The aroma of garlic and parmesan, slowly infusing tender chicken and perfectly cooked potatoes, is no longer a weekend-only indulgence. With this Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken & Potatoes: Dump & Forget Dinner!, weeknight meals become effortlessly delicious, freeing you from kitchen duty while delivering a restaurant-quality dish.
The Allure of Slow Cooker Simplicity
In today’s fast-paced world, the slow cooker, or Crockpot, is a culinary savior. It offers a simple solution to the age-old question: “What’s for dinner?” The beauty of slow cooking lies in its ability to transform simple ingredients into flavorful, comforting meals with minimal effort. This Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken & Potatoes recipe perfectly embodies this principle, offering a “dump and forget” approach that’s ideal for busy individuals and families.
Why This Recipe Works
This particular recipe stands out for several reasons:
- Minimal Prep Time: As the name suggests, this is a true “dump and forget” recipe. Simply toss the ingredients into the Crockpot, and let it work its magic.
- Delicious Flavor: The combination of garlic, parmesan, and herbs creates a rich, savory flavor that’s irresistible.
- Tender and Juicy Chicken: Slow cooking ensures that the chicken remains incredibly moist and tender, unlike oven-baked or pan-fried chicken that can sometimes dry out.
- Perfectly Cooked Potatoes: The potatoes absorb the flavors of the sauce, becoming soft and creamy without being mushy.
- Versatile: This recipe can be easily customized to suit your preferences. You can add different vegetables, herbs, or spices to create your own unique version.
- Family-Friendly: This is a crowd-pleasing dish that even picky eaters will enjoy.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredient list for this Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken & Potatoes is simple and straightforward. You likely already have many of these items in your pantry and refrigerator.
- Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs work best. Chicken thighs will be more forgiving if overcooked, remaining juicy and flavorful.
- Potatoes: Yukon gold or red potatoes are ideal for this recipe. They hold their shape well during slow cooking and have a creamy texture.
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic is essential for the authentic garlic parmesan flavor.
- Parmesan Cheese: Use freshly grated parmesan cheese for the best flavor and texture.
- Olive Oil: Olive oil adds richness and helps to brown the chicken slightly.
- Italian Seasoning: This blend of herbs adds depth and complexity to the dish.
- Chicken Broth: Chicken broth provides moisture and helps to create a flavorful sauce.
- Butter: Butter adds richness and enhances the flavor of the sauce.
- Salt and Pepper: To taste.
Step-by-Step Instructions: Your Guide to Crockpot Success
Follow these simple steps to create a delicious and satisfying Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken & Potatoes dinner.
- Prepare the Potatoes: Wash and dice the potatoes into bite-sized pieces. No need to peel them unless you prefer.
- Prepare the Chicken: If using chicken breasts, you can cut them into smaller, more manageable pieces.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, toss the potatoes, chicken, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper with olive oil.
- Layer in the Crockpot: Place the mixture into the slow cooker. Pour the chicken broth over the top.
- Cook: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and the potatoes are tender.
- Add the Finishing Touches: In the last 30 minutes of cooking, stir in the butter and parmesan cheese.
- Serve: Serve hot, garnished with extra parmesan cheese and fresh parsley, if desired.
Tips and Tricks for the Perfect Crockpot Meal
While this recipe is incredibly simple, here are a few tips and tricks to ensure that your Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken & Potatoes turns out perfectly every time.
- Don’t Overcook: Overcooked chicken can become dry and tough. Use a meat thermometer to ensure that the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Adjust Cooking Time: Cooking times may vary depending on your slow cooker. Check the chicken and potatoes periodically to ensure they are cooking properly.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Freshly minced garlic and freshly grated parmesan cheese will provide the best flavor.
- Don’t Open the Lid Too Often: Opening the lid of the slow cooker releases heat, which can increase the cooking time.
- Add Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables to this recipe, such as broccoli florets, green beans, or carrots. Add them in the last hour of cooking to prevent them from becoming mushy.
- Thicken the Sauce (Optional): If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can whisk together 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water and stir it into the Crockpot in the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- Season to Taste: Taste the dish before serving and adjust the seasoning as needed.
Variations and Adaptations: Making It Your Own
One of the best things about this Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken & Potatoes recipe is its versatility. You can easily adapt it to suit your preferences and dietary needs.
- Add Vegetables: As mentioned earlier, you can add a variety of vegetables to this recipe. Some popular choices include broccoli, green beans, carrots, asparagus, and bell peppers.
- Use Different Herbs and Spices: Experiment with different herbs and spices to create your own unique flavor profile. Some good options include oregano, basil, thyme, rosemary, and red pepper flakes.
