Garlic Parmesan Crockpot Chicken and Potatoes: 5-step Comfort

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When you’re craving something cozy, flavorful, and fuss-free, this Garlic Parmesan Crockpot Chicken and Potatoes is your answer. It’s a slow-cooked, one-pot wonder that fills your kitchen with buttery garlic aroma and delivers melt-in-your-mouth chicken with tender, seasoned potatoes. Whether you’re feeding a family or stocking up on leftovers, this dish is the kind of easy comfort food that tastes like you spent hours cooking, but didn’t. In this post, I’ll walk you through everything you need: why it works, the ingredients, how to make it, and smart tips to tweak it your way. Plus, answers to your top crockpot cooking questions.

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Why You’ll Love This Garlic Parmesan Crockpot Chicken and Potatoes

There are meals I make because they’re quick, and meals I make because they’re comforting. This one checks both boxes. The first time I made this Garlic Parmesan Crockpot Chicken and Potatoes, I wasn’t aiming for anything fancy. I had a busy day ahead, a short list of ingredients, and a husband who always notices when dinner’s just “okay.” I tossed the chicken and potatoes into the slow cooker, added garlic, butter, and a handful of shredded Parmesan, and hoped for the best.

Four hours later, the aroma alone had everyone asking when dinner would be ready. By the time we sat down, the chicken was so tender it shredded with a fork, and the potatoes had soaked up every bit of that buttery garlic flavor. My husband took one bite and said, “You better save this recipe.”

That’s when I knew this wasn’t just another dinner. It’s become a regular in our kitchen not just because it’s delicious, but because it feels like I’m doing something loving for my family, without spending all day in the kitchen. It’s also incredibly simple. No browning, no boiling, no standing at the stove. Just layer, season, and let the crockpot do its thing.

If you’ve ever tried my Slow Cooker Chicken Stew, you already know how satisfying a rustic slow cooker dish can be. This one brings all that comfort with a creamy garlic twist. And trust me: once you make it, it’ll be on repeat.

What You’ll Need for This Garlic Parmesan Crockpot Chicken and Potatoes

One of the things I love most about this Garlic Parmesan Crockpot Chicken recipe is how it’s built from everyday staples, but tastes like a restaurant meal. No fancy ingredients, just a handful of pantry and fridge basics that come together into a creamy, garlicky, buttery comfort dish. Here’s what you’ll need to make it.

Chicken thighs or breasts – I prefer boneless, skinless thighs because they stay juicier during the long cook time, but breasts work well too. Just keep in mind that breasts may cook slightly faster, so check doneness earlier if you go that route.
Baby potatoes – Red or yellow baby potatoes are ideal because they hold their shape and become buttery-soft. You can also use Yukon golds, just cut them into quarters if they’re large.
Minced garlic – Don’t skimp here. Garlic is the heart of this recipe. Fresh minced garlic gives the best flavor, but jarred works fine if that’s what you have.
Grated Parmesan cheese – Go for freshly grated if you can; it melts better and adds a nuttier flavor. The pre-shredded kind will still do the job in a pinch.
Butter – This adds richness and depth. I use unsalted butter so I can control the seasoning, but salted is fine; just adjust your salt at the end.
Chicken broth – A splash of broth keeps everything juicy and prevents drying. If you’re using chicken breasts, this is especially helpful.
Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper – Just enough to bring out the flavors and balance the garlic and cheese.

This ingredient combo is simple, flexible, and oh-so-forgiving. For another variation that starts with a few dump-and-go ingredients but finishes with bold flavor, check out my Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites, it’s just as cozy and satisfying.

How to Make Garlic Parmesan Crockpot Chicken and Potatoes

The best part about this recipe? You don’t need to babysit it. Just layer the ingredients, set the crockpot, and get on with your day. Whether you’re working from home or out running errands, dinner practically makes itself.

