Slow Cooker Parmesan Garlic Chicken and Potatoes

This Slow Cooker Parmesan Garlic Chicken and Potatoes recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings. With minimal prep time, this dish combines tender chicken and hearty potatoes in a creamy garlic Parmesan sauce that is both comforting and flavorful. It’s an ideal choice for any occasion, bringing together the warmth of home-cooked meals with easy slow-cooking convenience.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Effortless Preparation: Just toss the ingredients in your slow cooker. There’s no need to spend hours in the kitchen!
• Rich Flavor: The creamy Parmesan garlic sauce elevates the dish, making it deliciously satisfying.
• Versatile Meal: Perfect for family dinners, holidays, or meal prepping for the week ahead.
• Kid-Friendly: With its cheesy goodness, even picky eaters will enjoy this chicken and potatoes combo.
• One-Pot Wonder: Everything cooks together in one pot, making cleanup a breeze.

Tools and Preparation

To make this dish, you will need a few essential kitchen tools. Having these items on hand ensures that your cooking experience is smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Slow Cooker
• Mixing Bowl
• Whisk
• Measuring Spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Slow Cooker: The star of this recipe; it allows for hands-free cooking while infusing flavors over time.
• Mixing Bowl: Ideal for combining sauces and ensuring all ingredients are well mixed before cooking.
• Whisk: Helps to blend sauces smoothly without lumps, enhancing the texture of your dish.

Ingredients

For the Chicken and Potatoes

• 2 pounds potatoes, cut in 1 1/2 -2 inch chunks
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 3/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 2 pounds skinless, boneless chicken breasts

For the Sauce

• 1 cup creamy Parmesan garlic sauce, such as Buffalo Wild Wings® Parmesan Garlic
• 1/2 cup water or chicken stock

For Toppings (Optional)

• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley, or to taste

How to Make Slow Cooker Parmesan Garlic Chicken and Potatoes

Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables

Combine potatoes, olive oil, 3/4 teaspoons salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, and paprika in the bottom of a slow cooker. Stir until well coated.

Step 2: Add Chicken

Place chicken pieces on top of the seasoned potatoes. Sprinkle with remaining salt and pepper.

Step 3: Whisk Sauce Together

In a mixing bowl, whisk together the Parmesan garlic sauce and water until well incorporated. Pour this mixture over the chicken and potatoes in the slow cooker.

Step 4: Cook It Up!

Cook on High for 4 hours or on Low for 6 hours, until chicken is cooked through and potatoes are tender.

Step 5: Add Cheese

During the last 20 minutes of cooking, add mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan (if using). Cover and continue cooking until melted.

Step 6: Serve

Sprinkle with chopped parsley before serving. Enjoy your comforting meal!

How to Serve Slow Cooker Parmesan Garlic Chicken and Potatoes

This slow cooker Parmesan garlic chicken and potatoes dish is not only comforting but also versatile. You can serve it in various ways to enhance your dining experience.

Family Style

• Serve the chicken and potatoes straight from the slow cooker for a communal meal. This allows everyone to help themselves, making it perfect for family gatherings.

With a Fresh Salad

• Pair the dish with a side salad for a refreshing contrast. A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette can balance out the richness of the chicken and potatoes.

On a Bed of Rice

• For an extra hearty meal, serve the chicken and potatoes over cooked rice. The sauce will soak into the rice, adding flavor to every bite.

As Leftovers

• Enjoy the leftovers as a quick lunch or dinner option. Simply reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop for an easy meal that tastes just as good.

With Crusty Bread

• Serve with crusty bread to soak up any leftover sauce. This adds a delicious crunch while complementing the creamy flavors of the dish.

How to Perfect Slow Cooker Parmesan Garlic Chicken and Potatoes

To ensure you achieve the best results with your slow cooker Parmesan garlic chicken and potatoes, consider these helpful tips.

• Choose Quality Chicken: Opt for fresh, high-quality chicken breasts for best flavor and texture.
• Cut Potatoes Uniformly: Ensure all potato chunks are roughly the same size for even cooking.
• Layering Matters: Place potatoes at the bottom of the slow cooker before adding chicken to help them cook evenly.
• Adjust Seasoning: Feel free to tweak salt, pepper, or paprika amounts based on personal taste preferences.
• Monitor Cooking Time: Check for doneness around the recommended cooking times; overcooking can lead to dry chicken.
• Add Vegetables: Consider adding vegetables like carrots or green beans during cooking for added nutrition.

Best Side Dishes for Slow Cooker Parmesan Garlic Chicken and Potatoes

Complement your slow cooker Parmesan garlic chicken and potatoes with these delicious side dishes that enhance your meal.

1. Steamed Broccoli: Lightly steamed broccoli adds color and nutrition, providing a fresh crunch.
2. Roasted Asparagus: Drizzled with olive oil and seasoned, roasted asparagus makes a tasty accompaniment.
3. Garlic Bread: Toasted garlic bread is perfect for soaking up extra sauce from your main dish.
4. Quinoa Salad: A quinoa salad with veggies offers a healthy grain option that pairs well with chicken.
5. Cauliflower Mash: Creamy cauliflower mash serves as a low-carb substitute for traditional mashed potatoes.
6. Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw provides a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of your main dish.
7. Corn on the Cob: Grilled or boiled corn adds sweetness and is easy to prepare alongside your meal.
8. Sweet Potato Fries: Crispy sweet potato fries offer a fun twist with their sweet flavor profile that complements savory dishes.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

It’s easy to make a few common mistakes when preparing Slow Cooker Parmesan Garlic Chicken and Potatoes. Here are some tips to help you avoid them.

• Boldly over-seasoning: Adding too much salt or spices can overpower the dish. Stick to the recommended amounts for balanced flavor.
• Ignoring potato size: Cutting potatoes in uneven sizes can lead to inconsistent cooking. Aim for uniform 1 1/2 – 2 inch chunks for even tenderness.
• Skipping the sauce mix: Failing to whisk the Parmesan garlic sauce with water can result in clumps. Always mix thoroughly before pouring it over the chicken and potatoes.
• Overcrowding the slow cooker: Filling the slow cooker beyond its capacity may prevent even cooking. Make sure there’s enough space for air circulation.
• Not checking doneness: Cooking times can vary based on your slow cooker model. Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container.
• Consume within 3-4 days for best quality.

Freezing Slow Cooker Parmesan Garlic Chicken and Potatoes

• Place cooled leftovers in freezer-safe containers.
• Use within 2-3 months for optimal taste.

Reheating Slow Cooker Parmesan Garlic Chicken and Potatoes

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F, cover with foil, and heat for about 20-25 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Use a microwave-safe dish and heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed thoroughly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about Slow Cooker Parmesan Garlic Chicken and Potatoes that might help you.

Can I use frozen chicken in this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts, but increase the cooking time by about 1 hour on High or 2 hours on Low.

How do I customize Slow Cooker Parmesan Garlic Chicken and Potatoes?

Feel free to add vegetables like carrots or green beans during cooking for added nutrition and flavor.

What can I substitute for the creamy Parmesan garlic sauce?

You can make a homemade version using cream, grated Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, and herbs if preferred.

How do I prevent the cheese from burning during reheating?

Covering the dish while reheating helps retain moisture and prevents burning or separating of cheese.

Final Thoughts

Slow Cooker Parmesan Garlic Chicken and Potatoes is not only comforting but also incredibly versatile. You can easily customize it with your favorite veggies or sauces. Give this delicious recipe a try; it’s perfect for busy weeknights!