Slow Cooker Parmesan Garlic Chicken and Potatoes

Slow cookers are a fantastic way to save time and effort in the kitchen. They’re perfect for busy families or anyone who wants home-cooked meals without the hassle. The best part? Slow cooker meals are often incredibly easy to prepare.

Simply toss your ingredients into the pot in the morning, and come home to a delicious, perfectly cooked meal. Slow cookers work their magic by cooking food at a low temperature for an extended period. This tenderizes meats, melds flavors beautifully, and allows you to turn budget-friendly cuts into mouthwatering dishes.

Slow cookers make it possible to enjoy hearty stews, fall-apart roasts, and even creamy desserts without spending hours at the stove. They’re a kitchen workhorse that delivers delicious and convenient results. If you’re looking for a way to simplify mealtimes, a slow cooker may be just the solution you need.

Why Choose Parmesan Garlic Chicken and Potatoes?

This classic combination of flavors is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. It’s the perfect comfort food the whole family will love. The garlicky, cheesy sauce infuses both the chicken and the potatoes with incredible flavor. Plus, it’s remarkably easy to make!

This recipe is also incredibly versatile. You can adjust the seasonings to your liking, adding a touch of spice or extra herbs. It’s a fantastic base recipe you can customize to suit your tastes.

Best of all, the slow cooker does most of the work for you. This means you get a delicious, home-cooked meal with minimal effort. Parmesan Garlic Chicken and Potatoes is a satisfying and convenient choice for busy weeknights or whenever you crave a comforting meal.

Brief Overview of the Recipe

This recipe starts with simple ingredients: chicken breasts or thighs, potatoes, garlic, Parmesan cheese, and a creamy sauce. You’ll season the chicken with a blend of herbs and spices for extra flavor. The potatoes get tossed with olive oil and seasonings for a delicious side dish.

Everything cooks together in your slow cooker for several hours. The low and slow cooking ensures the chicken stays juicy and the potatoes become perfectly tender.

Right before serving, you’ll top the dish with melty Parmesan cheese for that irresistible, cheesy finish. The result is a hearty, flavorful meal that’s incredibly easy to prepare. It’s a hands-off recipe that’s ideal for busy days.

Detailed Ingredients for Chicken and Potatoes

For the Chicken:

• 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs: Choose your preference. Thighs stay extra juicy, but both options work well.
• 1 tablespoon olive oil: A neutral-flavored oil for coating the chicken.
• 1 teaspoon paprika: Adds warm, smoky flavor.
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Enhances the savory notes.
• 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A blend of classic herbs like oregano and basil adds depth.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances the flavors.
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: A touch of mild spice.

For the Potatoes:

• 1.5 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes: This type holds its shape well during cooking. You could also use Russets.
• 2 tablespoons olive oil: Helps the potatoes crisp slightly and absorb seasoning.
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Additional Ingredients:

• 1 cup creamy Parmesan garlic sauce: You can use store-bought (like Buffalo Wild Wings) or make your own.
• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese For a final cheesy topping.
• 2 tablespoons minced fresh garlic Provides a burst of fresh garlic flavor.

Optional for Garnishing:

• Freshly chopped parsley Adds color and a touch of freshness.

Preparation Before Cooking

Prepping Chicken and Potatoes

Before you start cooking, you’ll need to do just a bit of prep work:

Chicken:

• Trim and cut: Remove excess fat and cut chicken into even-sized pieces for consistent cooking. Bite-sized pieces work well.
• Season: Toss chicken with olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper, ensuring good coverage

Potatoes:

• Wash and cut: Scrub potatoes, then cut into cubes about 1-inch in size.
• Season: Toss potatoes with olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper, coating them evenly.

Tip: If you’re short on time, you can use baby potatoes and leave them whole or just cut them in half. This saves you the step of chopping larger potatoes.

Tips on Choosing the Right Slow Cooker

Choosing the right slow cooker is important for getting the best results from your recipes. Here are a few things to consider:

• Size: Slow cookers come in various sizes. For most families, a 5 to 6-quart size is ideal. If you’re usually cooking for a smaller household, you might opt for a smaller size.
• Shape: Oval slow cookers are more versatile than round ones. They can fit larger cuts of meat or even a whole chicken.
• Features: Some slow cookers have features like timers, automatic “keep warm” settings, or even temperature probes. Decide which features are important to you.

Remember: A slow cooker is an investment, so choose one that feels sturdy and is from a reputable brand.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Initial Setup

Getting your slow cooker ready for this recipe is simple. Here’s what to do:

1. Grease the slow cooker: Spray the inside of the slow cooker with nonstick cooking spray or lightly grease it. This prevents food from sticking.
2. Layer the potatoes: Add the seasoned potatoes to the bottom of the slow cooker, spreading them in an even layer.
3. Add the chicken: Place the seasoned chicken pieces on top of the potatoes.
4. Pour the sauce: Evenly distribute the creamy Parmesan garlic sauce over the chicken and potatoes.
5. Add the garlic: Sprinkle the minced garlic on top.

