Garlic Parmesan Crockpot Chicken and Potatoes (Easy Dinner Recipe)

Garlic Parmesan Crockpot Chicken and Potatoes is one of those recipes that sneaks into your meal rotation and refuses to leave—in the best way. Between work, kids, laundry piles that grow faster than your to-do list, and the million things on your brain, the last thing you need is dinner stress. This comforting dish hits that sweet spot of being ridiculously simple to throw together and seriously comforting at the end of a long day.

With juicy chicken, tender potatoes, and all that garlicky-Parmesan goodness slow-cooked into a creamy, savory hug—it’s a weeknight win you’ll come back to again and again. Whether you’re feeding picky eaters, looking for something hearty without a ton of effort, or just craving something that feels a little indulgent without making a kitchen mess, Garlic Parmesan Crockpot Chicken and Potatoes delivers every time.

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What is Garlic Parmesan Crockpot Chicken and Potatoes?

At its core, Garlic Parmesan Crockpot Chicken and Potatoes is exactly what it sounds like—a wholesome, all-in-one slow cooker dish where chicken and potatoes are seasoned with garlic, spices, and Parmesan, then simmered until melt-in-your-mouth tender. The crockpot does all the heavy lifting while you go about your day.

By the time you lift the lid, you’ve got fork-tender chicken, golden potatoes soaked in savory broth, and melty Parmesan mingling with garlic in the best way possible. It’s like dinner cooked itself (and didn’t leave a pile of dishes behind). This isn’t one of those fancy “only-on-Sundays” recipes. Nope. This is your Tuesday-night-dinner-saved recipe, your “oh no, what are we eating tonight?” life raft, and your freezer-friendly bestie for busy weeks.

Reasons to Try Garlic Parmesan Crockpot Chicken and Potatoes

Let’s be honest—we all want that recipe that makes us look like we’ve got our lives together even when we’re scraping peanut butter off the ceiling. Garlic Parmesan Crockpot Chicken and Potatoes is that recipe. First off, the flavor combo is unbeatable: garlicky richness, savory Parmesan, herby notes from Italian seasoning, and just enough spice if you want it. Second, it’s a true one-pot wonder, meaning fewer dishes and more time to finally sit down and binge that show you keep pretending to have seen.

It’s also budget-friendly and uses pantry staples (you’ve probably got 80% of these ingredients already). Best of all? It’s family-approved. Even the “I don’t like things touching on my plate” crowd tends to clean this one up without complaints. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just meal prepping for the week, it checks every box.

Ingredients Needed to Make Garlic Parmesan Crockpot Chicken and Potatoes

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 4 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
• 1 cup chicken broth
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons minced garlic
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions to Make Garlic Parmesan Crockpot Chicken and Potatoes

Let’s walk through how to make Garlic Parmesan Crockpot Chicken and Potatoes step by step, so even if this is your first slow cooker dinner, you’ll feel confident and ready. This isn’t just a recipe—it’s your weeknight dinner solution, and it comes together with minimal prep, no fancy tools, and a whole lot of flavor.

If you’re new to using a crockpot or need extra help prepping ingredients ahead of time, you might also like our Slow Cooker Preparation Tips that keep things mess-free and organized. Now let’s dive in, step by step!

Step 1: Grease the Crockpot

Start by prepping your slow cooker to avoid a sticky mess later. Drizzle about a tablespoon of olive oil inside the crockpot or use a light spritz of non-stick cooking spray. This little move helps keep cleanup easy and prevents the potatoes from sticking to the bottom as they cook. It’s one of those tiny steps that makes a big difference later—trust me, you’ll thank yourself when it’s time to wash up.

Step 2: Season the Chicken (the Flavor Foundation)

In a small mixing bowl, stir together the garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). This mix packs big flavor and becomes the backbone of your dish. Generously rub the seasoning blend over each chicken breast, making sure every piece gets evenly coated.

If you’re wondering about substitutions (like using chicken thighs or going low-sodium), check out our Ingredient Substitutions Guide for easy swaps that keep the flavor and fit your needs.

Step 3: Layer Potatoes at the Bottom

Peel and dice your potatoes into even chunks—think bite-sized but not too small. Place them directly into the bottom of the greased crockpot. This layering is key because the potatoes will soak up the juices from both the chicken and the broth, making them super flavorful and tender. Don’t skimp on this step by step process—it’s how you get that delicious, creamy texture without any cream.

Tip: Use Yukon gold or red potatoes for a creamier texture. Want to mix it up? Sweet potatoes work too—similar to what we use in our Maple Dijon Chicken and Sweet Potato Bowls.

Step 4: Add Chicken on Top

Place your seasoned chicken breasts right on top of the potatoes. This setup allows the chicken juices to drip down during cooking, infusing the potatoes with extra flavor. It’s like nature’s version of basting. This also helps the chicken cook evenly and stay juicy.

