There’s something magical about coming home after a long day to the aroma of a bubbling slow cooker. It’s a promise of warmth, comfort, and a delicious meal with minimal effort. I remember as a kid, my mom would always have something simmering in the crockpot – a hearty stew, pulled pork, or even just some simple roasted potatoes. It felt like a hug in food form. This Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Potatoes recipe is my grown-up version of that cozy feeling. It’s a one-pot wonder of tender chicken, perfectly cooked potatoes, and a ridiculously creamy, garlicky parmesan sauce. Let me show you how easy it is to make!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Forget slaving over a hot stove! This recipe truly is about easy. It requires minimal prep time and then just… sits. Let the slow cooker do the work while you relax. Here’s why I think you’ll fall in love with it:
- Super Simple: Seriously, chop, season, toss, and go. That’s pretty much it.
- Creamy and Flavorful: The Garlic Parmesan sauce is decadent and coats every morsel. It’s savory, garlicky, and utterly irresistible.
- Comfort Food Classic: Chicken and potatoes are a timeless combo. Elevate it with parmesan and garlic, and you’ve got pure comfort.
- Perfect for Busy Nights: Ideal for weeknights when time is short, or for meal prepping on the weekend.
- Crowd-Pleaser: It’s a dish that appeals to almost everyone, making it perfect for family dinners or potlucks.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what you’ll need to gather for this delicious meal. Don’t worry, it’s a pretty straightforward list:
- Chicken: 450g boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes. (Thighs also work beautifully for extra tenderness!)
- Potatoes: 5 medium potatoes (Yukon Gold, Russet, or red potatoes all work), washed and diced into ½-inch cubes. Smaller cubes cook faster.
- Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons. This helps the potatoes roast properly.
- Salt: To taste. (About ½ teaspoon for the potatoes, ¼ teaspoon for the chicken)
- Black Pepper: To taste. (About ½ teaspoon for the potatoes, ¼ teaspoon for the chicken)
- Garlic Powder: To taste (about ½ teaspoon for the potatoes)
- Paprika: To taste (about ½ teaspoon for the potatoes)
- Onion Powder: 1 teaspoon (for the chicken)
- Italian Seasoning: 1 teaspoon (for the chicken)
- Minced Garlic: 2 tablespoons. Fresh is always best here!
- Buffalo Wild Wings Garlic Parmesan Sauce: Enough to coat the chicken – usually around 1 ½ – 2 cups. (You can find this in most major grocery stores. See notes below for a DIY version!)
- Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: 120g (about 1 ½ cups).
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Let’s get cooking! This is broken down into simple steps.
- Prep the Potatoes: Rinse the potatoes well under cold water. Cut them into small, even cubes, about ½ inch in size. This ensures they cook evenly in the slow cooker.
- Season the Potatoes: Lightly grease the inside of your slow cooker. Add the diced potatoes to the crockpot. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Season generously with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Toss to coat.
- Prepare the Chicken: Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized cubes, roughly the same size as the potatoes. In a bowl, season the chicken with ½ teaspoon of salt, ½ teaspoon of black pepper, 1 teaspoon of paprika, 1 teaspoon of onion powder, and 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning. Mix well to ensure everything is coated.
- Layer it Up: Place the seasoned chicken cubes evenly over the potatoes in the slow cooker.
- Sauce it Good: Pour the Buffalo Wild Wings Garlic Parmesan sauce over the chicken and potatoes. Make sure the chicken is well coated. Add more sauce if needed – you want everything swimming in deliciousness.
- Slow Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6 hours. This long, slow cooking time allows the flavors to meld and the chicken and potatoes to become incredibly tender.
- Stir and Cheese: After 6 hours, gently stir everything together to combine. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.
- Melt the Cheese: Cover the slow cooker again and cook for another 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve & Enjoy! Serve hot, straight from the crockpot.
Tips, Variations, and Serving Suggestions
Want to take this recipe to the next level? Here are some ideas:
- DIY Garlic Parmesan Sauce: If you can’t find the Buffalo Wild Wings sauce, you can easily make your own! Combine ½ cup mayonnaise, ¼ cup butter, 2 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese, 2 cloves minced garlic, ½ teaspoon black pepper, and a pinch of salt.
- Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a little heat.
- Add Veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables like broccoli florets, bell peppers, or carrots. Add them about 2-3 hours into the cooking time to prevent them from becoming too mushy.
- Herbs: Fresh parsley or chives, sprinkled on top before serving, add a burst of freshness.
- Ranch Dressing Drizzle: A drizzle of ranch dressing on top before serving is a classic pairing.
- Side Dish Suggestions: Serve with a simple green salad or a side of crusty bread to soak up all that amazing sauce!
- Different Potatoes: Sweet potatoes would also work beautifully in this recipe – they’ll add a touch of sweetness!
Nutritional Information (Approximate)
Serving size: Approximately 1 ½ cups
- Calories: 450-550
- Protein: 35-45g
- Fat: 25-35g
- Carbohydrates: 20-30g
(Please note: Nutritional information is an estimate and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.)
Give it a Try!
This Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Potatoes recipe is a guaranteed winner. It’s incredibly easy, packed with flavor, and perfect for those nights when you need a comforting, no-fuss meal. Don’t be intimidated by the slow cooker! It’s a kitchen game changer. So, gather your ingredients, get cooking, and enjoy! I can’t wait to hear how it turns out for you. Happy cooking!
