The Best Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes (Slow Cooker)

Looking for a hassle-free dinner that delivers restaurant-quality taste? This slow cooker garlic parmesan chicken and potatoes recipe is your answer to effortless family meals. By combining tender chicken, perfectly cooked potatoes, and a rich garlic parmesan sauce, you’ll create a comforting dish that practically cooks itself.

The beauty of slow cooking lies in its ability to transform simple ingredients into extraordinary meals. As the ingredients simmer together for hours, the flavors meld and deepen, while the chicken becomes incredibly tender. This hands-off cooking method is perfect for busy weekdays when you want a delicious home-cooked meal without spending hours in the kitchen.

Why This Recipe Stands Above the Rest

This Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes recipe stands out because it combines crispy, golden potatoes with juicy, flavorful chicken, all coated in a rich garlic parmesan seasoning. Unlike other recipes, this one delivers the perfect balance of crunch and tenderness in every bite, thanks to a well-seasoned, oven-roasted or pan-seared technique.

• What sets it apart?
• One-Pan Simplicity – Minimal cleanup, maximum flavor.
• Perfectly Balanced Seasoning – The right mix of garlic, parmesan, and herbs.
• Crispy Yet Tender Texture – A flawless combination of crunch and juiciness.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort Food – A family-favorite meal that’s both hearty and satisfying.

Whether for a weeknight dinner or a special gathering, this Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes recipe is guaranteed to impress!

Ingredients

For the best garlic parmesan chicken and potatoes, you’ll need:

Main Ingredients:

• 2 large chicken breasts (approximately 1.5 pounds), cut into chunks
• 4-5 medium Yukon Gold or red potatoes, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 2 tablespoons fresh minced garlic
• 1 cup Buffalo Wild Wings Garlic Parmesan sauce
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

Seasonings:

• 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Optional Add-ins:

• 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
• 4 strips bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 2 cups fresh baby spinach
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparation

• Start by preparing your ingredients properly to ensure even cooking. Cut your potatoes into uniform pieces – this is crucial for ensuring they cook at the same rate. If some pieces are larger than others, you’ll end up with an inconsistent texture in your final dish.
• Season the potato chunks with olive oil, salt, pepper, and half of the paprika in a large bowl. This pre-seasoning step helps build a foundation of flavor that will develop during the slow cooking process.
• Next, cut your chicken breasts into evenly-sized pieces, about 1.5 inches each. Consistent sizing is key here as well – it ensures all pieces will cook at the same rate and remain juicy.

Loading Your Slow Cooker

Layer your ingredients in this order for the best results:

1. Spread the seasoned potatoes across the bottom of your slow cooker. This creates a flavorful base and allows the potatoes to cook in the juices that will collect.
2. If using onions, scatter them over the potatoes. They’ll add an amazing depth of flavor as they slowly caramelize.
3. Place the chicken pieces on top of the potato layer.
4. Season the chicken with the remaining paprika, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
5. Distribute the minced garlic evenly over the chicken.
6. Cut the butter into small pieces and scatter them across the top.
7. Pour the Garlic Parmesan sauce evenly over everything. Make sure to coat all the chicken pieces for maximum flavor.

Cooking Process

Set your slow cooker according to your schedule:

• Low setting: 6-8 hours
• High setting: 3-4 hours

The dish is done when the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F/74°C) and the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.

Finishing Touches

About 30 minutes before serving:

1. Carefully lift the lid and check the seasoning. Add more salt or pepper if needed.
2. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella evenly over the top.
3. Replace the lid and let the cheese melt completely, about 15-20 minutes.
4. If using spinach, add it during the last 10 minutes of cooking. It will wilt perfectly into the dish.

Pro Tips for Perfect Results

1. Choose the Right Potatoes Waxy potatoes like Yukon Gold or red potatoes hold their shape better during long cooking times compared to starchy varieties like Russets.
2. Monitor Moisture Levels While the dish cooks, check the liquid level occasionally. If it seems dry, add 1/4 cup of chicken broth. However, be careful not to add too much liquid – the chicken and potatoes will release their own juices during cooking.
3. Make It Your Own This recipe is incredibly versatile. Try these variations:
   • Add baby carrots or bell peppers for extra vegetables
   • Include mushrooms for an earthy flavor
   • Sprinkle crispy bacon on top before serving
   • Use different cheese combinations like Parmesan and Romano
4. Healthier Options For a lighter version:
   • Use low-sodium Garlic Parmesan sauce
   • Replace regular mozzarella with part-skim
   • Add extra vegetables like broccoli or cauliflower
   • Use chicken breast tenderloins instead of full breasts

How to serve Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes

This hearty dish stands perfectly on its own, but you can round out the meal with:

• Hawaiian Mac Salad
• Steamed broccoli or green beans
• Broccoli Cauliflower Salad
• Crusty Italian Bread
• The Best Juice

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors often become even better the next day, making this perfect for meal prep.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes! Chicken thighs work excellently in this recipe and often stay more tender during long cooking. Adjust cooking time slightly as thighs may take a bit longer to cook through.

What if I don’t have Buffalo Wild Wings Garlic Parmesan sauce?

You can make a homemade substitute by combining:

• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup butter, melted
• 3 cloves minced garlic
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/4 cup heavy cream
• Salt and pepper to taste

Can I make Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes dairy-free?

Yes! Replace the butter with olive oil, skip the mozzarella, and use a dairy-free garlic sauce. You can create a dairy-free garlic sauce using vegetable broth, olive oil, garlic, and nutritional yeast for a cheese-like flavor.

How do I prevent the potatoes from getting mushy?

• Cut potatoes into larger, uniform pieces (about 1.5 inches)
• Use waxy potatoes like Yukon Gold or red potatoes
• Place potatoes at the bottom of the slow cooker
• Avoid removing the lid during cooking as this increases cooking time

In Conclusion

This slow cooker garlic parmesan chicken and potatoes recipe proves that creating a delicious, satisfying meal doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. It’s the perfect solution for busy families who don’t want to compromise on taste or quality.

Give this recipe a try and discover why it’s becoming a favorite among home cooks. We’d love to hear how it turned out for you – share your experience in the comments below! And don’t forget to check out our other slow cooker recipes for more easy, delicious meal ideas.

Remember, the best part about slow cooker recipes is their flexibility – feel free to adjust the seasonings and ingredients to match your family’s preferences. Happy cooking!