- Make It Creamy: For a creamier dish, stir in 1/2 cup of heavy cream or sour cream in the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- Add Bacon: Cooked and crumbled bacon adds a smoky, savory flavor to this dish.
- Make It Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to give it a kick.
- Use Chicken Thighs: For a richer flavor and more tender chicken, use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts.
- Lower Sodium: Use low-sodium chicken broth and reduce the amount of salt added to the recipe.
Serving Suggestions: Completing the Meal
This Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken & Potatoes is a complete meal in itself, but you can also serve it with a variety of side dishes to create a more elaborate spread.
- Salad: A simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing is a refreshing complement to this rich and savory dish.
- Bread: Crusty bread or garlic bread is perfect for soaking up the delicious sauce.
- Steamed Vegetables: Steamed broccoli, asparagus, or green beans are healthy and flavorful side dishes.
- Rice or Quinoa: These grains can be served alongside the chicken and potatoes to add extra substance to the meal.
Making it a Freezer Meal
This recipe is perfect to prepare as a freezer meal. Simply combine all the ingredients (except the parmesan cheese and butter) in a freezer bag. Seal the bag, removing as much air as possible, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to cook, thaw the bag in the refrigerator overnight. Then, follow the cooking instructions as written, adding the parmesan cheese and butter in the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Why Slow Cooking is a Game Changer
Beyond the convenience, slow cooking offers numerous benefits. It allows flavors to meld and deepen over time, resulting in incredibly delicious and complex dishes. It’s also a great way to tenderize tougher cuts of meat, making them melt-in-your-mouth tender. Plus, slow cookers are energy-efficient, using less electricity than ovens. And let’s not forget the aroma that fills your home as your meal slowly simmers, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere.
Other Delicious Crockpot Recipes to Try
If you’re a fan of slow cooking, you’ll love these other easy and delicious Crockpot recipes. For a smoky and tangy option, try Shredded Chicken Crockpot BBQ. It’s perfect for sandwiches, sliders, or topping baked potatoes. If you’re in the mood for something creamy and comforting, give Creamy White Chicken Chili a try. It’s a hearty and flavorful soup that’s perfect for a chilly evening. For crispy skin and juicy meat, check out Crockpot Chicken Thighs. For a romantic dinner, try Crockpot Marry Me Chicken. Alternatively, Honey Garlic Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs offer a sweet and savory flavor combination that’s sure to please. And for another take on white chicken chili, consider Crockpot White Chicken Chili, an easy “dump and forget” meal.
Recipe: Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken & Potatoes
Here’s a printable recipe card for your convenience:
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Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken & Potatoes
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
Servings: 6-8
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 2 lbs Yukon gold or red potatoes, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 4 tablespoons butter, cut into pieces
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
- In a large bowl, toss the potatoes, chicken, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper with olive oil.
- Place the mixture into the slow cooker. Pour the chicken broth over the top.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and the potatoes are tender.
- In the last 30 minutes of cooking, stir in the butter and parmesan cheese.
- Serve hot, garnished with extra parmesan cheese and fresh parsley, if desired.
Notes:
- For a thicker sauce, whisk together 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water and stir it into the Crockpot in the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- Add vegetables like broccoli, green beans, or carrots in the last hour of cooking.
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Conclusion: Effortless Flavor, Every Time
This Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken & Potatoes recipe is a testament to the power of simple ingredients and slow cooking. It’s a delicious, easy, and versatile meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or relaxed weekends. So, ditch the takeout and embrace the convenience of your Crockpot. You’ll be rewarded with a flavorful and satisfying dinner that the whole family will love, without spending hours in the kitchen.
Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken & Potatoes
Equipment
- Crockpot (slow cooker)
- Mixing bowl
- Chef’s knife
Ingredients
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 2 lbs Yukon gold or red potatoes, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 4 tbsp butter, cut into pieces
- 1 tsp salt (or to taste)
- 0.5 tsp black pepper (or to taste)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Wash and dice the potatoes into bite-sized pieces. No need to peel unless preferred.
- Trim or cut chicken into smaller pieces if using breasts.
- In a large bowl, toss potatoes, chicken, garlic, Italian seasoning, olive oil, salt, and pepper until well coated.
- Place the mixture into the Crockpot. Pour chicken broth over top.
- Cover and cook on low for 6–8 hours or high for 3–4 hours, until chicken is cooked and potatoes are tender.
- In the last 30 minutes, stir in butter and grated Parmesan cheese.
- Serve hot, garnished with parsley and more parmesan if desired.
