If you’re craving a dish that’s bursting with flavor yet requires minimal effort, the Garlic Parmesan Crockpot Chicken and Potatoes Recipe is exactly what you need. Imagine tender, juicy chicken thighs infused with aromatic garlic and a medley of herbs, resting on a bed of perfectly cooked baby red potatoes all slow-cooked to mouthwatering perfection. This recipe delivers hearty comfort with a golden Parmesan crust that elevates every bite, making it a go-to for busy weeknights or relaxed weekend meals. Trust me, once you try this, it will quickly become one of your favorite cozy dishes to make and share.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Garlic Parmesan Crockpot Chicken and Potatoes Recipe lies in its simple, wholesome ingredients. Each one plays a special role—from the garlic’s punchy aroma to the herbs that bring depth, and the Parmesan cheese that adds a rich, savory finish. Using fresh and quality ingredients ensures the dish comes out bursting with flavor every time.
- Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs: These provide juicy, flavorful meat and crispy skin after slow cooking.
- Baby red potatoes: Their creamy texture and thin skin cook perfectly alongside the chicken.
- Olive oil: Essential for coating the chicken and potatoes to lock in moisture and enhance browning.
- Garlic cloves, minced: Adds a vibrant, aromatic base that defines the dish’s savory tone.
- Dried basil, oregano, rosemary, thyme: A fragrant blend of herbs that creates a beautiful, rustic flavor profile.
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper: Simple seasonings that brighten and balance the overall taste.
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a crispy, cheesy crust that elevates every bite.
- Fresh parsley: For a bright, fresh garnish that adds color and a touch of herbal freshness.
How to Make Garlic Parmesan Crockpot Chicken and Potatoes Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Crockpot
Start by lightly greasing your crockpot with a tablespoon of olive oil or a non-stick spray. This simple step prevents sticking and helps achieve that perfectly tender chicken and potatoes without any fuss.
Step 2: Create the Herb and Garlic Mixture
In a small bowl, mix together the minced garlic, olive oil, dried basil, oregano, rosemary, thyme, salt, and pepper. This fragrant blend is the heart of the Garlic Parmesan Crockpot Chicken and Potatoes Recipe, delivering layers of deep, savory flavor with every bite.
Step 3: Season the Chicken Thoroughly
Generously rub the herb and garlic mixture all over the chicken thighs, making sure each piece is fully coated. This ensures the chicken absorbs all those incredible flavors during the slow cooking process.
Step 4: Prepare the Potatoes
Place the halved baby red potatoes in a single layer at the bottom of the crockpot. Drizzle them with the remaining olive oil and season with salt and pepper. These potatoes will soak up the juices and herbs, becoming tender and delicious.
Step 5: Layer the Chicken Over the Potatoes
Arrange the seasoned chicken thighs on top of the potatoes in the crockpot. This setup allows the chicken’s juices to infuse the potatoes while cooking, marrying the flavors wonderfully.
Step 6: Add the Parmesan Cheese
Sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese evenly over both the chicken and potatoes. This step guarantees a lovely cheesy crust that complements the herbs and garlic perfectly.
Step 7: Cook Low and Slow
Cover the crockpot and cook on low heat for 6 to 8 hours, or on high for 3 to 4 hours. The chicken should be cooked through and juicy, with the potatoes tender—a true slow-cooker masterpiece that only gets better as time passes.
Step 8: Remove and Garnish
Carefully remove the chicken and potatoes from the crockpot, then sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley over the dish. This final touch adds a pop of color and a hint of herbal brightness that balances all the rich flavors.
How to Serve Garlic Parmesan Crockpot Chicken and Potatoes Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is a classic, but you can also experiment with a sprinkle of lemon zest or a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil to add subtle freshness and shine. These small additions brighten up the dish visually and flavor-wise, making every serving inviting.
Side Dishes
This Garlic Parmesan Crockpot Chicken and Potatoes Recipe is a complete meal on its own, but serving it alongside a crisp green salad or steamed seasonal vegetables adds a refreshing contrast. A side of garlic bread or crusty rolls will also soak up those irresistible juices beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party feel, place the chicken thighs on a platter surrounded by the roasted potatoes and sprinkle extra Parmesan and parsley on top. Serve family-style straight from the crockpot for a cozy, casual meal where everyone can help themselves.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled to room temperature, store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to 3 days, making this dish perfect for quick lunches or easy dinners later in the week.
