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Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes Recipe

If you’re anything like me, you love recipes that require minimal hands-on time but deliver big on comfort and flavor. That’s exactly why I’m excited to share this Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes Recipe with you. It’s a dreamy combo of tender chicken, creamy cheese, and garlicky goodness, all slow-cooked to perfection with delightful potatoes that soak up every bit of that savory sauce. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll become your go-to for busy weeknights or when you want a fuss-free, yet impressive meal.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Effortless Cooking: Toss everything in the slow cooker, walk away, and come back to a fully cooked, flavorful meal.
  • Creamy & Comforting: The creamy garlic parmesan sauce is rich and indulgent without being complicated.
  • One-Pot Wonder: Chicken, potatoes, cheese – all cooked together for incredible flavor melding and easy cleanup.
  • Family Favorite: My family literally goes crazy for this meal – leftovers never last long!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes Recipe is its simplicity—each ingredient really plays a special role in creating that rich, cozy vibe we all love in a slow-cooked dish. Plus, these items are easy to find, and you probably have many of them in your fridge or pantry already.

  • Yukon gold petite potatoes: These hold up beautifully while cooking and have a buttery flavor that complements the creamy sauce perfectly.
  • Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: I prefer chicken breasts here because they shred nicely and soak up all that garlicky sauce.
  • Cream cheese: Make sure it’s room temperature and cut into chunks for even melting and that luscious creamy texture.
  • Minced garlic: Fresh is best, but jarred works too—this is the heart of your sauce’s flavor punch.
  • Parmesan cheese: Adds a sharp, nutty depth that elevates the sauce.
  • Garlic parmesan sauce: I love using Buffalo Wild Wings’ version; if you can’t find it, grab your favorite jarred version or make your own for a homemade twist.
  • Milk: Dilutes and smooths the sauce, keeping it creamy without being too heavy.
  • Mozzarella cheese: Melted on top for that irresistible gooey finish.
Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

One of the best things about this Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes Recipe is how flexible it is. I’ve played around with it over time to make it suit different tastes and occasions—I encourage you to do the same to make it truly your own.

  • Swap the potatoes: I’ve used sweet potatoes for a sweeter, earthier twist, which pairs really well with the Parmesan and garlic.
  • Try different cheeses: Adding a bit of sharp cheddar or swapping mozzarella for provolone can change the flavor profile subtly but nicely.
  • Spice it up: For heat lovers, I’ve added a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of hot sauce right before serving, which balances the creaminess well.
  • For a low-carb option: Substitute potatoes with cauliflower florets for a lighter version that still holds flavor beautifully.

How to 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 they cook evenly alongside the chicken. Next, cube the chicken breasts to roughly the same size. Place the potatoes at the bottom of your 6-quart slow cooker – this helps them cook through properly without drying out. Then add the chicken cubes right on top of the potatoes.

Step 2: Add the Cream Cheese, Garlic, and Parmesan

Distribute the cream cheese chunks evenly over the chicken and potatoes. This little step is what makes the sauce so creamy and luscious. Sprinkle the minced garlic and parmesan cheese on top to build that incredible flavor foundation. Don’t skip this—it’s what marries everything together beautifully.

Step 3: Pour the Garlic Parmesan Sauce and Milk

Pour the garlic parmesan sauce over the entire mixture, then add milk to the sauce bottle, give it a good shake, and pour that over everything as well. The milk helps thin the sauce slightly and ensures it spreads and soaks evenly through the dish. This step really makes the flavors meld while slow cooking.

Step 4: Slow Cook to Perfection

Cover your slow cooker and cook on high for 2½ to 3½ hours or low for about 4½ to 5½ hours. The exact time depends on your slow cooker model, but you want the chicken tender and the potatoes soft but not falling apart. Check toward the end to make sure nothing’s drying out, and add a splash of milk or broth if needed to keep it saucy.

Step 5: Melt the Mozzarella on Top

Once the chicken and potatoes are perfectly cooked, sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the top and cover again. Let it cook for another 10-15 minutes until the cheese is melted and gooey—this finishing touch adds that melty, irresistible layer everyone loves.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

A quick sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley adds a bright, fresh contrast and makes the dish look stunning on the plate. Then, dig in and enjoy the cozy garlicky parmesan goodness.

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Pro Tips for Making Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes Recipe

  • Even Sizing: Cut your chicken and potatoes into similar sizes to ensure everything cooks evenly and is easy to eat without one element drying out.
  • Room Temperature Cream Cheese: Let your cream cheese sit out for a bit before adding it; this helps it melt into the sauce more smoothly without any lumps.
  • Watch the Cooking Time: Slow cookers vary—check your dish earlier if you can, especially if you use smaller cuts of chicken to avoid overcooking and dryness.
  • Don’t Skip the Milk Shake: Shaking the milk into the sauce container makes sure the sauce and milk combine perfectly and distribute evenly over the dish.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes Recipe

A white plate with blue dots at the edge holds a creamy dish with three main layers: large pale yellow potato chunks, light beige chicken pieces, and white creamy sauce mixed with chopped green parsley sprinkled on top; next to the creamy mixture is a piece of golden brown toasted bread with a crisp texture. In the background, a white bowl contains more pieces of the toasted bread. The surface beneath the plate is a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I always top the finished dish with fresh parsley because it adds a pop of color and just the right amount of freshness to balance out the richness. Sometimes, I like to add a tiny sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes for a subtle kick. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice can also brighten things up nicely.

