch. It keeps well in the refrigerator and tastes even better the next day!
With Crusty Bread
- Add slices of crusty bread on the side to soak up any leftover sauce. It’s a great way to enjoy every bite!
How to Perfect Slow Cooker Parmesan Garlic Chicken and Potatoes
To ensure your slow cooker meal is a success, follow these simple tips for perfection.
- Use uniform potato chunks – Cut potatoes into similar sizes for even cooking.
- Choose quality chicken – Opt for fresh skinless, boneless chicken breasts for the best flavor.
- Adjust seasoning – Taste before serving; feel free to add salt or pepper as needed.
- Layer ingredients properly – Place potatoes at the bottom and chicken on top for optimal flavor infusion.
- Monitor cooking time – Check doneness at the suggested times; slow cookers vary in heat intensity.
- Experiment with sauces – Try different creamy sauces to switch up flavors while keeping it delicious.
Best Side Dishes for Slow Cooker Parmesan Garlic Chicken and Potatoes
Pairing side dishes with your meal can enhance its appeal. Here are some delightful options that go well with this recipe.
- Garlic Bread – Crispy garlic bread is perfect for dipping into the cheesy sauce.
- Steamed Broccoli – Lightly steamed broccoli adds color and nutrition while balancing flavors.
- Roasted Vegetables – A mix of seasonal roasted vegetables brings out natural sweetness and adds variety.
- Caesar Salad – A classic Caesar salad pairs nicely with creamy dishes, adding crunch and zest.
- Quinoa Pilaf – Fluffy quinoa pilaf is a nutritious alternative that complements chicken beautifully.
- Corn on the Cob – Sweet corn enhances the comfort food experience; grill or boil for quick prep.
- Mashed Cauliflower – Creamy mashed cauliflower offers a low-carb side that still feels indulgent.
- Coleslaw – A tangy coleslaw provides a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of chicken and potatoes.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Slow Cooker Parmesan Garlic Chicken and Potatoes, it’s easy to make a few missteps. Here are some common mistakes and how to avoid them.
- Using the wrong potatoes: Choosing waxy potatoes can lead to mushiness. Opt for starchy varieties like Russets for better texture.
- Overcrowding the slow cooker: Filling the slow cooker beyond its capacity can result in uneven cooking. Stick to the recommended amounts for best results.
- Not seasoning properly: Skipping or skimping on salt and pepper can dull the flavors. Ensure you season both the chicken and potatoes adequately.
- Ignoring cooking times: Cooking on high for too long can dry out the chicken. Follow the suggested cooking times for tender, juicy chicken.
- Adding cheese too early: Adding mozzarella and Parmesan at the start can cause them to burn. Wait until near the end of cooking to add these cheeses for optimal meltiness.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- Consume within 3-4 days for best quality.
Freezing Slow Cooker Parmesan Garlic Chicken and Potatoes
- Freeze in a freezer-safe container.
- Best used within 2-3 months for optimal flavor.
Reheating Slow Cooker Parmesan Garlic Chicken and Potatoes
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat covered for about 20 minutes or until warmed through.
- Microwave: Heat in short intervals, stirring occasionally, until hot throughout.
- Stovetop: Warm in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to prevent sticking.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about Slow Cooker Parmesan Garlic Chicken and Potatoes.
Can I use other meats instead of chicken?
Yes! This recipe works well with turkey or even beef if you adjust cooking times accordingly.
How can I customize the flavor?
Feel free to add your favorite herbs or spices, such as thyme or rosemary, to enhance the flavor profile.
What side dishes pair well with this recipe?
Serve it with a fresh salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! It’s perfect for meal prep as it stores well and reheats nicely throughout the week.
Final Thoughts
Slow Cooker Parmesan Garlic Chicken and Potatoes is a comforting dish that combines tender chicken with cheesy, flavorful potatoes. The versatility of this recipe allows for customization based on your preferences. Try adding different herbs or swapping out cheeses to make it your own!
Slow Cooker Parmesan Garlic Chicken and Potatoes
Enjoy delicious Slow Cooker Parmesan Garlic Chicken and Potatoes – a comforting dish that’s easy to prepare. Try it today!
- Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
Ingredients
- 2 pounds potatoes, cut into 1½–2 inch chunks
- 2 pounds skinless, boneless chicken breasts
- 1 cup creamy Parmesan garlic sauce
- ½ cup water or chicken stock
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ¾ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ½ teaspoon paprika
Instructions
- In a slow cooker, combine potatoes with olive oil, salt, black pepper, and paprika. Stir until well coated.
- Layer the chicken on top of the potatoes and sprinkle with remaining salt and pepper.
- In a bowl, mix the creamy Parmesan garlic sauce with water until blended, then pour over the chicken and potatoes.
- Cook on High for 4 hours or Low for 6 hours until chicken is cooked through and potatoes are tender.
- About 20 minutes before serving, add mozzarella cheese on top to melt.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 240 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (245g)
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 19g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 110mg