If you’re anything like me, you want dinner to be delicious but also a breeze to make. That’s exactly why I’m so excited to share this Garlic Parmesan Crockpot Chicken and Potatoes Recipe with you. It’s one of those meals that feels fancy without any fuss—you just toss everything in the slow cooker, walk away, and come back to a fantastic, cozy dinner that seems like it took way more effort than it actually did.
I first tried this recipe on a chilly weekend when I needed something comforting and hands-off. My family absolutely went crazy for it, especially because the garlic parmesan sauce adds this amazing creamy, tangy flavor that pairs perfectly with tender chicken and soft potatoes. You’ll find that this recipe is a game-changer for busy weeknights or lazy Sundays because it fills your home with the best aromas while doing all the cooking for you.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Hands-Off Cooking: Just toss ingredients in the crockpot and let it work its magic while you get on with your day.
- Flavor-Packed: Creamy garlic parmesan sauce with savory spices make every bite full of comfort and richness.
- Family Favorite: The tender chicken and perfectly cooked potatoes win over even picky eaters.
- Perfect for Any Season: Cozy enough for colder days but simple and fresh for summer cookouts too.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Garlic Parmesan Crockpot Chicken and Potatoes Recipe is how simple yet flavorful the ingredients are. Each one complements the others, building layers of taste and texture without complicated steps. Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand for the best results.
- Potatoes: Medium-sized ones work best here; I prefer Yukon Golds for their creamy texture once cooked.
- Olive oil: Helps season and coat the potatoes for a golden, flavorful finish.
- Salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika: These spices add that essential depth and warmth to your potatoes.
- Chicken breasts: Cubed chicken cooks evenly and soaks up the sauce beautifully.
- Seasonings (paprika, onion powder, Italian seasoning): Boost the chicken’s flavor without overpowering the garlic parmesan sauce.
- Minced garlic: Fresh garlic is key to enhancing that delicious parmesan sauce flavor.
- Buffalo Wild Wings Garlic Parmesan Sauce: This is the secret weapon; it brings the creamy, tangy garlic parmesan flavor you’ll love.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts on top for a gooey, cheesy finish that’s irresistible.
Variations
I love how flexible this Garlic Parmesan Crockpot Chicken and Potatoes Recipe is, so I often tweak it depending on the season or what we’re craving. Don’t be afraid to make it your own—adding or swapping ingredients can turn it into something new every time without extra hassle.
- Add veggies: Sometimes I toss in chopped broccoli or green beans in the last hour of cooking for a one-pot wonder.
- Swap chicken: Using thighs instead of breasts gives a juicier texture that some folks prefer, especially if you like dark meat.
- Spicy kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some red pepper flakes to the seasoning mix for a little heat that balances the creamy sauce.
- Dairy-free option: If you want to skip the cheese, try a sprinkle of nutritional yeast or simply omit it without losing the flavor.
How to Make Garlic Parmesan Crockpot Chicken and Potatoes Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Potatoes
Start by washing and cubing your potatoes evenly—this ensures they cook through at the same rate. I like to spray the inside of my crockpot with cooking spray here to prevent sticking. Toss the potatoes with olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika right in the pot, then stir to coat everything well. This seasoning combo really gives the potatoes a delicious base flavor.
Step 2: Season the Chicken
Cube your chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces so they cook evenly. Sprinkle salt, pepper, paprika, onion powder, and Italian seasoning over the chicken, then mix in the minced garlic. Pour over the Buffalo Wild Wings Garlic Parmesan Sauce and give it a good toss to coat every piece. The sauce is where the magic happens—it infuses the chicken with creamy, garlicky goodness during cooking.
Step 3: Layer and Cook
Place the seasoned chicken on top of the potatoes in the crockpot. Cover and cook on low for about 6 hours. This slow cook time allows the potatoes to soften perfectly while the chicken becomes tender and soaks up all those rich flavors. I like to stir once or twice during cooking if I’m around, but it’s totally fine to leave it alone if you’re busy.
Step 4: Finish with Cheese
Once everything is cooked through and your house smells incredible, sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the top. Put the lid back on for about 5 minutes so the cheese melts into a delicious, gooey layer. This final touch brings the whole dish together—you’ll love breaking through that cheesy top with every bite.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Serve your Garlic Parmesan Crockpot Chicken and Potatoes hot, perhaps with a dollop of ranch dressing on the side if you like a cool, creamy contrast. This meal is so comforting and satisfying, perfect for feeding hungry families or picky eaters.
Pro Tips for Making Garlic Parmesan Crockpot Chicken and Potatoes Recipe
- Even Cubes: Cutting potatoes and chicken into similar-sized cubes helps everything cook evenly and finish at the same time.
- Sauce Savvy: I found that using the Buffalo Wild Wings Garlic Parmesan Sauce really nails the flavor—you could substitute with a good quality garlic parmesan sauce but watch salt levels.
- Don’t Over-Stir: Stir occasionally, but don’t overdo it; letting the crockpot layers cook undisturbed creates better flavor melding.
- Check Doneness: Make sure the chicken is cooked through before serving to avoid any dryness by checking with a meat thermometer if unsure.
