Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes Recipe
If you’re craving a cozy, fuss-free meal that delivers big on flavor, this Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes Recipe is going to become your new best friend. I’ve made this on busy weeknights when I wanted comfort food without spending hours in the kitchen, and it never disappoints. The garlic parmesan sauce brings a rich, creamy tang that perfectly coats tender chicken and soft potatoes, making every bite pure bliss.
What I love most about this recipe is how incredibly easy it is to throw everything into the slow cooker and let it do its magic while you tackle your day. Whether you’re meal prepping or feeding a family, this dish feels special but requires minimal effort. The combination of fragrant garlic, sharp parmesan, and gooey mozzarella cheese on top just seals the deal, making it a must-try Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes Recipe that’s as versatile as it is delicious.
Why This Recipe Works
- One-Pot Convenience: You simply layer ingredients and let the slow cooker do all the work — perfect for busy days.
- Flavor-Packed Sauce: The garlic parmesan sauce infuses both chicken and potatoes, making every bite creamy and delicious.
- No Fuss Prep: Minimal chopping and easy layering mean you can have this dinner ready in under 10 minutes.
- Customizable Comfort: Add your favorite cheeses or herbs to put your own spin on this tried-and-true recipe.
Ingredients & Why They Work
Each ingredient in this Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes Recipe pulls its weight to create layers of flavor and texture. I always use Yukon gold potatoes because they hold their shape but cook to a buttery softness. And that garlic parmesan sauce? It’s a shortcut that saves time but still feels homemade with a delicious creamy punch.
- Yukon gold petite potatoes: These are perfect for slow cooking; they don’t break down too much and have a naturally creamy texture.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Cutting them into bite-sized pieces helps them cook evenly and soak up all those flavors.
- Cream cheese: Using room temperature and cut into chunks helps it melt smoothly right into the sauce.
- Garlic (minced): Fresh garlic adds that garlicky punch you want in a garlic parmesan dish—don’t skimp here!
- Parmesan cheese: Sharp, salty parmesan amps up the savory depth of the sauce beautifully.
- Garlic parmesan sauce: This is the hero sauce—it’s rich, tangy, and full of umami; Buffalo Wild Wings’ version is my go-to for its perfect balance.
- Milk: Adding milk to the sauce thins it just enough and keeps it silky throughout cooking.
- Mozzarella cheese: Melted on top for that gooey, cheesy finish you’ll want to dig into right away.
Make It Your Way
I love mixing things up with this Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes Recipe depending on what I have on hand or what I’m craving. Feel free to add your favorite herbs or swap cheeses to make it uniquely yours. If you want a little heat, adding red pepper flakes during cooking works wonders!
- Variation: I sometimes swap chicken breasts for thighs when I want juicier meat—it cooks beautifully in the slow cooker and adds extra richness.
- Lower Dairy Option: Use a non-dairy cream cheese and lower-fat milk to lighten up the sauce without sacrificing flavor.
- Veggie Boost: Toss in some sliced mushrooms, bell peppers, or green beans about halfway through to add color and nutrition.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Layer Your Ingredients
Start by quartering your Yukon gold potatoes into bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking and easy eating. Then, cube your chicken breasts similarly; keeping pieces uniform really makes a difference during slow cooking. Place the potatoes at the bottom of your 6-quart slow cooker, as they take longer to cook, then add the cubed chicken on top.
Step 2: Add Cheese and Sauce
Next, evenly distribute your cream cheese chunks, minced garlic, and parmesan cheese over the chicken and potatoes. Pour your garlic parmesan sauce over everything. A little kitchen hack—shake the garlic parmesan sauce bottle with the cup of milk before pouring to mix it smoothly; this helps create a silky sauce that surrounds every piece.
Step 3: Slow Cook to Perfection
Cover your slow cooker and set it to cook on high for 2½ to 3½ hours, or low for 4½ to 5½ hours. You’ll know it’s done when the chicken is cooked through and tender, and the potatoes are fork-tender. Don’t rush this step—slow cooking melds the flavors beautifully, so patience pays off!
Step 4: Melt the Mozzarella Finish
Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese on top, cover again, and cook for another 10-15 minutes until the cheese melts into a bubbly golden layer. This step adds an irresistible gooey richness that makes this Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes Recipe stand out.
Tips from My Kitchen
- Cut Uniformly: Making sure chicken and potato pieces are about the same size means they cook evenly and are easier to serve with one forkful.
- Melt Cream Cheese First: Cutting cream cheese into small chunks and using room temperature cheese helps it melt faster and blends seamlessly into the sauce.
- Shake Sauce with Milk: Pour the milk into the garlic parmesan sauce bottle and shake well before adding it all — this keeps the sauce nice and smooth as it cooks.
