You know those nights, right? The ones where work ran late, the kids have soccer practice, and the thought of making a decent dinner feels like climbing Mount Everest in flip-flops. I totally get it. For years, my kitchen felt more like a forgotten storage space than a place for deliciousness. But then I discovered the magic of “dump-and-go” slow cooker meals, and honestly, it changed everything. This crockpot garlic parmesan chicken and potatoes recipe is a game-changer – seriously, minimal prep for maximum flavor. It’s proof that you don’t need hours or a culinary degree to make something truly satisfying. Check us out on Facebook for more simple joys!
- Why You'll Love This Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes
- Ingredients for Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes
- How to Make Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes
- Tips for the Perfect Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes
- Ingredient Notes and Substitutions for this Creamy Chicken Recipe
- Serving Suggestions for this Minimal Prep Dinner
- Make-Ahead and Storage for your Dump and Go Recipe
- Frequently Asked Questions about Crockpot Chicken and Potatoes
- Nutritional Information
- Share Your Crockpot Creations!
Why You’ll Love This Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes
Seriously, this recipe is a weeknight lifesaver! You’ll love how:
- It’s a true dump and go recipe – just toss everything in and let the slow cooker do the work.
- It’s the ultimate set it and forget it meal, giving you back precious time.
- The flavor is incredible! All those yummy garlic and parmesan notes make it one of my favorite easy family meals.
Ingredients for Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes
You’ll need just a few things for this super simple dinner:
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1.5 pounds baby potatoes, halved
- 1 packet (1 ounce) dry Italian salad dressing mix
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (optional, but pretty!)
How to Make Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes
Follow these super easy steps to get a delicious meal on the table with hardly any effort at all! It’s a fantastic example of how simple meal planning can be for busy families.
Prep Your Slow Cooker
First things first, grab your slow cooker. Just lay the chicken thighs right down in there, nice and even across the bottom. Then, toss those halved baby potatoes right on top of the chicken. It’s like building a delicious flavor foundation!
Adding the Flavor Boosters
Now, for the flavor magic! In a little bowl, mix together the dry Italian dressing mix, your garlic powder, and a dash of black pepper. Give it a good stir. Then, sprinkle this amazing mixture all over the chicken and potatoes. Make sure it gets everywhere – that’s where all the yummy taste comes from!
The Creamy Finish
Pour that luscious heavy cream over everything in the slow cooker. It’s going to create this wonderfully creamy sauce as it cooks. Cover it up tight. We’ll sprinkle in the Parmesan cheese later, during the last 15 minutes, so it gets perfectly melty and doesn’t burn.
Cooking and Serving Your Crockpot Dinners
Now for the best part: almost no work! Pop the lid on and cook on LOW for about 6 to 8 hours, or if you’re in a pinch, you can use the HIGH setting for 3 to 4 hours. You’ll know it’s done when the chicken is cooked through and those potatoes are fork-tender. Stir in the Parmesan cheese during those last 15 minutes. Once it’s ready, garnish with some fresh parsley if you’re feeling fancy. This is truly one of those amazing crockpot dinners that practically makes itself!
Tips for the Perfect Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes
When you’re going for that perfect cozy meal, a few little tricks can make all the difference! Trust me, I’ve learned a few things along the way. For this garlic parmesan chicken, make sure those potatoes are cut into similar-sized pieces so they all cook evenly. If you’re using chicken breasts instead of thighs (though thighs are my fave for slow cooking!), keep an eye on them as they can dry out faster. And don’t skip stirring in that Parmesan cheese at the end – it makes the sauce wonderfully creamy and rich, just like in my favorite garlic butter chicken!
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions for this Creamy Chicken Recipe
Okay, let’s talk ingredients! This creamy chicken recipe is super forgiving, but knowing a few little things can make it even better. For the chicken, I always, always grab thighs. They just stay so juicy and tender in the slow cooker, even for hours. But hey, if chicken breasts are what you’ve got, they’ll work too! Just be sure to check them a bit sooner so they don’t get tough and dry. You might shave off an hour or so from the cooking time.
