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Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes Recipe

I’m so excited to share this Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes Recipe with you because it’s honestly one of those dishes that feels fancy but takes almost no effort. Imagine tender chunks of chicken and golden Yukon gold potatoes all bathed in a creamy garlic parmesan sauce that practically melts in your mouth. It’s a total weeknight hero when you want cozy comfort food without standing over the stove.

What makes this Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes Recipe truly special is how the slow cooker lets all those rich flavors meld together perfectly over time, giving you juicy chicken and potatoes infused with garlic and cheesy goodness. Plus, it’s a one-pot wonder — which means less cleanup for you and more time to relax. I can’t wait for you to try it and make this your go-to comfort meal!

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Why This Recipe Works

  • Effortless Cooking: Toss everything in the slow cooker, set it, and walk away—perfect for busy days.
  • Flavor Fusion: Garlic, parmesan, and creamy cheeses blend seamlessly for deep, crave-worthy taste.
  • One-Pot Meal: Chicken, potatoes, and sauce all cook together, making for easy prep and clean-up.
  • Customizable: You can easily adjust seasonings and cheese types to make it your own.

Ingredients & Why They Work

The ingredients in this Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes Recipe come together beautifully because they each bring something essential: creamy texture, bold flavor, and hearty substance. Plus, choosing good quality potatoes and cheese really impacts the final dish, so I’ve got some tips to help you shop well.

  • Yukon gold petite potatoes: Their buttery flavor and waxy texture hold up nicely during slow cooking without falling apart.
  • Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Bite-sized pieces ensure even cooking—plus, they soak up the sauce.
  • Cream cheese: Adds luxurious creaminess—and make sure it’s room temp to melt evenly!
  • Garlic (minced): Fresh garlic brings that unbeatable zing and depth every garlic parmesan fan looks for.
  • Parmesan cheese: Provides sharp, salty flavor that balances the creaminess perfectly.
  • Garlic parmesan sauce: Using a bottled sauce like Buffalo Wild Wings’ garlic parmesan adds convenience and robust flavor.
  • Milk: Helps thin out the sauce slightly, making it extra silky and luscious.
  • Mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully on top for cheesy richness and a gooey finish.
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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.

Tweak to Your Taste

I love experimenting with this Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes Recipe depending on my mood or what I have on hand. Don’t hesitate to make it your own — adding herbs, swapping cheeses, or even mixing in veggies can totally work.

  • Variation: Sometimes I swap chicken breasts for thighs for extra juiciness, which works great with the creamy sauce.
  • Herbs: Adding fresh thyme or rosemary gives it a fragrant, rustic touch if you want to elevate the flavors.
  • Spicy Kick: A dash of crushed red pepper or a sprinkle of smoked paprika adds a surprising but delightful heat.
  • Vegetables: Throw in some green beans or sliced mushrooms about halfway through cooking—just be careful not to overcook them.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes Recipe

Step 1: Prep Potatoes and Chicken

First, quarter your Yukon gold petite potatoes into bite-sized pieces so they cook evenly. I like to use a sharp knife and keep the pieces roughly the same size as the chicken chunks for consistency. Then, cut the boneless skinless chicken breasts into similar bite-sized cubes. This helps both the chicken and potatoes cook nicely in the same amount of time without turning mushy or drying out.

Step 2: Layer Ingredients in the Slow Cooker

Place the quartered potatoes at the bottom of your 6-quart slow cooker. This layering is key because potatoes need more direct heat to cook through properly. Next, add the cubed chicken on top. Then, scatter the cream cheese chunks, minced garlic, and parmesan cheese evenly over the chicken. This layering of flavors ensures every bite hits those delicious garlicky notes.

Step 3: Pour Garlic Parmesan Sauce and Milk

Pour your garlic parmesan sauce over everything, making sure it covers all the ingredients. I recommend adding the milk to the empty sauce bottle, shaking it well, and then pouring it in as well — this helps thin and extend the sauce a bit for extra creaminess. Doing this little trick also saves dishes. Your slow cooker is officially ready for the magic to happen.

Step 4: Cook Low and Slow

Cover the slow cooker and cook on high for 2½ to 3½ hours or low for 4½ to 5½ hours. I usually go with the low setting for best texture, but if you’re short on time, the high works well too. The key here is to avoid overcooking because you want the chicken tender but not dry and the potatoes soft but still holding their shape.

Step 5: Add Mozzarella and Melt

Once the cooking time is up, sprinkle shredded mozzarella on top and put the lid back on for 10-15 minutes. This lets the cheese melt perfectly into a gooey, satisfying finish. It’s the final indulgent touch that makes this slow cooker garlic parmesan chicken and potatoes recipe feel like something special.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Just before serving, I like to sprinkle some fresh parsley over the top—it adds color and a fresh herbal note that cuts through the richness beautifully. Serve it straight from the slow cooker or plate it up for your family or guests to enjoy.

