This Easy Slow Cooker Parmesan Garlic Chicken with Potatoes is a winner! Tender chicken and creamy potatoes soak up garlic and cheesy goodness while cooking low and slow. Yum!
I love how simple it is—just toss everything in the slow cooker and forget about it. When dinner time comes, the house smells amazing, and you get to enjoy a hearty meal without all the fuss!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Thighs: Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs work best for this recipe as they stay juicy and tender. If you prefer leaner meat, boneless skinless chicken breasts can be used, but they may cook faster, so adjust cooking times accordingly.
Baby Potatoes: These little potatoes are perfect for soaking up flavor. If you can’t find baby potatoes, any small waxy potatoes like red or yellow would work. Just cut them into halves or quarters for even cooking.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan melts beautifully into the dish. If you don’t have Parmesan on hand, try Pecorino Romano for a sharper flavor or even a good-quality pre-grated version as a substitute.
Garlic: Fresh garlic gives the best taste. If you’re out of fresh garlic, you can use garlic powder (about 1 teaspoon) instead, but fresh truly elevates this dish.
How Do I Get the Chicken to Be Tender?
To ensure your chicken turns out tender and juicy, slow cooking is key! Here are tips to nail it:
- Use bone-in, skin-on chicken for the best flavor and moisture.
- Rub the seasoning mixture thoroughly on the chicken for deeper flavor.
- Keep the lid closed while cooking; this traps steam which helps cook the chicken evenly.
- Cook low and slow—aim for 6-7 hours on LOW or 3-4 hours on HIGH to prevent drying out.
After cooking, let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving. This helps keep it juicy and makes it easier to handle!
Easy Slow Cooker Parmesan Garlic Chicken with Potatoes
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken and Potatoes:
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 1.5 lbs baby potatoes, halved
For the Flavor Mixture:
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Other Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup chicken broth
- Optional: green beans or other steamed vegetables, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes approximately 15-20 minutes for prep and then cooks in the slow cooker for about 6 to 7 hours on LOW or 3 to 4 hours on HIGH. It’s an effortless way to have a delicious meal ready by the end of the day!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Flavor Mixture:
In a large bowl, combine minced garlic, Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, oregano, basil, thyme, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix together well until everything is combined.
2. Season the Chicken:
Pat dry the chicken thighs with paper towels. This helps them get crispy as they cook. Rub the Parmesan garlic mixture all over the chicken pieces, ensuring they are well-coated.
3. Prepare the Potatoes:
Place the halved baby potatoes into the bottom of your slow cooker. Drizzle the olive oil over the potatoes and toss them gently to coat evenly. This step adds flavor and helps them cook nicely.
4. Layer the Chicken:
Next, carefully place the seasoned chicken thighs right on top of the potatoes in the slow cooker. This way, the chicken juices will drip down and flavor the potatoes as everything cooks.
5. Add Broth for Moisture:
Pour the chicken broth around the potatoes and chicken. This will keep everything nice and moist during cooking and adds extra flavor.
6. Cooking Time:
Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set to cook on LOW for 6 to 7 hours or on HIGH for 3 to 4 hours. Keep the lid closed to maintain heat and steam, which is essential for cooking!
7. Optional Vegetables:
If you’d like, you can steam some green beans or your favorite vegetable to serve alongside the chicken and potatoes. They make a healthy addition to the meal!
8. Serve with Style:
When cooking is complete, carefully lift the lid and serve the chicken and potatoes on plates. Garnish with additional chopped parsley and spoon some of the delicious cooking juices over the top. Enjoy! This meal is loaded with flavor and makes for a comforting dinner.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Boneless Chicken Thighs Instead?
Yes, you can use boneless chicken thighs! Just keep in mind that they may cook faster, so check for doneness after about 2-3 hours on HIGH or 4-5 hours on LOW. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F for safe eating.
Can I Substitute the Potatoes?
Absolutely! If you don’t have baby potatoes, you can use regular potatoes, cut into chunks, or even swap in other vegetables like carrots or parsnips. Just adjust the cooking time slightly if using denser veggies.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth to keep the chicken moist.
Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
You can prepare everything in the slow cooker insert the night before. Just refrigerate the insert (covered). In the morning, set it in the slow cooker and start cooking! This way, you can enjoy a delicious meal without the morning rush.