- Don’t Overcook Mozzarella: Add the shredded mozzarella at the very end so it melts perfectly without becoming rubbery or drying out.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes Recipe
Garnishes
I like to sprinkle fresh chopped parsley over the dish just at the end — the pop of green brightens up the look and adds a subtle fresh note. Sometimes I’ll add a pinch of red pepper flakes if I’m craving a little heat. A bit of extra grated parmesan on top never hurts either for cheesy lovers!
Side Dishes
Since this recipe is already packed with hearty chicken and potatoes, I typically serve it alongside a crisp green salad or steamed broccoli to add freshness and balance. Garlic bread or crusty rolls also pair beautifully, soaking up that delicious garlic parmesan sauce left on the plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special dinner, I’ve served this in individual rustic ramekins topped with extra mozzarella and parsley — it adds charm and a bit of flair while keeping it cozy. You can also plate the chicken and potatoes over creamy polenta or rice to soak up every last bit of sauce for an elegant twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge and they usually stay good for up to 3 days. The sauce thickens quite a bit when chilled, so I add a splash of milk when reheating to bring back that creamy consistency.
Freezing
I’ve frozen this dish a couple of times and it works, although the texture of the cream cheese-based sauce changes a bit and can become grainy. It’s still tasty, just remember to thaw it completely in the fridge overnight before reheating gently.
Reheating
When reheating, I prefer warming it on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of milk to loosen the sauce. Microwaving works too, but stirring halfway through helps keep everything creamy and prevents hot spots.
FAQs
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Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts in this Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes Recipe?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a great alternative and tend to stay juicier and more flavorful during slow cooking. Just make sure to cut them into similarly sized pieces as the potatoes to keep cooking times consistent.
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Is this recipe suitable for a slow cooker of a different size?
This recipe is designed for a 6-quart slow cooker, but you can adapt it for larger or smaller models by adjusting ingredient quantities accordingly. Just keep an eye on cooking times as smaller slow cookers may cook food faster.
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Can I prepare this recipe the night before and refrigerate it before cooking?
Yes, you can assemble everything in the slow cooker insert, cover it tightly, and refrigerate overnight. When ready, just start the slow cooker and add extra cooking time if needed, as the ingredients will be cold.
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How do I prevent the cheese from becoming rubbery after slow cooking?
To keep the cheese melt silky, add shredded mozzarella only during the last 10-15 minutes of cooking, then cover the slow cooker to let it melt gently. Avoid overcooking the cheese to prevent a rubbery texture.
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What can I do if my sauce feels too thick after cooking?
If the sauce thickens more than you like, simply stir in a bit of warm milk or chicken broth after cooking to reach your desired consistency. This keeps it creamy and smooth.
Final Thoughts
This Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes Recipe holds a special place in my recipe box because it’s the kind of easy, wholesome meal that feels like a warm hug after a busy day. It’s comforting, super flavorful, and requires so little hands-on time — perfect for anyone who wants satisfying food without fuss. I can’t wait for you to give it a try and discover how much joy a simple slow cooker meal can bring to your dinner table!
PrintSlow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes Recipe
- Prep Time: 8 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Total Time: 4 hours 8 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes recipe offers a creamy, cheesy comfort meal featuring tender chicken breasts and golden Yukon gold potatoes slow-cooked in a rich garlic parmesan sauce. Perfect for an easy, hands-off dinner that melts together flavors beautifully and finishes with gooey mozzarella cheese.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound Yukon gold petite potatoes quartered
- 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into bite sized pieces
- 8 ounces cream cheese cut into eight pieces
- 3 teaspoons garlic minced
- ½ cup parmesan cheese
- 12 ounces garlic parmesan sauce (Buffalo Wild Wings garlic parmesan sauce recommended)
- 1 cup milk
- 1 ½ cups mozzarella cheese shredded
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Add quartered potatoes to the bottom of a 6-quart slow cooker, then layer the cubed chicken pieces on top.
- Add Cheeses and Garlic: Distribute the cream cheese chunks, minced garlic, and parmesan cheese evenly over the chicken and potatoes.
- Mix and Pour Sauce: Pour the garlic parmesan sauce over everything. Add milk to the empty garlic parmesan sauce bottle, shake to combine, then pour this mixture over the contents in the slow cooker.
- Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on high for 3 hours or low for 5 hours until the chicken is cooked through and potatoes are tender.
- Add Mozzarella and Melt: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese on top, cover again, and continue cooking for 10-15 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley if desired, then serve hot and enjoy your creamy garlic parmesan chicken and potatoes.
Notes
- Cut potatoes and chicken into uniform, bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking and easy eating.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator or freeze for up to 3 months. Note that freezing may alter texture slightly and cause dairy to become grainy.
- Use room temperature cream cheese cut into even chunks for better melting and incorporation into the sauce.
- If the sauce is thicker than preferred after cooking, thin it out by stirring in a little additional milk or broth.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg