Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes Recipe – Easy, Creamy & Comforting.

When life gets busy, there’s nothing quite like coming home to a slow cooker meal that smells incredible and tastes even better. This Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes recipe is exactly that kind of dish — tender chicken, buttery potatoes, and a creamy, garlicky Parmesan sauce that brings everything together.

The first time I made this, it was on a weekday when I didn’t want to fuss with multiple pans. I tossed everything into the crockpot, crossed my fingers, and hoped it would turn out. Hours later, I lifted the lid to find perfectly cooked chicken nestled among golden potatoes in a rich, savory sauce that felt like it came from a cozy neighborhood bistro. Since then, it’s become one of my most-requested dinners — and for good reason.

This dish is simple enough for a weeknight but special enough to serve to guests. It’s hearty, flavorful, and doesn’t require standing over the stove — your slow cooker does the work.

Ingredients

For the Chicken and Potatoes

2 lbs (900 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
1½ lbs (680 g) baby potatoes, halved (Yukon gold or red work best)
1 tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
1 tsp paprika
1 tbsp olive oil (for searing, optional)

For the Garlic Parmesan Sauce

4 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup chicken broth (low sodium)
1 cup heavy cream
½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for a gentle kick)
2 tbsp unsalted butter

For Finishing

Extra Parmesan, for serving
Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

Step 1: Prep and Season the Chicken

Pat the chicken dry with paper towels and season both sides with salt, pepper, and paprika. This helps lock in flavor and gives the chicken a nice color as it cooks.

Step 2: Optional Sear for Extra Flavor

If you have a few extra minutes, heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and sear the chicken for 2–3 minutes on each side until lightly golden. This step is optional, but it builds a deeper flavor in the finished dish.

Step 3: Layer Ingredients in the Crockpot

Place the halved baby potatoes in the bottom of your slow cooker. Arrange the chicken on top. Add the minced garlic, butter, chicken broth, heavy cream, Parmesan, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Give everything a gentle stir around the chicken to help distribute the seasonings and cheese evenly.

Step 4: Slow Cook to Perfection

Cover and cook on Low for 5–6 hours or High for 2½–3 hours, until the chicken is tender and the potatoes are cooked through. Try not to lift the lid too often — steady heat is key to creamy sauce and evenly cooked potatoes.

Step 5: Stir and Serve

When cooking is complete, give the sauce a quick stir to incorporate any melted butter and cheese that may have settled. If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can remove the chicken, cover the crockpot, and cook the sauce and potatoes on High for 10–15 minutes to reduce slightly.

Return the chicken to the sauce, spoon some over the top, and finish with extra Parmesan and a sprinkle of parsley.

Flavor & Texture Notes

This Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes is pure comfort in a bowl. The sauce is creamy without feeling heavy, thanks to the balance of garlic, herbs, and Parmesan. The potatoes soak up all the flavors, becoming buttery and tender, while the chicken stays juicy and flavorful from hours of slow cooking.

The garlic gives the sauce its depth, the Parmesan brings a nutty, salty richness, and the cream ties everything together into a silky coating that clings beautifully to both chicken and potatoes.

Tips & Variations

Chicken Options: Boneless, skinless thighs stay juicy and forgiving in the slow cooker, but chicken breasts work well if you prefer leaner meat.
Potato Choices: Baby gold or red potatoes hold their shape nicely. If using larger potatoes, cut them into evenly sized chunks so they cook evenly.
Sauce Thickness: For a thicker sauce, you can stir in a slurry of 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water during the last 15 minutes of cooking.
Add Greens: Stir in a handful of baby spinach or chopped kale during the last 10 minutes for a fresh, vibrant twist.
Cheese Variations: A little Pecorino Romano adds a sharper bite, or try mixing Parmesan with Asiago for extra depth.
Garlic Lovers: If you really love garlic, roast a head of garlic in advance and mash it into the sauce for a mellow, sweet garlicky flavor.

Storage & Make-Ahead

This recipe is just as good the next day, making it perfect for meal prep or leftovers.

Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or cream if needed to loosen the sauce.
Freezer: For best results, freeze only the chicken and sauce (without potatoes), as potatoes can change texture when frozen. Store up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
Make-Ahead: Assemble all the ingredients (except cream and cheese) in the slow cooker insert the night before, cover, and refrigerate. In the morning, add cream and cheese, then start cooking.

Serving Suggestions

With a Side Salad: A crisp green salad with a simple vinaigrette balances the richness of the dish.
Bread on the Side: A slice of crusty bread or garlic bread is perfect for soaking up the sauce.
Over Rice or Pasta: Spoon the chicken, potatoes, and sauce over rice or pasta for an extra-hearty meal.
With Roasted Vegetables: Roasted broccoli, green beans, or asparagus pair beautifully with the creamy sauce.

FAQ

Can I use frozen chicken?

It’s best to thaw chicken completely before slow cooking. Cooking from frozen can affect both texture and food safety.

Will the cream curdle in the slow cooker?

Using heavy cream helps prevent curdling. Keep the heat on Low when possible, and avoid adding milk or light cream, which are more likely to separate.

How can I make this dairy-free?

You can substitute coconut cream for the heavy cream and nutritional yeast for the Parmesan. The flavor will change slightly but still be rich and satisfying.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, just make sure your crockpot is large enough. You may need to extend the cooking time slightly to ensure everything cooks through evenly.

Can I make this ahead and reheat?

Absolutely. The flavors deepen as it sits. Reheat gently to avoid overcooking the chicken and thinning out the sauce too much.