There’s something truly magical about walking into your kitchen after a long day and being greeted by the aroma of a warm, home-cooked dinner waiting for you. That’s exactly what happens with this Garlic Parmesan Crockpot Chicken and Potatoes recipe. It’s rich, flavorful, and filled with comforting goodness — all made effortlessly in your slow cooker.
Juicy chicken breasts, buttery potatoes, and a creamy garlic Parmesan sauce come together to create a meal that feels both cozy and indulgent. This dish is the definition of simple comfort food: it tastes like a weekend dinner, but it’s easy enough for any weeknight.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Garlic Parmesan Crockpot Chicken and Potatoes
- One-pot simplicity. Everything cooks together for easy prep and cleanup.
- Rich, creamy flavor. The sauce blends Parmesan cheese, garlic, and herbs into pure comfort.
- Family-friendly. Even picky eaters love this mild, cheesy dish.
- Perfect texture. The chicken stays juicy while the potatoes become buttery and tender.
- Set it and forget it. A true slow cooker miracle that tastes like you spent all day cooking.
- Versatile. Use chicken breasts, thighs, or even a whole chicken — the result is always delicious.
Ingredients
You’ll need just a few pantry staples for this easy crockpot meal:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs for juicier flavor)
- 1½ lbs baby potatoes, halved (Yukon gold or red potatoes work best)
- 3 tbsp olive oil or melted butter
- 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Optional: 1 cup shredded mozzarella for extra creaminess
Tip: You can substitute the potatoes with sweet potatoes, or even add carrots or green beans for more color and nutrition.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the slow cooker. Lightly grease your crockpot with cooking spray or a small drizzle of olive oil.
- Arrange the potatoes. Place halved potatoes in the bottom of the crockpot. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of Italian seasoning.
- Add chicken. Lay the chicken breasts or thighs on top of the potatoes. Season both sides with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Mix the sauce. In a bowl, whisk together heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, and remaining Italian seasoning until smooth.
- Pour and coat. Pour the creamy garlic mixture evenly over the chicken and potatoes.
- Cook low and slow. Cover and cook on LOW for 6–7 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours, until chicken is cooked through and potatoes are fork-tender.
- Optional cheesy finish. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella over the top during the last 15 minutes for a melty finish.
- Garnish and serve. Spoon sauce over the top, sprinkle with chopped parsley, and serve warm.
This recipe is the definition of comfort — golden potatoes, tender chicken, and creamy garlic sauce all come together effortlessly.
How to Serve Garlic Parmesan Crockpot Chicken and Potatoes
This meal is hearty enough to stand on its own, but a few simple sides can make it shine.
Serve it with:
- Cheesy Garlic Bread — perfect for soaking up the extra creamy sauce. You can find my go-to recipe here.
- A fresh green salad or roasted vegetables for contrast.
- Steamed broccoli, asparagus, or buttered corn on the cob.
Garnish ideas:
- A sprinkle of extra Parmesan
- Chopped herbs like parsley, basil, or thyme
- A light drizzle of lemon juice for brightness
Want to make dinner feel extra special? Finish the meal with something sweet and homemade. Try Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls for cozy fall flavor or Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars for a creamy dessert that pairs beautifully with the garlic Parmesan theme.
How to Store Garlic Parmesan Crockpot Chicken and Potatoes
This dish stores beautifully, making it a fantastic option for meal prep or next-day lunches.
Refrigerate:
- Let leftovers cool completely.
- Store in airtight containers for up to 4 days.
- Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave, adding a splash of cream or broth to revive the sauce.
Freeze:
- Transfer cooled portions to freezer-safe containers.
- Freeze for up to 3 months.
- Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Tip: For best texture, freeze without the added mozzarella or garnish — add those fresh after reheating.
Tips for Perfect Garlic Parmesan Crockpot Chicken and Potatoes
- Choose the right potatoes. Waxy varieties like Yukon golds or red potatoes hold up best in the slow cooker.
- Layer smartly. Always put the potatoes at the bottom so they absorb all the buttery garlic flavor.