Side Dishes

This recipe is hearty enough on its own, but I love serving it alongside a crisp green salad or some steamed green beans to add some crunch and freshness. Garlic bread or crusty artisan rolls are also excellent if you want something to scoop up all that delicious sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve plated this dish in pretty shallow bowls and garnished with extra Parmesan curls and a sprinkle of chopped chives. You can even serve it over a bed of sautéed spinach or creamy polenta for a slightly different vibe that feels restaurant-worthy.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers store well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I like to portion mine out immediately so I grab and go for quick lunches or a no-fuss dinner the next day. The potatoes soak up a lot of the sauce overnight, so reheating with a splash of milk helps loosen things back up.

Freezing

You can absolutely freeze this dish for up to 3 months, but be aware the texture of the dairy-based sauce might change a bit—it can get a little grainy. I recommend freezing before adding the mozzarella topping, then adding fresh cheese when reheating.

Reheating

Reheat gently in a covered pan over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk or broth as needed to bring back the creamy texture. Avoid high heat, which can cause the sauce to separate. If you froze the dish, reheat fully then add a fresh layer of shredded mozzarella and let it melt before serving.

FAQs

  1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts in this recipe?

    Yes! Chicken thighs work great and stay extra juicy. Just be mindful that thighs may cook a bit faster or differently in your slow cooker, so check for doneness a little earlier to avoid overcooking.

  2. What if I don’t have garlic parmesan sauce on hand?

    You can substitute with a homemade mixture of garlic, butter, grated parmesan, and a bit of cream or milk to mimic the sauce, or use any creamy garlic sauce you love. The key is that flavorful base—make sure to season well!

  3. Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

    Absolutely! It holds up nicely for refrigerated leftovers and reheats well. Just portion it out after cooking for easy grab-and-go meals throughout the week.

  4. Can I add vegetables to this slow cooker dish?

    Yes! Vegetables like carrots, broccoli florets, or green beans can be added, but add them towards the last hour of cooking to prevent them from overcooking and getting mushy.

Final Thoughts

This Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes Recipe has become a personal favorite because it’s a perfect combination of ease, comfort, and impressive flavor that even picky eaters love. I remember the first time I made this overnight for a busy work week, and it felt like such a treat coming home to that creamy, garlicky aroma. You’ll enjoy how little effort it takes to get something so tasty on the table. I really hope you give it a try—you might just find it becoming your family’s next favorite!

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Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.7 from 122 reviews
  • Author: Megane
  • 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 is a comforting and creamy one-pot meal perfect for busy weeknights. Tender chicken breasts and Yukon gold potatoes are cooked low and slow in a rich garlic parmesan sauce infused with cream cheese and garlic, then topped with melted mozzarella cheese for an irresistible finish. The dish is easy to prepare, requiring minimal effort while delivering maximum flavor and a satisfying texture.


Ingredients

Potatoes and Chicken

  • 1 pound Yukon gold petite potatoes, quartered
  • 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces

Dairy and Cheese

  • 8 ounces cream cheese, cut into eight pieces (room temperature)
  • ½ cup parmesan cheese
  • 1 ½ cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
  • 1 cup milk

Sauces and Flavorings

  • 3 teaspoons garlic, minced
  • 12 ounces garlic parmesan sauce (e.g., Buffalo Wild Wings garlic parmesan sauce)


Instructions

  1. Prepare the Slow Cooker: Add the quartered Yukon gold potatoes to the bottom of a 6-quart slow cooker, ensuring they form an even layer for even cooking.
  2. Add Chicken: Place the bite-sized chicken breast pieces on top of the potatoes, distributing them evenly.
  3. Layer Cream Cheese and Seasonings: Scatter the cream cheese chunks, minced garlic, and parmesan cheese evenly over the chicken and potatoes.
  4. Pour Sauce and Milk: Pour the garlic parmesan sauce over all the ingredients. Add the milk to the empty garlic parmesan sauce bottle, shake well to mix, then pour this milk mixture evenly over the contents in the slow cooker.
  5. Cook Slowly: Cover and cook on high for 2½ to 3½ hours or on low for 4½ to 5½ hours, until the chicken is cooked through and potatoes are tender.
  6. Add Mozzarella: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly on top of the cooked ingredients, cover again, and cook until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  7. Garnish and Serve: Optionally garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot for a creamy, cheesy, and savory meal.

Notes

  • Uniform Pieces: Cut potatoes and chicken into bite-sized chunks to ensure even cooking and easier eating.
  • Storing: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The dish can also be frozen for up to 3 months; however, the texture of the dairy may change slightly, and sauces might become grainy.
  • Cream Cheese: Use room temperature cream cheese cut into even chunks to ensure it melts smoothly throughout the sauce.
  • Thinner Sauce: Add a splash of milk or broth at the end of cooking if the sauce is thicker than desired to reach your preferred consistency.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 420
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 850mg
  • Fat: 22g
  • Saturated Fat: 12g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 24g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: Thirty-five g
  • Cholesterol: 90mg

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