Freezing
You can freeze both the chicken and potatoes together in a freezer-safe container or bag. Just be sure to cool the food completely before freezing. For best quality, use within 2 months.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in the microwave or oven to keep the chicken juicy and the potatoes tender. If reheating from frozen, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before warming to ensure even cooking and preserve the dish’s delicious flavors.
FAQs
Can I use boneless chicken instead of bone-in for this recipe?
Absolutely! Boneless chicken thighs or breasts can work well, but bone-in chicken tends to retain more moisture and flavor during slow cooking. Just be mindful of cooking times as boneless pieces may cook faster.
Is it possible to use other types of potatoes?
Yes, feel free to substitute baby potatoes with Yukon gold or fingerling potatoes. Keep in mind cooking times can vary slightly based on potato size and type, but the slow cooker handles it wonderfully.
Do I need to brown the chicken before placing it in the crockpot?
While browning adds extra texture and flavor, it’s not necessary for this recipe because the Parmesan cheese and herbs develop plenty of flavor during the slow cooking process. If pressed for time, you can skip this step.
How can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Simply omit the Parmesan cheese or use a plant-based cheese alternative. The garlic and herbs will still shine through, offering a tasty and comforting meal without the dairy.
Can I double this recipe for a larger group?
Yes! Just make sure your crockpot is large enough to accommodate the doubled ingredients without overcrowding. Proper spacing ensures even cooking and the best texture for both chicken and potatoes.
Final Thoughts
This Garlic Parmesan Crockpot Chicken and Potatoes Recipe is a fantastic blend of simple ingredients and effortless cooking that yields a dish full of rich, comforting flavors. It’s perfect for anyone who loves hearty meals without spending hours in the kitchen. I can’t wait for you to try it and share this cozy favorite with your loved ones!
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Garlic Parmesan Crockpot Chicken and Potatoes Recipe
- Prep Time: 0h 15m
- Cook Time: 6h 0m
- Total Time: 6h 15m
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This Garlic Parmesan Crockpot Chicken and Potatoes recipe offers a flavorful and easy one-pot meal. Tender bone-in chicken thighs cooked slowly with baby red potatoes, garlic, and a blend of Italian herbs, topped with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and garnished with parsley, make for a comforting and delicious dinner with minimal effort.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley leaves
Potatoes
- 1 pound baby red potatoes, halved
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for potatoes)
Garlic Herb Mixture
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
Additional
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for greasing crockpot)
Instructions
- Prepare crockpot: Lightly grease the crockpot with 1 tablespoon of olive oil or use non-stick spray to prevent sticking during cooking.
- Make garlic herb mixture: In a small bowl, combine minced garlic, 2 tablespoons olive oil, dried basil, oregano, rosemary, thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly to form a flavor-packed rub.
- Coat chicken: Rub the garlic herb mixture evenly over each chicken thigh, ensuring every piece is well coated to maximize flavor infusion.
- Layer potatoes: Place the halved baby red potatoes in a single layer at the bottom of the crockpot. Drizzle with the remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil and season with salt and pepper for balanced taste.
- Add chicken: Arrange the coated chicken thighs on top of the potatoes, allowing the juices from the chicken to drip onto the potatoes as they cook.
- Sprinkle Parmesan: Evenly distribute freshly grated Parmesan cheese over both the chicken and potatoes, which will melt and add rich, savory flavor.
- Cook: Cover the crockpot and cook on low heat for 6-8 hours, or on high heat for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked and the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
- Remove and garnish: Carefully take out the chicken and potatoes from the crockpot and transfer to serving dishes. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley to add a fresh, herbaceous finish.
Notes
- You can substitute bone-in thighs with boneless if preferred, but adjust cooking time accordingly.
- For added flavor, you may sprinkle extra Parmesan cheese before serving.
- If you don’t have fresh parsley, dried parsley can be used as a garnish but fresh is preferred for best taste and presentation.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