And that heavy cream? It’s the secret to that luscious sauce. If you’re looking for a lighter option, you could try half-and-half, but honestly, the heavy cream makes it truly decadent. For a dairy-free version, a good quality full-fat coconut milk (the kind in a can, not the carton!) can work, but it will change the flavor profile a bit. You can find more creamy chicken inspiration over here!
Serving Suggestions for this Minimal Prep Dinner
This minimal prep dinner is fantastic all on its own, with the chicken, potatoes, and creamy sauce all in one pot! But if you feel like adding a little something extra, it’s wonderful served alongside a simple side salad to add some freshness. Steamed green beans or asparagus are also great options. And of course, you can never go wrong with some crusty bread to sop up all that delicious sauce! For a veggie boost that’s just as easy, try some parmesan roasted broccoli.
Make-Ahead and Storage for your Dump and Go Recipe
This recipe is such a lifesaver for meal prep! You can totally prep everything ahead of time. Just toss the chicken, potatoes, and dry seasonings into the slow cooker insert. Cover it and pop it right into the fridge until you’re ready to cook. Then, just add the heavy cream and turn it on before you head out for the day. How easy is that for a dump and go recipe?
Got leftovers? Lucky you! Store any remaining chicken and potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. You might want to add a splash of broth or water if it seems a little thick after chilling. It’s still delicious the next day!
Frequently Asked Questions about Crockpot Chicken and Potatoes
Got some questions swirling around about this amazing slow cooker chicken dish? I’ve got you covered! It’s one of those recipes that’s simple but people always want to know a little more. Let’s dive into some common queries about this garlic parmesan chicken wonder.
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, you absolutely can! Just be mindful that chicken breasts cook a bit faster and can dry out more easily. I’d recommend checking them after about 2.5 to 3 hours on high, or 5-6 hours on low, to make sure they stay tender.
How do I thicken the sauce if it’s too thin?
No worries if your sauce seems a little too liquidy! The easiest trick is to mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with a tablespoon of water to make a slurry, then stir it into the slow cooker during the last 30 minutes of cooking. It’ll thicken right up!
What are other potato options for this recipe?
Baby potatoes are my go-to because they cook up so nicely, but feel free to use other potatoes! Yukon Golds or red potatoes work great. Just cut them into roughly 1-inch chunks so they cook evenly with the chicken.
Nutritional Information
Alright, let’s talk about what’s in this delicious dish! As a rough estimate, one serving (that’s about 1/4 of the recipe) has around 550 calories. You’re looking at about 30g of fat, 35g of protein, and 35g of carbohydrates. Remember, these numbers can totally change depending on the brands you use and the exact size of your chicken pieces!
Share Your Crockpot Creations!
I’d absolutely love to hear what you think of this crockpot garlic parmesan chicken and potatoes! Did you try it? Did your family devour it? Leave me a comment below with your thoughts, and don’t forget to give it a star rating if you loved it! Sharing your kitchen wins makes my day. You can also find more tasty ideas over on my blog!
PrintCrockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes
This dump-and-go slow cooker recipe makes creamy garlic parmesan chicken and potatoes with minimal effort, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Prep Time: 10 min
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Total Time: 4 hours 10 min
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1.5 pounds baby potatoes, halved
- 1 packet (1 ounce) dry Italian salad dressing mix
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Place chicken thighs in the bottom of your slow cooker.
- Scatter the halved baby potatoes over the chicken.
- In a small bowl, combine the Italian dressing mix, garlic powder, and black pepper. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the chicken and potatoes.
- Pour the heavy cream over everything in the slow cooker.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and the potatoes are tender.
- Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese during the last 15 minutes of cooking.
- Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired, before serving.
Notes
- This recipe is a great example of simple meal planning for busy families.
- For a complete meal, serve this dish as is.
- You can substitute chicken breasts for thighs, but adjust cooking time as needed to prevent drying out.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 150mg