Step 1: Prep the base
Start by washing your baby potatoes. Leave the skins on for texture and flavor, just slice any large ones in half. Then, place them at the bottom of your slow cooker. You want them to sit directly in the cooking juices so they soak up all that buttery garlic flavor.
Step 2: Season your chicken
Lay the chicken thighs or breasts right over the potatoes. Sprinkle them generously with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Don’t worry if it looks simple now, flavor builds in the crockpot as everything cooks low and slow.
Step 3: Add the flavor magic
In a small bowl, combine melted butter, minced garlic, and chicken broth. Pour this mixture evenly over the chicken and potatoes. Then sprinkle the Parmesan on top. Some will melt into the broth, while the rest forms a lightly cheesy layer over the chicken. It’s dreamy.
Step 4: Slow cook to perfection
Cover and cook on low for 6–7 hours, or high for 3.5–4 hours, until the chicken is tender and the potatoes are soft. You can gently stir once mid-way if you’d like, but it’s not necessary.
Step 5: Finish and serve
Before serving, give it a quick taste and adjust the salt if needed. A sprinkle of fresh parsley or extra Parmesan on top? Totally optional, but always welcome.

Love easy, no-fuss meals like this? You might also enjoy my Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta, a creamy, carb-loving cousin to this dish.

Tips and Variations for Garlic Parmesan Crockpot Chicken and Potatoes

Once you make this dish once, it’s hard not to start experimenting with it. Whether you want to switch up the flavors, stretch the portions, or make it even easier, these tips and variations are here to help.

Tip 1: Don’t overcook the chicken
Even though it’s in a crockpot, chicken can dry out if cooked too long. If you’re using chicken breasts, check at the lower end of the time range. Thighs are a bit more forgiving and stay tender even after a few extra minutes.

Tip 2: Use a liner for easy cleanup
Crockpot liners are a lifesaver, especially when cooking with cheese and butter. They’ll save you scrubbing time and help with serving too.

Tip 3: Layer matters
Keep the potatoes at the bottom and the chicken on top. This ensures the potatoes cook through while the chicken stays juicy.

Variation 1: Add green beans or carrots
Want to make this a full one-pot meal? Toss in some fresh green beans or chopped carrots during the last 1–2 hours of cooking. They’ll soak up the garlic butter and taste amazing.

Variation 2: Make it creamy
Stir in a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of sour cream during the final 30 minutes for a creamier texture. It turns the sauce into something between a gravy and a garlic-Parmesan dream.

Variation 3: Spice it up
Craving heat? Add crushed red pepper flakes or a drizzle of hot sauce to the garlic butter mix. Just a little goes a long way.

For another comforting twist on hearty meat-and-potato dinners, my Slo w Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs deliver that same slow-cooked comfort, with a rich gravy you’ll want to drink.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen chicken in this Garlic Parmesan Crockpot recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but it’s important to note that USDA guidelines recommend thawing chicken before slow cooking for food safety reasons. If you choose to cook from frozen, be sure your slow cooker reaches a safe internal temperature quickly. You may also need to increase the cooking time slightly.

What kind of potatoes work best for slow cooking?

Baby red or yellow potatoes are ideal because they hold their shape and develop a buttery texture. You can also use Yukon golds or fingerling potatoes; just cut them into bite-sized pieces to ensure they cook evenly. Avoid russets, which tend to fall apart in the slow cooker.

How long should I cook chicken and potatoes in a crockpot?

Cook on low for 6 to 7 hours, or on high for 3.5 to 4 hours, depending on your schedule and crockpot. Always check that the chicken has reached an internal temp of 165°F. Potatoes should be fork-tender by the end.

Can I add vegetables like green beans or carrots?

Absolutely. Green beans, carrots, or even broccoli can be added during the final 1 to 2 hours of cook time. This helps them stay tender-crisp instead of mushy. It’s a great way to turn this into a full one-pot meal.

Final Note

This Garlic Parmesan Crockpot Chicken and Potatoes isn’t just a dinner, it’s that effortless, flavor-packed recipe you’ll keep turning to. It’s comforting, budget-friendly, and versatile enough for busy weeknights or lazy Sundays. With simple prep and pantry-friendly ingredients, it’s a slow cooker winner you’ll love sharing and repeating.

If this recipe made it to your “make again” list, you’ll also enjoy my cozy Crockpot Marry Me Chicken; another dump-and-go dish with fresh, herby flavor.

Thanks for cooking with me! Be sure to save or print this recipe and come back to Dailycious anytime you’re hungry and in a hurry.

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Garlic Parmesan Crockpot Chicken and Potatoes

Why You’ll Love This Garlic Parmesan Crockpot Chicken and Potatoes