There’s something comforting about a meal that practically cooks itself — and this Garlic Parmesan Crockpot Chicken and Potatoes is exactly that. Juicy chicken, tender baby potatoes, and a creamy, cheesy garlic-Parmesan sauce come together in one slow cooker for a dinner that’s both hearty and elegant.
This recipe combines rustic, homestyle cooking with the rich flavors of garlic, butter, cream, and Parmesan cheese — all slow-cooked to perfection. The chicken becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender, while the potatoes absorb all those savory, buttery juices. It’s the kind of dish that fills your kitchen with the irresistible aroma of roasted garlic and herbs, making everyone eager to dig in.
Perfect for busy weeknights, family gatherings, or cozy weekends, this crockpot meal requires only a few ingredients and about 10 minutes of prep. By dinner time, you’ll have a complete meal — no oven, no fuss, no need to babysit the stove.
Ingredients Overview
Each ingredient in this recipe contributes to its comforting, creamy flavor and perfect texture.
Chicken
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs both work beautifully. Thighs stay extra tender and juicy, while breasts soak up the creamy sauce for a lighter version.
Potatoes
Baby red or Yukon gold potatoes are ideal — they hold their shape, cook evenly, and turn buttery soft. If using larger potatoes, cut them into 1½-inch chunks so they cook at the same rate as the chicken.
Garlic
Fresh minced garlic is essential here — it infuses the sauce with rich depth and that signature aroma. Using both fresh garlic and garlic powder ensures the flavor is bold but not overpowering.
Parmesan Cheese
Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best melt and flavor. It adds a salty, nutty richness to the sauce and thickens it slightly as it cooks.
Cream & Butter
Heavy cream and unsalted butter create the silky, decadent base of the sauce. The butter adds richness, while the cream gives that luxurious texture. You can substitute with half-and-half for a lighter version.
Herbs & Seasonings
A blend of Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and parsley complements the garlic and Parmesan beautifully. Add a pinch of crushed red pepper for a hint of warmth if desired.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Wash and halve the baby potatoes. Mince your garlic and grate the Parmesan cheese. Pat the chicken dry and season with salt, pepper, and a little garlic powder on both sides.
Step 2: Assemble the Crockpot
Lightly grease your crockpot with a drizzle of olive oil or non-stick spray.
Add the potatoes to the bottom, then layer the chicken on top. Scatter the minced garlic evenly over the chicken and potatoes.
Step 3: Make the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together:
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1 cup heavy cream
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½ cup chicken broth
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½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
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2 tablespoons melted butter
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1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
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½ teaspoon garlic powder
Pour this mixture evenly over the chicken and potatoes.
Step 4: Slow Cook
Cover and cook on Low for 5–6 hours or High for 3–4 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked and the potatoes are fork-tender. Stir gently once or twice during cooking if possible, to ensure even sauce distribution.
Step 5: Add Finishing Touches
When ready, remove the lid and sprinkle another ¼ cup of Parmesan cheese and some chopped fresh parsley over the top. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes before serving so the sauce thickens slightly.
Step 6: Serve
Serve warm, spooning the creamy garlic-Parmesan sauce over the chicken and potatoes. It pairs wonderfully with a green salad, roasted veggies, or crusty bread to soak up every bit of that rich sauce.
Tips, Variations, and Substitutions
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Add Vegetables: Broccoli, green beans, or spinach can be added during the last hour of cooking for color and nutrition.
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Extra Creamy Option: Stir in ¼ cup cream cheese or a splash of milk at the end for a richer sauce.
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Low-Carb Swap: Replace potatoes with cauliflower florets — add them in the final 1–2 hours so they don’t overcook.
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Cheese Variations: Try Asiago or Romano cheese for a slightly sharper flavor.
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Herb Boost: Add a few sprigs of fresh thyme or rosemary to the slow cooker for a deeper, herby note.
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Make It Crisp: For a “baked” finish, transfer everything to a baking dish, sprinkle with cheese, and broil for 3–5 minutes before serving.
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Meal Prep Tip: Portion leftovers into airtight containers — they reheat beautifully for 3–4 days or freeze up to 2 months.
Serving Ideas & Occasions
This dish is a cozy, one-pot comfort meal perfect for:
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Busy weeknights: Minimal effort and maximum flavor.
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Family dinners: Feeds everyone without the stress.
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Meal prep: Stays creamy and flavorful even after reheating.
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Entertaining: Pair with salad, bread, and wine for an impressive yet simple dinner.
Serve it with:
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A side of steamed green beans or roasted Brussels sprouts.
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A light Caesar salad.
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Buttery dinner rolls or garlic bread to mop up the sauce.
Nutritional & Health Notes
Each serving (with chicken breast) averages about 480–520 calories, depending on portion size and sauce quantity. This dish provides a hearty balance of protein, fats, and carbohydrates.
Nutrition Highlights:
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Protein: Chicken offers lean, filling protein.
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Calcium & Minerals: Parmesan and cream provide calcium and phosphorus.
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Healthy Fats: Butter and olive oil contribute beneficial fats for energy and flavor.
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Customization: Reduce fat by using half-and-half instead of cream and cutting butter in half.
To make it lighter without sacrificing taste, use reduced-fat cream and add a handful of spinach for extra nutrients.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use frozen chicken?
It’s best to thaw chicken before adding it to the crockpot to ensure even cooking and safe temperatures.
2. Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes — use full-fat coconut milk instead of cream, and skip the Parmesan or use a dairy-free cheese alternative.
3. How can I thicken the sauce?
If the sauce is too thin, remove the lid for the last 20 minutes or stir in a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch + 2 tablespoons cold water).
4. Can I add other veggies?
Absolutely! Broccoli, spinach, or carrots complement the flavors beautifully. Just add them in the last hour so they don’t get mushy.
5. How long do leftovers last?
Store in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat on the stovetop or microwave until warmed through.
6. Can I use bone-in chicken?
Yes, but increase cooking time by 30–45 minutes. Bone-in chicken thighs work especially well for this dish.
7. What can I serve with this?
It’s a complete meal on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with steamed greens, roasted veggies, or garlic bread.
Tasty Recipes Card
Description:
Juicy chicken and tender potatoes slow-cooked in a creamy garlic Parmesan sauce — a comforting, no-fuss dinner perfect for busy nights.
Ingredients:
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2 lbs boneless chicken breasts or thighs
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1½ lbs baby potatoes, halved
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4 cloves garlic, minced
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1 cup heavy cream
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½ cup chicken broth
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½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
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2 tbsp melted butter
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1 tsp Italian seasoning
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½ tsp garlic powder
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Salt and pepper to taste
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2 tbsp chopped parsley (for garnish)
Instructions:
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Grease the crockpot. Add potatoes, then layer chicken on top.
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Whisk together cream, broth, Parmesan, butter, garlic, and seasonings. Pour over chicken and potatoes.
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Cover and cook on Low 5–6 hours or High 3–4 hours until chicken is tender and potatoes are soft.
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Stir gently, sprinkle with extra Parmesan and parsley.
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Serve warm with bread or vegetables.
Notes:
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Add cream cheese for a richer sauce.
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Use half-and-half for a lighter version.
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Store leftovers for up to 4 days or freeze for 2 months.
Details:
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 5–6 hours (Low) / 3–4 hours (High)
Total Time: 6 hours
Yield: 4–6 servings