Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes Recipe

If you’re craving a cozy, comforting dinner that practically cooks itself, Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes is about to become your new weeknight hero. This dish is all about juicy chicken thighs, tender baby potatoes, and a rich, garlicky Parmesan flavor that fills your kitchen with mouthwatering aromas—all with minimal effort. Let your slow cooker take the reins while you sit back and look forward to a savory meal that’s equal parts rustic and elegant. Whether you’re making it for your family or just need a hands-off dinner after a busy day, Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes delivers every single time.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes lies in just a handful of pantry staples working together beautifully. Each ingredient brings its own touch—be it flavor, texture, or a gorgeous pop of color—resulting in a meal that tastes like you fussed for hours, even though you didn’t!

• Chicken Thighs (4 bone-in, skin-on): Bone-in, skin-on thighs give the best flavor and keep the meat incredibly juicy throughout the slow cook.
• Garlic Salt (1 teaspoon): Brings a savory depth and seasons each bite perfectly.
• Paprika (1 teaspoon): Adds gentle warmth and a touch of smoked color to the dish.
• Black Pepper (1 teaspoon): Balances the richness with a subtle kick.
• Fresh Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Delivers bold, aromatic garlic flavor you’ll taste in every forkful.
• Olive Oil (3 tablespoons): Helps crisp the chicken skin and keeps the potatoes silky and moist.
• Baby Potatoes (1 pound, halved or quartered): These little gems soak up all the flavor and cook to buttery perfection in the slow cooker.
• Shredded Parmesan Cheese (1 cup): Melts over everything, creating a savory, cheesy blanket that takes the dish over the top.
• Fresh Parsley (for garnish): Adds a lovely hit of color and freshness to finish the meal.

How to Make Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes

Step 1: Mix the Seasonings

Start by whisking together your garlic salt, paprika, and black pepper in a small bowl. This simple trio makes the chicken and potatoes pop with flavor. Taking a minute to blend the seasonings ensures every bite is consistent and delicious.

Step 2: Season the Chicken

Pat those chicken thighs dry, then sprinkle half of your seasoning mix all over them. This pre-seasoning step makes a huge difference, so don’t be shy—rub it in! The flavors will infuse right through the crispy skin.

Step 3: Sear the Chicken

Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a skillet over medium-high. Place the chicken thighs skin side down and sear for about 2 minutes until the skin gets gorgeously golden. This step is optional, but gives your chicken extra color and a tasty crust that’s totally worth the little bit of extra effort.

Step 4: Prepare the Potatoes

While the chicken is searing, halve or quarter your baby potatoes so they cook evenly. Mix your minced garlic and the rest of the seasoning blend into the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil, then toss the potatoes with this garlicky, fragrant mixture. The seasoning will coat every nook and cranny, ensuring maximum flavor.

Step 5: Layer Everything in the Slow Cooker

Spread the seasoned potatoes across the bottom of your slow cooker so they get perfectly tender without sticking. Arrange your seared chicken thighs on top, skin side up—this helps the skin stay crisp and keeps the meat juicy as everything cooks together.

Step 6: Cook to Perfection

Pop the lid on your slow cooker and let it do its thing! Cook on LOW for 6-7 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours, depending on your schedule. The chicken turns fall-off-the-bone tender, and the potatoes become super creamy and flavorful from all those savory juices.

Step 7: Add the Parmesan and Finish

Right before serving, sprinkle the shredded Parmesan cheese over everything. The heat of the dish melts the cheese beautifully, creating a luscious, cheesy crust. Add a shower of fresh parsley for a bright pop of color and extra freshness, then dig in!

How to Serve Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes

Garnishes

A generous sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley right before serving brings brightness and a touch of elegance to your Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes. If you’re feeling fancy, a squeeze of lemon zest or a dusting of extra Parmesan never hurts!

Side Dishes

This dish is truly a meal in itself, but it pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad or lightly sautéed green beans for extra veggie goodness. If you’re serving a crowd, warm dinner rolls or steamed broccoli balance out the creamy, savory flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

For a rustic, cozy vibe, serve directly from the slow cooker at the table so everyone can help themselves. Or, plate individual servings with potatoes on the bottom, chicken on top, and all those delicious juices spooned over. For a party, try shredding the chicken and tucking it with potatoes inside toasted sub rolls for a fun, melty sandwich spin!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes keep well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. The flavors deepen, making leftovers arguably even tastier the next day.

Freezing

If you want to save some for another time, you can freeze this dish! Simply transfer cooled portions to freezer-safe bags or containers. Freeze for up to three months—just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for the best texture.

Reheating

To reheat, transfer chicken and potatoes to a baking dish, cover with foil, and gently warm in a 325°F oven until heated through. For a quick meal, the microwave works well, too—just microwave in a covered dish in 1-minute bursts, so the chicken stays juicy and the potatoes don’t dry out.

FAQs

Can I use boneless chicken?

Absolutely! Boneless chicken thighs or breasts both work, but they cook faster and can be a little drier than bone-in. If using boneless, check for doneness at 3-4 hours on LOW and make sure the internal temperature hits 165°F.

Should I peel the potatoes?

No need! Leaving the skin on baby potatoes adds texture, color, and nutrients, plus it holds the potato together nicely during the slow cook. Just give them a good scrub before halving or quartering.

Is it necessary to sear the chicken before slow cooking?

It’s not strictly necessary, but searing adds lots of flavor and gives the skin a nice golden crust. If you’re short on time, you can skip this step, but your Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes will be extra delectable if you include it!

Can I add vegetables besides potatoes?

Definitely! Carrots, parsnips, or chunks of sweet potato would all be delicious tossed in with the baby potatoes. Just make sure to cut everything into similar-sized pieces for even cooking.

How do I know when the chicken is done?

The chicken is ready when it’s tender, juices run clear, and an instant-read thermometer inserted near the bone reads 165°F. The potatoes should be fork-tender. Every slow cooker is a little different, so check on the dish close to the minimum cook time.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a cozy, crowd-pleasing dinner you can count on, give Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes a try! It brings together incredible flavors, easy prep, and the comfort of a home-cooked meal. The best part? All you need is a slow cooker and a handful of simple ingredients. I can’t wait for you to dig into this deliciously satisfying dish!

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