That’s it! Your slow cooker is now ready to do its magic.

Cooking Process

Now it’s time for the easy part – letting the slow cooker work its magic!

1. Cover and Choose Your Setting: Put the lid on the slow cooker. You have two options for cooking:

   • Low Setting: Cook on low for 6-8 hours for the most tender chicken and potatoes.
   • High Setting: Cook on high for 3-4 hours for slightly less tender, but still delicious results.

2. Resist the Urge to Peek! It’s tempting, but try not to open the lid during cooking. Every time you remove the lid, heat escapes, lengthening the cooking time.

3. How to Tell When It’s Done: The chicken is cooked through when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer to check. The potatoes should be fork-tender.

4. Optional: Thicken the Sauce: For a thicker sauce, remove about 1/2 cup of liquid from the slow cooker. In a small bowl, whisk in 1 tablespoon cornstarch. Add the mixture back to the slow cooker and stir to combine. Cook on high for 10-15 minutes more, or until sauce thickens slightly.

Important Note: Cooking times can vary between slow cooker models. If this is your first time using this recipe, start checking the chicken and potatoes at the earlier end of the suggested cooking times.

Final Touches and Presentation

Right before serving, you’ll add a few finishing touches to take this dish to the next level:

1. The Cheesy Finish: Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese evenly over the cooked chicken and potatoes. Put the lid back on for a few minutes to let the cheese melt.

2. Optional Garnish: Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness.

3. Dish it Up: Use a slotted spoon to scoop portions of chicken and potatoes onto individual plates. Make sure to include plenty of the creamy sauce.

Presentation Tips:

• Place the slow cooker on the table for family-style serving!
• Offer a basket of crusty bread on the side for soaking up the delicious sauce.
• This meal looks as good as it tastes, so don’t be afraid to get creative with your plating

Serving Suggestions

Parmesan Garlic Chicken and Potatoes is a hearty and satisfying meal on its own, but here are some side dishes that pair perfectly:

• Fresh Salad: A simple green salad provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the dish.
• Steamed Vegetables: Broccoli, asparagus, or green beans add color and healthy nutrients to your plate.
• Crusty Bread: Perfect for sopping up every last bit of the delicious sauce.
• Fruit Salad: A light and sweet finish to your meal.

Nutritional Information

The nutritional information for this recipe will vary depending on the exact ingredients and serving size. However, here’s a general estimate per serving:

• Calories: 450-550
• Total Fat: 20-25g
• Carbohydrates: 35-45g
• Protein: 30-40g

Please note: This is just an approximation. For the most accurate nutritional information, use a recipe calculator and enter the specific brands and amounts of ingredients you used.

Tips: To reduce calories and fat, use a light version of the Parmesan sauce or make your own. You can also use skinless chicken breasts.

Tips for Perfect Slow Cooker Meals

Choosing the Right Ingredients

• Quality matters: For the best flavor, fresh ingredients are always a good choice. Select good quality meats and vegetables.
• Choose the right cuts: For slow cooker meals, tougher cuts of meat become tender and flavorful. Opt for options like chuck roast, pork shoulder, or chicken thighs.
• Don’t skimp on seasoning: The long cooking process allows flavors to meld. Be generous with your seasoning blends, herbs, and spices.
• Use root vegetables: Vegetables like potatoes, carrots, and onions hold up well in a slow cooker and complement many recipes.

Slow Cooker Maintenance and Care

• Clean after each use: Thorough cleaning prevents flavors from carrying over to your next meal. Most slow cooker inserts are dishwasher-safe.
• Avoid harsh abrasives: Don’t use metal scrubbers or abrasive cleaners on the nonstick surface of the insert.
• Store properly: Make sure the slow cooker is completely dry before storing to prevent any damage.
• Inspect regularly: Check the power cord periodically for any fraying or exposed wires.
• Follow the manual: Your slow cooker’s user manual will have specific care and maintenance instructions.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

Yes, but you’ll need to adjust the cooking time. Frozen chicken will take longer to cook through. Add about 60 minutes to the recommended cooking times. Make sure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) before serving. It’s best not to thaw frozen chicken before adding it to the slow cooker.

What are the best potatoes to use?

You want a potato that holds its shape in the slow cooker. Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes are good choices. Red potatoes can work, but they tend to get a bit mushy. For extra ease, use baby potatoes and simply wash and halve them.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Absolutely! There are several ways to adapt this recipe:

• Cheese: Use a dairy-free Parmesan alternative and nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor, or omit the cheese entirely.
• Creamy Sauce: Substitute the sauce with a store-bought dairy-free alternative, or make your own using cashew cream or coconut milk.

How can I store and reheat leftovers?

Store leftover chicken and potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Here are the best ways to reheat:

• Slow Cooker: Reheat on low until warmed through.
• Oven: Place in an oven-safe dish and bake at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
• Microwave: Reheat in short bursts, stirring occasionally, until hot.

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