Step 5: Pour in Chicken Broth

Gently pour the chicken broth over the top, making sure it gets around the edges and down to the bottom of the crockpot. You don’t want to drown the ingredients—just enough liquid to keep things moist and create that magical garlic-Parmesan sauce as it simmers. This is your set-it-and-forget-it sauce base.

If you’re feeling adventurous, you can use bone broth for extra richness or veggie broth for a lighter touch. More on broth alternatives in our Easy Broth Swap Recipes.

Step 6: Cook Low and Slow

Cover the crockpot with the lid and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or high for 3 to 4 hours, depending on your schedule. Low and slow yields super tender, fall-apart chicken and perfectly cooked potatoes, but high works great if you’re short on time.

Pro tip: Avoid lifting the lid during cooking! Every peek adds about 20 extra minutes to the total cook time. Let the crockpot do its thing—this is the beauty of slow cooking.

Step 7: Add Parmesan Cheese (The Best Part)

About 30 minutes before serving, sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese directly over the chicken and potatoes. Cover again and let it melt and meld into the dish. This is where the garlic and broth meet the nutty richness of Parmesan, creating that creamy, savory finish we all crave.

Tip: For even more flavor, you can add a handful of mozzarella or fontina with the Parmesan—like we do in our Cheesy Vegetable Casserole for a gooey touch.

Step 8: Shred the Chicken

Once everything is cooked and smelling like pure comfort food, use two forks to shred the chicken directly in the crockpot. Stir gently to mix the shredded chicken, tender potatoes, cheesy goodness, and all that garlicky broth together. It’s one big warm hug in a bowl.

If you prefer chunks over shredded, you can skip this step and serve the chicken breasts whole. Totally your call—there’s no wrong way here.

Step 9: Garnish and Serve Hot

Right before serving, sprinkle some freshly chopped parsley on top if you’ve got it—it adds a pop of color and a little brightness to balance the richness. Dish it up hot into bowls and let the comfort wash over you.

And if you’re thinking ahead to lunch tomorrow (or want to stretch your effort), make an extra batch and pair leftovers with something easy like our Easy Baked Spaghetti or Healthy Ground Turkey Teriyaki Rice Bowl.

What to Serve with Garlic Parmesan Crockpot Chicken and Potatoes

This dish really holds its own as a complete meal, but if you want to dress it up a bit, a few simple sides do the trick. A fresh green salad with a zippy vinaigrette helps cut through the richness. Something like a lemony chicken orzo soup works well if you’re feeding a crowd or need another cozy option on the table. For veggies, try steamed green beans or roasted broccoli—they’re easy and pair perfectly. Garlic bread? Not necessary, but let’s be real: always welcome. If you’re having a lazy weekend brunch or planning leftovers, it also goes great with a slice of our loaded tater tot breakfast casserole on the side.

Key Tips for Making Garlic Parmesan Crockpot Chicken and Potatoes

1. Don’t skip seasoning the chicken first—you want that flavor to soak in while it cooks.
2. Cut potatoes evenly so they cook through at the same pace (no one wants half mush, half raw).
3. Low and slow makes it better—if you’ve got time, use the low setting for super tender chicken.
4. Add cheese at the end—Parmesan that cooks too long can get gritty instead of melty.
5. Love heat? Toss in extra red pepper flakes. Feeding kiddos? Maybe ease up on it.
6. Prep in the morning—This is a dream for busy days. Just layer, set it, and forget it.
7. Shred the chicken before serving—It mixes better with the potatoes and sauce, making every bite flavorful.

Storage and Reheating Tips for Garlic Parmesan Crockpot Chicken and Potatoes

Got leftovers? You’re in luck—this reheats beautifully and might even taste better the next day. Let everything cool, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. For longer storage, portion it into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. When reheating, add a splash of broth or water before microwaving to keep things moist. If using the stovetop, reheat over low heat with the lid on, stirring occasionally. Avoid reheating it on high or too fast—it can dry out the chicken. Oh, and if you’ve frozen it, let it thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. Trust me, future you will thank past you for this meal prep move.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely. Thighs stay super juicy and work great here—just trim the extra fat.

Can I add veggies?
Sure! Carrots, green beans, or even mushrooms work well. Just keep the cut size similar to the potatoes.

Can I make it dairy-free?
Skip the Parmesan or use a dairy-free alternative. It’ll still be flavorful thanks to the garlic and broth.

What if I don’t have Italian seasoning?
You can sub in a mix of dried oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary—whatever you’ve got!

Can I prep this the night before?
Definitely. Layer everything in the crock, cover, and refrigerate overnight. Just start it in the morning and you’re golden.

Final Thoughts

Garlic Parmesan Crockpot Chicken and Potatoes is the kind of comfort food that feels like a warm hug after a long day. It’s easy, satisfying, budget-friendly, and flexible enough to suit your taste buds or picky eaters. The best part? Your slow cooker does all the work while you go on living your life. If you loved this one-pot wonder, don’t miss our Parmesan Crusted Chicken Sheet Pan Dinner or Easy Chicken Parmesan Casserole for more cheesy, chicken-filled dinners that practically cook themselves. Happy slow cooking!

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