Garlic Parmesan Crockpot Chicken and Potatoes is a simple, comforting meal that combines tender chicken breasts, golden potatoes, and a rich garlic parmesan sauce. Everything cooks slowly in the crockpot, so the flavors meld beautifully and the chicken turns out juicy and flavorful. The parmesan adds a nice cheesy twist that makes the dish feel a little special without any extra effort.
I love how easy this recipe is to throw together on busy days. Just toss the chicken and potatoes into the crockpot, pour over the garlicky parmesan sauce, and let it cook while you get on with your day. I usually season everything well with a bit of pepper and herbs, and the smell that fills the kitchen as it cooks is amazing. It’s one of those recipes that feels like comfort food but doesn’t take all afternoon.
My favorite way to serve this is straight from the crockpot, maybe with a simple side salad or some steamed green veggies. The potatoes soak up the sauce perfectly, and the chicken practically falls apart when you cut into it. This is a meal everyone seems to love, especially when you want something filling and cozy after a long day. I always find myself going back for seconds!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Thighs: Bone-in, skin-on thighs give great flavor and stay juicy during slow cooking. If you prefer leaner meat, boneless skinless thighs or chicken breasts work too, but watch cooking time so they don’t dry out.
Red Potatoes: These hold their shape well in the crockpot and absorb flavors nicely. Yukon gold or baby white potatoes are good substitutes if you prefer a creamier texture.
Garlic and Parmesan: Garlic adds a tasty punch, while Parmesan brings a salty, cheesy richness. For a dairy-free version, try nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan.
Mayonnaise: This might surprise you! It helps create a creamy sauce and keeps the chicken moist. Greek yogurt can be swapped in for a lighter option with a bit of tang.
How Do I Get Crispy Skin on Crockpot Chicken?
Searing the chicken before putting it in the crockpot is key. It adds color and flavor and helps keep the skin from getting soggy.
- Pat the chicken dry really well to avoid steaming instead of browning.
- Heat the oil in a pan on medium-high and place chicken skin-side down first.
- Cook without moving it for about 3-4 minutes until nicely golden, then flip and brown the other side briefly.
- Transfer chicken skin-side up on top of potatoes in the slow cooker to keep that crispiness intact as it cooks.
This extra step makes a big difference in flavor and texture, making the dish even tastier!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Crockpot/slow cooker – this is the heart of the recipe for easy, hands-off cooking all day.
- Large skillet – for searing the chicken to get that beautiful golden skin before slow cooking.
- Mixing bowl – to combine the garlic, Parmesan, mayo, and broth easily.
- Sharp knife – for cutting potatoes into even pieces so they cook well.
- Cutting board – a sturdy surface to prep your chicken and potatoes safely.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap chicken thighs for bone-in pork chops for a different but equally juicy protein.
- Add chopped mushrooms or green beans to the crockpot for extra veggies and texture.
- Use smoked paprika instead of regular for a subtle smoky flavor twist.
- Stir in a handful of chopped fresh basil or thyme at the end for a fresh herbal touch.
How to Make Garlic Parmesan Crockpot Chicken and Potatoes?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Chicken and Potatoes:
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 1.5 lbs red potatoes, quartered
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 2 tbsp olive oil (for searing)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
For The Garlic Parmesan Sauce:
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning (or a mix of oregano, basil, thyme)
How Much Time Will You Need?
Preparing this dish takes about 15 minutes for searing and mixing the sauce. Then, it needs 3 to 4 hours on high or 6 hours on low in the crockpot, making a total of roughly 3 to 6 hours, depending on your cooking setting.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Season and Sear the Chicken:
Start by patting the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Sprinkle both sides with salt, pepper, and paprika. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Place chicken skin-side down and sear for about 3-4 minutes until golden brown. Flip and sear the other side for 3-4 minutes. Remove from heat.
2. Prepare the Garlic Parmesan Sauce:
In a small bowl, mix together minced garlic, grated Parmesan, mayonnaise, chicken broth, and Italian seasoning. Stir until you get a smooth sauce.
3. Layer Potatoes and Coat with Sauce:
Put the quartered potatoes into the crockpot. Season them lightly with salt and pepper. Pour half of the garlic Parmesan sauce over the potatoes and toss gently so they’re well coated.
4. Add Chicken and Sauce:
Place the seared chicken thighs on top of the potatoes. Spoon the remaining garlic Parmesan sauce over the chicken.
5. Cook and Serve:
Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3-4 hours until the chicken is fully cooked and the potatoes are tender. Before serving, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top for a fresh, colorful finish. Serve warm and enjoy!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, but make sure to fully thaw the chicken thighs before cooking. Thaw them overnight in the refrigerator or use the quick-thaw method by placing the sealed chicken in cold water for a few hours. This ensures even cooking in the crockpot.
Can I Substitute Mayonnaise in the Sauce?
Absolutely! You can use Greek yogurt or sour cream as a lighter alternative. Just keep in mind they may slightly change the flavor and texture, but the sauce will still be creamy and delicious.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or in a pan on the stove, adding a splash of broth if the sauce seems too thick.
Can I Add Other Vegetables to the Crockpot?
Yes! Feel free to add veggies like green beans, carrots, or mushrooms along with the potatoes. Just chop them into similar-sized pieces so everything cooks evenly.
