Cooking can often feel overwhelming, especially with our busy lives today. However, one dish that can make your dinner prep easier is Garlic Parmesan Crockpot Chicken and Potatoes. This comforting meal combines tender chicken, flavorful baby potatoes, and savory garlic, all cooked together in a crockpot. Not only is it easy to make, but it also results in a delicious meal that the whole family will love. With minimal effort, you can have a hearty dinner ready to serve when you come home from a long day.
Why Make This Recipe
There are several reasons to choose Garlic Parmesan Crockpot Chicken and Potatoes for your meal planning. First, the crockpot provides a fantastic way to cook a complete meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Simply throw everything into the pot and let it do the work for you.
Second, this recipe is versatile. You can adjust the spices and ingredients based on your family’s preferences. Whether you enjoy a bit of heat from red pepper flakes or prefer to keep things mild, this dish can adapt to your taste.
Another great reason to make this recipe is its wholesome ingredients. Chicken is a lean source of protein, and baby potatoes are a good source of vitamins C and B6, as well as potassium. The added garlic not only boosts flavor but also offers various health benefits.
Overall, Garlic Parmesan Crockpot Chicken and Potatoes is a recipe that checks all the boxes: it’s simple, delicious, and nourishing.
How to Make Garlic Parmesan Crockpot Chicken and Potatoes
Making this dish requires just a few simple steps, and soon you will have a mouthwatering meal ready to enjoy.
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 (optional)
Directions:
Wash and Halve the Baby Potatoes: Start by washing the baby potatoes thoroughly. After rinsing them well, cut each potato in half. This step will help the potatoes cook evenly and absorb the flavors better.
Mince the Garlic: Peel and finely mince the garlic cloves. Fresh garlic adds a wonderful aroma and rich taste to the dish.
Season the Chicken: Take the boneless, skinless chicken breasts and rub them with the olive oil. Then, season the chicken with the Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if you’re using them. Make sure the chicken breasts are well-coated with the spices for the best flavor.
Prepare the Crockpot: Place the halved potatoes at the bottom of the crockpot. This way, they will cook right in the juices of the chicken and broth, becoming tender and flavorful.
Add the Chicken: Next, place the seasoned chicken breasts on top of the halved potatoes in the crockpot. This layout allows the chicken juices to drench the potatoes as they cook.
Pour the Chicken Broth: Carefully pour the chicken broth over the chicken and potatoes. The broth will add moisture and flavor, ensuring that the chicken stays juicy.
Add Garlic and Parmesan: Sprinkle the minced garlic and grated parmesan cheese on top of everything in the crockpot. The cheese will melt, forming a delicious crust that enhances the dish.
Cook the Meal: Cover the crockpot with a lid and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The chicken is done when its internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Serve and Garnish: Once everything is cooked, it’s time to serve! You can add a sprinkle of fresh parsley on top for a nice touch.
How to Serve Garlic Parmesan Crockpot Chicken and Potatoes
Serving Garlic Parmesan Crockpot Chicken and Potatoes is simple. You can scoop out portions of the chicken and potatoes right from the crockpot onto your plates. For a complete meal, consider pairing it with a side salad or steamed vegetables. A light vinaigrette can enhance the salad and balance the richness of the chicken and potatoes.
If you have leftovers, they make for a delicious next-day lunch. Simply reheat the chicken and potatoes in the microwave or on the stove for a quick meal.
How to Store Garlic Parmesan Crockpot Chicken and Potatoes
If you find yourself with leftovers, you can store them easily. Allow the chicken and potatoes to cool down to room temperature before storing them.
Refrigeration: Place the leftovers in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator. They should stay fresh for about 3-4 days.
Freezing: If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing the dish. Store the chicken and potatoes in freezer-safe containers or bags, removing as much air as possible. They can last up to three months in the freezer.
When you are ready to eat, simply thaw the frozen meal in the refrigerator overnight and reheat it on the stovetop or microwave until hot.
Tips to Make Garlic Parmesan Crockpot Chicken and Potatoes
Here are some helpful tips for making this dish even better:
Choose the Right Potatoes: Baby potatoes work well in this recipe because they stay firm during cooking. You can also use Yukon Gold or red potatoes if you can’t find baby potatoes.
Don’t Skip the Garlic: Fresh garlic adds a depth of flavor that enhances the dish. If you love garlic, feel free to add more than four cloves!
Adjust the Seasoning: Feel free to modify the amount of Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to suit your taste. You know your palate best!
Use Bone-In Chicken: For extra flavor, consider using bone-in chicken thighs or drumsticks instead of breasts. They will stay juicy and flavorful throughout the cooking process.
Check the Temperature: To ensure the chicken is fully cooked, use a meat thermometer. The chicken is safe to eat once it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
Variation
This recipe is adaptable, so consider some variations based on your preferences:
Add Vegetables: Feel free to add vegetables such as carrots, bell peppers, or green beans for added nutrition and flavor. Add these along with the baby potatoes.
Lemon Zest: A bit of lemon zest or lemon juice can brighten up the dish. Add a teaspoon of lemon zest before cooking or a squeeze of lemon just before serving.
Different Cheeses: While Parmesan is delicious, you can also experiment with other cheeses such as mozzarella or cheddar for different flavors.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen chicken breasts?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts. Just be aware that you will need to increase the cooking time by an hour or more, depending on the size of the chicken pieces.
2. How can I tell when the chicken is cooked?
The best way to check if the chicken is fully cooked is to use a meat thermometer. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F for it to be safe to eat.
3. Can I cook this recipe on the stovetop?
While the crockpot method is recommended for convenience, you can cook the chicken and potatoes on the stovetop. Simply sauté the chicken and garlic in a large pot, add the potatoes and broth, and let it simmer until fully cooked.
By following this detailed guide, you will have a fantastic meal that is easy to make and perfect for busy weekdays. Garlic Parmesan Crockpot Chicken and Potatoes is not just about good food; it’s about bringing comfort and joy to your dinner table. Enjoy your cooking experience!
Garlic Parmesan Crockpot Chicken and Potatoes
Ingredients
Method
- Wash the baby potatoes thoroughly and cut each potato in half.
- Peel and finely mince the garlic cloves.
- Rub the chicken breasts with olive oil and season with Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.
- Place the halved potatoes at the bottom of the crockpot.
- Place the seasoned chicken breasts on top of the halved potatoes.
- Pour the chicken broth over the chicken and potatoes.
- Sprinkle the minced garlic and grated parmesan cheese on top.
- Cover the crockpot with a lid and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
- The chicken is done when its internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Scoop out portions of the chicken and potatoes onto plates and garnish with fresh parsley if desired.