. Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes – esrecipes

Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes

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I still remember Sunday dinners at my grandmother’s. The house would be filled with the aroma of roasting chicken and potatoes, simmered in fragrant herbs and buttery goodness. It felt like a hug in food. Life gets busy, though, and recreating that relaxed Sunday feeling during the week can seem impossible – until now! Enter my Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes, a recipe that brings all that warm, comforting flavor to your table with minimal effort. Seriously, this is a game changer.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe isn’t just delicious; it’s brilliantly simple. Forget slaving over a hot stove. The slow cooker does all the work, transforming humble chicken and potatoes into a flavour explosion. Here’s what makes it so great:

  • Effortless Cooking: Just toss everything in and let it cook!
  • Maximum Flavor: The low and slow cooking process allows the garlic, parmesan, and herbs to meld beautifully.
  • Tender Chicken & Potatoes: You get fall-off-the-bone chicken and perfectly cooked, creamy potatoes every time.
  • One-Pan Meal: Fewer dishes to wash! A win for everyone.
  • Customizable: Easily adjust the spices and veggies to your liking.

Ingredient List

Let’s gather our ingredients. Don’t worry, you probably have most of these already!

  • Chicken: 1.5 – 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts, see tips below)
  • Potatoes: 1.5 – 2 lbs Yukon Gold or red potatoes, cut into 1-inch chunks
  • Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons
  • Garlic: 6-8 cloves, minced (don’t skimp!)
  • Parmesan Cheese: 1/2 cup, grated (freshly grated is best!)
  • Chicken Broth: 1 cup
  • Italian Seasoning: 1 tablespoon
  • Dried Oregano: 1 teaspoon
  • Paprika: 1 teaspoon (smoked paprika adds a delicious depth)
  • Salt: 1 teaspoon (or to taste)
  • Black Pepper: 1/2 teaspoon (or to taste)
  • Fresh Parsley: 2 tablespoons, chopped (for garnish, optional)

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Ready to get cooking? This is so easy, you’ll be amazed.

1. Prep the Potatoes:

  • Wash and scrub the potatoes.
  • Cut them into roughly 1-inch chunks. Try to keep them relatively uniform in size so they cook evenly.

2. Season the Chicken:

  • Pat the chicken thighs (or breasts) dry with paper towels. This helps them brown better.
  • In a small bowl, combine the Italian seasoning, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper.
  • Rub this spice mixture all over the chicken.

3. Sauté for Extra Flavor (Optional but Recommended):

  • Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  • Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn it!
  • Add the seasoned chicken to the skillet and sear for 1-2 minutes per side. This step isn’t crucial, but it adds a lovely depth of flavor to the dish.

4. Layer It in the Slow Cooker:

  • Pour the chicken broth into the bottom of your slow cooker (4-6 quart size recommended).
  • Add the potatoes to the slow cooker, spreading them in a single layer.
  • Place the seared chicken (or raw, if skipping the sauté step) over the potatoes.
  • Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the chicken and potatoes.

5. Slow Cook to Perfection:

  • Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours.
  • The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the potatoes are tender.

6. Finish and Serve:

  • Give the dish a good stir. The potatoes will likely be coated in a delicious, cheesy sauce.
  • Garnish with fresh chopped parsley, if desired.
  • Serve hot and enjoy!

Tips, Variations, and Serving Suggestions

Let’s customize this recipe to your tastes!

  • Chicken Breasts vs. Thighs: Chicken thighs are more forgiving in the slow cooker and stay juicier. Chicken breasts can dry out, so be sure they reach 165°F (74°C) and don’t overcook. If using breasts, consider cooking on low for a shorter amount of time.
  • Veggie Boost: Add vegetables like carrots, bell peppers, or onions along with the potatoes.
  • Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
  • Herb Power: Experiment with different herbs like rosemary or thyme. Fresh herbs added in the last hour will brighten the flavor.
  • Creamy Dreamy: Stir in a tablespoon or two of heavy cream or cream cheese during the last 30 minutes of cooking for an extra creamy sauce.
  • Serving Suggestions: This dish is fantastic on its own. But, you can also serve it with a simple green salad, steamed broccoli, or crusty bread for soaking up that delicious sauce. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice brightens everything up too!

(Optional) Nutritional Information (approximate, per serving – based on 6 servings):

  • Calories: 350-450
  • Protein: 30-40g
  • Fat: 15-25g
  • Carbohydrates: 20-30g

Your New Weeknight Favorite

There you have it – a ridiculously easy and incredibly delicious Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes. This recipe proves that comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated. It’s the perfect weeknight meal to satisfy your cravings for something warm, hearty, and flavorful. Give it a try – I’m confident it’ll become a new family favorite! Don’t forget to tag me on social media when you make it! Happy cooking!

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