Garlic Parmesan Crockpot Chicken and Potatoes
So you’re craving something tasty but too lazy to spend forever in the kitchen, huh? Same. Enter the Garlic Parmesan Crockpot Chicken and Potatoes. This dish is the culinary equivalent of a hug on a plate. It’s warm, comforting, and incredibly easy to whip up. Plus, you can just set it and forget it—perfect for those of us who enjoy lounging on the couch instead of slaving over a hot stove.
Why This Recipe is Awesome
Let’s get real for a sec. This recipe is like a kitchen cheat code. It’s idiot-proof, even I didn’t mess it up, and trust me, I’ve turned several dinners into questionable science experiments. The beauty of making this dish in a crockpot is you can throw everything in and binge-watch your favorite show while it cooks. I mean, talk about multitasking. Not only do you get the rich, savory flavors of garlic and parmesan, but you also have all that cozy goodness cooking slowly so the chicken practically falls apart and the potatoes turn into fluffy bites of heaven. It’s the holy grail of weeknight dinners.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You ready to gather the goodies? Here’s what you’ll need to make this masterpiece:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (try not to play hide and seek in the fridge with these)
- 1.5 pounds baby potatoes, halved (mini potatoes mean mini effort)
- 1 cup chicken broth (get the low-sodium kind if you want to be fancy)
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese (because cheese makes everything better)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced (your breath will thank you later)
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning (no passport required)
- 1 teaspoon salt (not too much; we’re not trying to become a salt lick)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper (because a little spice goes a long way)
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, unless you like to live dangerously)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (not the cheap stuff, splurge a little)
- Fresh parsley for garnish (if you want to feel like a cooking show star)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Now that we have everything we need, let’s roll up those sleeves and get cooking! These steps are as easy as pie. Well, maybe easier since pie can be tricky. Just follow these simple directions:
- First things first, wash the baby potatoes under cool water and halve them. No one wants dirty potatoes.
- Mince the garlic cloves until they resemble tiny garlic confetti. Set aside, but not too far away. We will need you soon, garlic.
- Rub the chicken breasts with olive oil, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes until everything is evenly coated. Imagine you are giving the chicken a spa day.
- Layer the halved potatoes in the bottom of the crockpot. Think of it as making a cozy bed for your chicken to rest on.
- Place the seasoned chicken breasts right on top of those potatoes. They’re going to get to know each other really well.
- Pour the chicken broth over everything like you’re giving it a nice shower.
- Sprinkle the minced garlic evenly over the chicken, followed by the grated parmesan cheese. Your kitchen is going to smell amazing.
- Cover the crockpot and set it to cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Go ahead, check your social media during this time.
- Once cooked, gently remove the chicken and potatoes from the crockpot and serve. Make sure to spoon some of that delicious sauce over the top. Garnish with fresh parsley if you’re feeling fancy.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Let’s avoid any major culinary faux pas, shall we? Here are some common mistakes that could turn your dinner plans into a reality TV cooking disaster:
- Ignoring the garlic: Just don’t. That fragrant goodness is key to this dish. Don’t skip it unless you want a sad, bland chicken.
- Adding too much salt: We are cooking chicken, not creating a salt lick. Season carefully, my friends.
- Using frozen chicken: While I know the convenience is tempting, frozen chunks of chicken tend to turn into a soggy mess. Go for fresh or thawed, please.
- Not letting it rest: Patience is a virtue. Letting the chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking allows those juices to redistribute.
- Overcrowding the crockpot: If it looks like the ingredients are about to throw a party, just know it’s too crowded. You’ll want everything to have its space to breathe and cook right.
Alternatives & Substitutions
Maybe you’re not feeling chicken today, or perhaps you have a potato allergy (seriously, those exist). No worries, I got you covered with some alternatives:
- Meat Swaps: Feel free to swap out chicken with pork chops or even turkey. Just adjust the cooking time as needed.
- Potato Alternative: If you want to ditch the spuds, you could use sweet potatoes or even carrots for a colorful twist.
- Cheese Fun: Don’t have parmesan? Grated mozzarella or cheddar also works. Just keep in mind, you will not get that same sharp, nutty flavor.
- Herb It Up: If Italian spices aren’t your jam, try using taco seasoning or even lemon pepper for a whole new vibe.
Your kitchen, your rules. Get creative!
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
Wondering about something? I’ve got the FAQs right here, ready to satisfy your curiosity.
Can I use margarine instead of butter? Well, technically yes, but why hurt your soul like that? Butter brings love to the table.
What if my potatoes aren’t getting tender? Oh no, that’s a bummer. You might have overfill the crockpot. Next time, try a smaller batch.
Can this be frozen? Totally, but I’d suggest freezing after cooking. Just make sure it’s in an airtight container.
Can I add veggies? Yes! Toss in some carrots or bell peppers for extra color and nutrition.
Is it okay to use skin-on chicken? Sure, but just be aware that the skin can get a bit worn out in the crockpot.
Can I use homemade broth? Absolutely! If you’ve got the time to make it, go for it. Homemade is always best.
How do I know when it’s done? The chicken should be tender and reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit. A meat thermometer is your best friend.
Final Thoughts
Now go impress someone—or yourself—with your new culinary skills. You’ve earned it. This Garlic Parmesan Crockpot Chicken and Potatoes is the perfect dish for celebrating the weekend or simply enjoying a cozy night in. So kick back, relax, and bask in all that deliciousness you just created. Cheers to easy dinners and full bellies. Happy cooking!
Print
Garlic Parmesan Crockpot Chicken and Potatoes
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 240 minutes
- Total Time: 255 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Crockpot
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten-Free
Description
A warm and comforting dish of chicken and baby potatoes cooked to perfection in a crockpot, infused with garlic and parmesan flavors.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1.5 pounds baby potatoes, halved
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Wash the baby potatoes and halve them.
- Mince the garlic cloves and set aside.
- Rub the chicken breasts with olive oil, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes until coated.
- Layer the halved potatoes in the bottom of the crockpot.
- Place the seasoned chicken breasts on top of the potatoes.
- Pour the chicken broth over the chicken and potatoes.
- Sprinkle minced garlic and grated parmesan cheese over everything.
- Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
- Once cooked, gently remove and serve, spooning sauce over the top. Garnish with fresh parsley.
Notes
This dish is perfect for a cozy night in and lends itself to multitasking while it cooks.