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

  • Room Temperature Cream Cheese: Let cream cheese soften before cutting to help it incorporate smoothly into the sauce without clumping.
  • Uniform Cuts: Keeping chicken and potatoes similar in size ensures even cooking and more consistent texture throughout.
  • Test for Doneness Early: Start checking your chicken toward the lower end of cook time to avoid overcooking, especially if your slow cooker runs hot.
  • Sauce Consistency: If the sauce ends up too thick, stir in a splash of milk or broth after cooking to loosen it up without sacrificing flavor.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes Recipe

Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

I almost always finish this dish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley because it adds a nice pop of color and a bright, fresh flavor that balances the richness. If I’m feeling fancy, I sometimes add a little grated lemon zest or some chopped chives for a subtle twist that really wakes up the dish.

Side Dishes

This recipe is pretty hearty on its own, but I like pairing it with a crisp green salad or steamed broccoli to add some freshness and crunch. Garlic bread or a simple crusty loaf is perfect too if you want to soak up every last bit of that amazing sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve served the Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes Recipe in small ramekins or mini cast iron skillets right at the table—everyone loves the individualized cheesy melt, and it feels extra cozy. You could also try layering it in a casserole dish, topping with extra cheese and breadcrumbs, then broiling it for a crunchy finish.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge and they usually last up to three days—enough for lunch the next day! The potatoes soak up a lot of the sauce overnight, so reheating gently helps keep everything from getting mushy.

Freezing

This recipe freezes pretty well if you want to prep ahead. Just portion it out into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to three months. The cream cheese and dairy might separate a bit after thawing, but a good stir while reheating brings it back close to the original silky texture.

Reheating

To reheat, I prefer gently warming it in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. If it’s thicker than you like, adding a splash of milk while reheating helps keep the sauce creamy and smooth without drying out the chicken or potatoes.

FAQs

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

    Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a great substitution and tend to stay more tender and juicy during the slow cooking process. Just cut them into bite-sized pieces, similar to the breasts, and follow the same cooking times.

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

    You can make a quick garlic parmesan sauce by combining melted butter, minced garlic, grated parmesan, and a splash of cream or milk. Mixing fresh ingredients allows you to control the flavor intensity, though the bottled sauce keeps things ultra convenient and consistent.

  3. Can I double this recipe to feed a crowd?

    Yes, you can double the ingredients, but be mindful of your slow cooker’s capacity. If you have a large slow cooker, it should be fine, but cooking times may increase slightly. It’s better to avoid overfilling for even cooking.

  4. How do I prevent the sauce from becoming too thick or grainy?

    If the sauce thickens more than you like, stir in a little milk or broth after cooking to loosen it up. If freezing leftovers, note that dairy might get slightly grainy, but reheating with a splash of milk and stirring well helps fix the texture.

  5. What’s the best way to serve this dish for meal prep?

    This slow cooker garlic parmesan chicken and potatoes recipe reheats great, making it ideal for meal prep. Portion into airtight containers and reheat gently for easy lunches or dinners throughout the week.

Final Thoughts

This Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes Recipe is one of those dishes I’ll keep coming back to because it’s reliably delicious and really practically effortless. Whether you’re feeding your family on a busy weekday or want a comforting meal waiting for you after a long day, it fits the bill perfectly. I hope you’ll enjoy making and sharing it as much as I do—it’s that comforting hug of a meal that just hits the spot every time.

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Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 5 from 11 reviews
  • Author: Taylor
  • 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

A comforting slow cooker recipe featuring tender bite-sized chicken breasts and Yukon gold potatoes cooked in a creamy garlic parmesan sauce, topped with melted mozzarella cheese for a rich and flavorful meal.


Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • 1 pound Yukon gold petite potatoes quartered
  • 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into bite sized pieces
  • 8 ounces cream cheese cut into eight pieces
  • 3 teaspoons garlic minced
  • ½ cup parmesan cheese
  • 12 ounces garlic parmesan sauce (such as Buffalo Wild Wings garlic parmesan sauce)
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1 ½ cups mozzarella cheese shredded


Instructions

  1. Prepare the slow cooker: Add the quartered Yukon gold potatoes evenly to the bottom of a 6-quart slow cooker for an even base layer.
  2. Add chicken on top: Place the bite-sized chicken breast pieces evenly over the potatoes in the slow cooker.
  3. Add cheeses and garlic: Distribute the chunks of cream cheese, minced garlic, and parmesan cheese evenly over the chicken and potatoes.
  4. Mix sauce and milk: Pour the 1 cup of milk into the empty garlic parmesan sauce bottle, shake well to combine, then pour the mixture evenly over all the ingredients in the slow cooker.
  5. Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on high for 3 hours or low for 5 hours until chicken is fully cooked and potatoes are tender.
  6. Top with mozzarella: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the cooked chicken and potatoes, then cover and cook for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is melted.
  7. Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve warm for a delicious hearty meal.

Notes

  • Uniform Pieces: Cut the potatoes and chicken into bite-sized chunks to ensure even cooking and easy eating.
  • Storing: Store leftovers for up to 3 days in an airtight container in the refrigerator or freeze for up to 3 months, though texture may change slightly.
  • Cream Cheese: Use room temperature cream cheese cut into even pieces to help it melt smoothly into the sauce.
  • Thinner Sauce: If the sauce is too thick after cooking, add some milk or broth and stir gently to reach desired consistency.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 450 kcal
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 700 mg
  • Fat: 28 g
  • Saturated Fat: 14 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 20 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 35 g
  • Cholesterol: 110 mg

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