How to Serve Garlic Parmesan Crockpot Chicken and Potatoes Recipe
Garnishes
I like to sprinkle fresh chopped parsley or chives over the top for a pop of color and fresh flavor. A little extra grated Parmesan cheese never hurts either if you want to double down on the cheesy goodness. Sometimes, a drizzle of ranch or even a squeeze of fresh lemon juice adds a bright contrast that wakes up the dish beautifully.
Side Dishes
This Crockpot chicken and potatoes recipe is hearty on its own, but I love pairing it with simple green salads or roasted veggies for extra balance. A side of steamed green beans or a crisp cabbage slaw gives the meal some refreshing crunch. If you want to keep things cozy, a warm crusty bread is perfect for mopping up any sauce left on the plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I like to serve this dish in individual ramekins layered with the chicken and potatoes and topped with extra cheese and herbs—makes it feel so fancy and special but keeps the ease intact. Another favorite trick is to garnish with roasted garlic cloves or a sprinkle of toasted breadcrumbs for a little texture contrast and wow factor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. It reheats beautifully and my family loves having it for lunches or quick dinners. Just be sure to cool it down before refrigerating to keep texture nice.
Freezing
You can absolutely freeze this Garlic Parmesan Crockpot Chicken and Potatoes Recipe. I portion it out into freezer-safe containers and it keeps well for up to three months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Reheating
To reheat, I usually warm it on medium heat in a skillet just until heated through to keep the chicken tender and the potatoes from getting mushy. Microwaving works too—cover with a damp paper towel to keep moisture in. Add a little extra cheese on top if you want to refresh that melty goodness.
FAQs
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Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts in this recipe?
Yes! Chicken thighs are a great option because they stay juicy during slow cooking. Just make sure to cut them into even pieces and check for doneness around the same cooking time. You might find the flavor even more tender and rich with thighs.
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Is it necessary to use Buffalo Wild Wings Garlic Parmesan Sauce?
While this sauce is the star ingredient that gives the recipe its signature flavor, you can substitute with other garlic parmesan sauces you find in stores or homemade versions. Just be mindful of salt content and consistency to make sure it coats the chicken well and works with the crockpot method.
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How do I prevent the potatoes from getting mushy?
Cut the potatoes into evenly sized chunks—not too small—and avoid stirring excessively during cooking. Cooking on low for about 6 hours generally yields tender but intact potatoes. Using waxy potatoes like Yukon Golds also helps them hold their shape better.
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Can I make this recipe in a regular oven instead of a crockpot?
You can! Simply bake in a covered casserole dish at 350°F (175°C) for about 45-60 minutes or until the chicken is cooked and potatoes are tender. Add the cheese towards the end of baking to melt on top.
Final Thoughts
This Garlic Parmesan Crockpot Chicken and Potatoes Recipe has truly become one of my go-to dishes for busy days when I want something comforting, flavorful, and fuss-free. I love sharing it with friends because it feels like such a treat but is surprisingly simple to pull off. Give it a try—you’ll see how those tastes meld during slow cooking and how effortlessly you can put an amazing meal on the table. Trust me, once you make it, it’s going to be a family favorite you keep coming back to again and again.
PrintGarlic Parmesan Crockpot Chicken and Potatoes Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Halal
Description
This Garlic Parmesan Crockpot Chicken and Potatoes recipe offers a simple and flavorful one-pot meal that’s perfect for busy days. Tender cubed chicken seasoned with a blend of Italian spices and minced garlic is slow-cooked with seasoned potatoes in a rich Garlic Parmesan sauce, then topped with melted mozzarella cheese for a comforting, savory dish.
Ingredients
For the Potatoes:
- 5 medium-sized potatoes, cubed
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Garlic powder, to taste
- Paprika, to taste
For the Chicken:
- 1 lb chicken breasts, cubed
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 2 tbsp minced garlic
- Buffalo Wild Wings Garlic Parmesan Sauce, enough to cover the chicken
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Prepare the Potatoes: Wash and cube the potatoes into bite-sized pieces. Spray the crockpot with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Add the cubed potatoes to the crockpot and season them with olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Stir well to ensure all potatoes are evenly coated with the seasonings.
- Season the Chicken: Cube the chicken breasts into similar-sized pieces as the potatoes. In a bowl, season the chicken with salt, pepper, paprika, onion powder, and Italian seasoning. Add the minced garlic and coat the chicken pieces thoroughly with the Buffalo Wild Wings Garlic Parmesan Sauce, ensuring full coverage for maximum flavor.
- Cook in the Crockpot: Add the seasoned chicken on top of the potatoes in the crockpot. Cover and cook on low for about 6 hours, or until the potatoes are tender and chicken is fully cooked. Stir occasionally during cooking to ensure even heat distribution and flavor melding.
- Add Cheese: Once the chicken and potatoes are tender and cooked through, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top. Cover the crockpot again and allow the cheese to melt for a few minutes before serving.
- Serve: Serve the Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes hot for a hearty meal. Optionally, drizzle with ranch dressing for a creamy complement to the savory flavors.
Notes
- Feel free to adjust the seasonings to suit your taste preferences.
- Ensure the potatoes are evenly coated with the seasonings for maximum flavor.
- Check the chicken for doneness before serving to ensure safety and optimal texture.
- Use cooking spray on the crockpot to prevent sticking and facilitate easier cleanup.
- This recipe can be doubled for larger groups by increasing the crockpot size and adjusting cooking time accordingly.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 590mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
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