Slow Cooker Parmesan Garlic Chicken and Potatoes

This Slow Cooker Parmesan Garlic Chicken and Potatoes is perfect for busy weeknights or special family gatherings. With minimal prep time and a rich, flavorful garlic Parmesan sauce, this dish guarantees satisfaction. It’s an ideal option for those looking for a comforting meal that combines tender chicken with hearty potatoes, all cooked to perfection in your slow cooker.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Effortless Preparation: With just 15 minutes of prep time, you can set it and forget it while the slow cooker does all the work.
• Rich Flavor: The creamy Parmesan garlic sauce infuses every bite with deliciousness, making it a family favorite.
• Versatile Meal: Perfect for weeknight dinners or entertaining guests, this dish adapts to any occasion with ease.
• Comforting Ingredients: Tender chicken and fluffy potatoes make for a satisfying combination that warms the soul.
• Cheesy Goodness: Topped with melted mozzarella and optional grated Parmesan, this dish delivers on cheesy satisfaction.

Tools and Preparation

To make this recipe, you’ll need a few essential tools that will help streamline the cooking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Slow cooker
• Mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Cutting board
• Knife

Importance of Each Tool

• Slow cooker: The star of the show—cooks your meal to tender perfection without constant supervision.
• Mixing bowl: Allows you to combine ingredients quickly and easily before adding them to the slow cooker.

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 Topping

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

How to Make Slow Cooker Parmesan Garlic Chicken and Potatoes

Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes

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

Step 2: Add Chicken

1. Place the chicken breasts on top of the potato mixture.
2. Sprinkle with remaining salt and pepper.

Step 3: Mix Sauce Ingredients

1. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the Parmesan garlic sauce and water or chicken stock until well combined.

Step 4: Combine Everything in Slow Cooker

1. Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken and potatoes in the slow cooker.

Step 5: Cook Your Dish

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

Step 6: Add Cheese

1. During the last 20 minutes of cooking, sprinkle on the mozzarella cheese and optional Parmesan cheese. Continue cooking covered until cheeses are melted.

Step 7: Serve

1. Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley before serving for extra flavor.

Enjoy your meal! This Slow Cooker Parmesan Garlic Chicken and Potatoes is sure to become a staple in your dinner rotation.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Parmesan Garlic Chicken and Potatoes

Serving your Slow Cooker Parmesan Garlic Chicken and Potatoes can elevate your meal experience. Here are some delightful ways to present this dish for family or guests.

Family Style

• Gather the chicken and potatoes in a large serving bowl. Let everyone serve themselves, allowing for a cozy, communal dining experience.

With Fresh Herbs

• Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top before serving. This adds a vibrant color and enhances the flavor, making the dish even more inviting.

On a Bed of Greens

• Serve the chicken and potatoes over a bed of fresh spinach or mixed greens. The greens will wilt slightly, adding a refreshing touch to each bite.

In Individual Bowls

• Portion the chicken and potatoes into individual bowls. This presentation is perfect for dinner parties or when you want to impress your family with a restaurant-style meal.

How to Perfect Slow Cooker Parmesan Garlic Chicken and Potatoes

To ensure your Slow Cooker Parmesan Garlic Chicken and Potatoes turns out perfectly every time, follow these helpful tips.

• Choose uniform potato sizes: Cut your potatoes into 1 1/2 – 2 inch chunks for even cooking. This ensures that they will be tender at the same time as the chicken.

• Use high-quality sauce: Opt for a creamy Parmesan garlic sauce like Buffalo Wild Wings® for an authentic flavor boost. The quality of the sauce makes a significant difference in taste.

• Don’t skip browning: For extra flavor, consider browning the chicken briefly in a skillet before adding it to the slow cooker. This step enhances the overall depth of flavor.

• Adjust seasoning to taste: Feel free to increase or decrease salt and pepper based on your preference. Tailor it to suit your family’s taste buds for optimal enjoyment.

• Add vegetables: For added nutrition, throw in some vegetables like carrots or green beans during cooking. They will absorb flavors while complementing the chicken and potatoes perfectly.

Best Side Dishes for Slow Cooker Parmesan Garlic Chicken and Potatoes

Pairing side dishes with your Slow Cooker Parmesan Garlic Chicken and Potatoes can enhance your meal’s appeal. Here are some excellent options:

1. Garlic Bread: A crusty loaf brushed with garlic butter is perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce from the chicken dish.

2. Steamed Broccoli: Lightly steamed broccoli adds color and crunch, balancing out the richness of the chicken and potatoes.

3. Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine tossed with Caesar dressing, croutons, and parmesan creates a refreshing contrast to this hearty main course.

4. Rice Pilaf: Fluffy rice pilaf with herbs provides a mild base that complements the flavors of chicken without overpowering them.

5. Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Caramelized Brussels sprouts seasoned with olive oil offer a delightful crunch that pairs well with creamy dishes like this one.

6. Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw made from cabbage and carrots adds brightness and texture, cutting through the richness of the main dish.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When preparing Slow Cooker Parmesan Garlic Chicken and Potatoes, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes that could affect the outcome of your dish. Here are some pitfalls to watch for.

• Not cutting potatoes evenly: If your potato chunks are different sizes, they will cook unevenly. Make sure to cut them into uniform pieces for consistent cooking.

• Ignoring seasoning: Skipping the salt and pepper can lead to bland chicken and potatoes. Always season each layer of your dish for maximum flavor.

• Overcrowding the slow cooker: Adding too much food can prevent even cooking. Stick to the recommended amounts in the recipe for optimal results.

• Adding cheese too early: If you add cheese at the start, it may become rubbery or overcooked. Wait until the last 20 minutes to add mozzarella and Parmesan for creamy goodness.

• Using low-quality sauce: The flavor of your dish heavily relies on the sauce. Choose a good-quality creamy Parmesan garlic sauce to enhance the overall taste.

• Not checking doneness: Relying solely on time without checking can lead to undercooked chicken or hard potatoes. Use a meat thermometer and check tenderness before serving.

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

• Allow the dish to cool completely before freezing.
• Use freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags.
• Can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Slow Cooker Parmesan Garlic Chicken and Potatoes

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place in a covered dish and heat for about 20-30 minutes, or until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat in short intervals (1-2 minutes), stirring in between until hot.
• Stovetop: Heat in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

How do I make Slow Cooker Parmesan Garlic Chicken and Potatoes spicier?

You can add red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the seasoning mix before cooking. Adjust according to your spice preference!

Can I use other types of chicken instead?

Yes! You can substitute with thighs or drumsticks if you prefer dark meat. Just adjust cooking times as necessary.

What can I serve with Slow Cooker Parmesan Garlic Chicken and Potatoes?

This dish pairs well with steamed vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

How do I know when my chicken is done cooking?

Chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) when fully cooked. Use a meat thermometer for accuracy.

Can I use homemade garlic sauce instead?

Absolutely! A homemade creamy garlic sauce will work wonderfully in this recipe. Just ensure it matches the texture of store-bought sauces.

Final Thoughts

Slow Cooker Parmesan Garlic Chicken and Potatoes is not just easy to prepare; it’s also incredibly versatile! You can customize it by adding different vegetables or adjusting seasonings based on your taste preferences. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy a comforting meal that’s perfect for busy nights!