- Don’t overcook. Once chicken reaches 165°F, switch to “Warm” mode to prevent drying out.
- Make it extra creamy. Add a dollop of cream cheese near the end of cooking.
- Boost flavor. Stir in a handful of spinach or sun-dried tomatoes during the last 15 minutes.
- Crispy top hack. For a golden crust, transfer everything to a baking dish, sprinkle cheese, and broil for 3–5 minutes before serving.
Variations
This recipe is endlessly adaptable — here are a few crowd-pleasing versions to try:
- Baked Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes: Transfer everything to a casserole dish, top with cheese and breadcrumbs, and bake until bubbly and golden.
- Whole Chicken Version: Use a small whole chicken (about 4 lbs) and surround it with potatoes. Cook on LOW 6–8 hours — it’s juicy, tender, and full of flavor.
- Kid-Friendly Crockpot Recipe: Use boneless chicken thighs and reduce the garlic for a milder flavor. Add shredded mozzarella to make it extra creamy.
- Vegetable Boost: Add carrots, green beans, or bell peppers for a balanced one-pot dinner.
- Herb Lovers’ Version: Swap Italian seasoning for fresh rosemary and thyme for a more aromatic, rustic flavor.
FAQs
Q1: Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, but thaw completely before adding to the crockpot for even cooking and safety.
Q2: Can I make this dairy-free?
Absolutely — use coconut cream and dairy-free Parmesan-style cheese for a delicious alternative.
Q3: Can I use other potatoes?
Yes. Baby reds, fingerlings, or chopped russets all work, though russets may become softer.
Q4: How do I make it thicker?
Whisk in a tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with water near the end of cooking to thicken the sauce.
Q5: Can I make it spicy?
Add crushed red pepper flakes or a touch of cayenne to the sauce for gentle heat.
Final Thoughts
This Garlic Parmesan Crockpot Chicken and Potatoes is a true lifesaver on busy days — creamy, flavorful, and effortless. It’s one of those rare recipes that taste like comfort food but requires almost no hands-on time.
Perfect for families, potlucks, or lazy Sundays, it delivers tender chicken and buttery potatoes every single time. If you enjoy classic, cozy flavors, this recipe belongs on your weekly rotation.
This dish proves once again that slow-cooked meals don’t have to be complicated — just a few ingredients, a bit of time, and a whole lot of love.
Follow me on Facebook and Pinterest where I share cozy, easy-to-make baking recipes just like this one.
Print
Garlic Parmesan Crockpot Chicken and Potatoes
- Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Creamy, savory, and packed with garlic flavor — this Garlic Parmesan Crockpot Chicken and Potatoes recipe is the ultimate comfort food. Juicy chicken and buttery potatoes simmer slowly in a rich Parmesan sauce, creating a one-pot meal the whole family will love.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
- 1 ½ lbs baby potatoes, halved
- 3 tbsp olive oil or melted butter
- 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp paprika
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp chopped parsley (for garnish)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella (optional)
Instructions
1. Lightly grease your crockpot with nonstick spray or olive oil.
2. Place halved potatoes in the bottom of the crockpot. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
3. Arrange chicken breasts on top of potatoes. Sprinkle with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
4. In a medium bowl, whisk together heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, and Italian seasoning until smooth.
5. Pour the mixture evenly over the chicken and potatoes.
6. Cover and cook on LOW for 6–7 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours, until chicken is tender and potatoes are cooked through.
7. If desired, add shredded mozzarella during the last 15 minutes of cooking.
8. Garnish with chopped parsley before serving warm.
Notes
Use Yukon gold or red potatoes for best texture.
For extra flavor, add 3 oz cream cheese for a thicker sauce.
Avoid overcooking — once chicken reaches 165°F, switch to “Warm”.
Add vegetables like green beans or carrots in the last hour of cooking for variety.
Serve with Cheesy Garlic Bread to soak up the creamy sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion (about 1 chicken breast with potatoes)
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 110mg