Easy Slow Cooker Chicken and Potatoes (Garlic Parmesan Version)

If you’re looking for a comforting and reliable weeknight dinner, this Easy Slow Cooker Chicken and Potatoes recipe delivers every single time. It’s the kind of meal that feels cozy and satisfying without requiring extra effort or complicated steps. Tender chicken cooks slowly alongside hearty potatoes in a creamy garlic Parmesan sauce that develops rich flavor as it simmers. All you have to do is add the ingredients to the slow cooker and let it do the work.


Creamy slow cooker garlic parmesan chicken with tender potatoes cooked in one pot

This one-pot dinner is ideal for busy evenings when you want real, homemade food without standing over the stove. The chicken stays moist, the potatoes become soft and flavorful, and the sauce brings everything together into a dish the whole family enjoys. It’s mild, comforting, and flexible enough to customize with vegetables or extra seasoning. Whether you’re feeding a family, meal-prepping for the week, or just craving something warm and filling, this slow cooker recipe is dependable, practical, and easy to come back to again and again.

Why This Slow Cooker Chicken and Potatoes Recipe Works

This version has quickly become a favorite because:

  • Effortless prep: Minimal chopping, no pre-cooking, and the slow cooker does all the work.
  • Rich garlic-Parmesan flavor: Creamy, savory, and comforting.
  • Kid-friendly: Mild, cozy flavors the whole family enjoys.
  • Great leftovers: Stays tender and reheats beautifully.
  • Adaptable: Unlimited variations—add vegetables, swap cheese, or make it creamier.

Ingredients You’ll Need

  • 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 ½ lbs red potatoes, chopped
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan
  • ¾ cup shredded Parmesan
  • 3–4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp garlic powder
  • 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
  • 1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ½ tsp pepper

Before you begin: Read through the recipe and prepare all ingredients in advance. Cooking times and results may vary depending on slow cooker size, heat setting, and ingredient thickness. Cook until the chicken is tender and cooked through, then finish with cheese near the end so it melts smoothly without overcooking.


How to Make Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes

1. Prep the Ingredients

Chop the potatoes into even-sized pieces and cut the chicken into 1-inch chunks. Mince the garlic for deeper flavor.

2. Add Everything to the Slow Cooker

Combine chicken, potatoes, minced garlic, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, olive oil, salt, pepper, and grated Parmesan. Stir well so every piece is coated.

3. Cook Until Tender

Cook until the chicken is tender and cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F in the thickest pieces.

4. Finish With Cheese

Sprinkle shredded Parmesan during the last 10–15 minutes so it melts into a creamy topping that completes the dish.


One pot slow cooker chicken and potatoes in creamy garlic parmesan sauce ready for dinner

How to Serve This Dish

This easy slow cooker chicken and potatoes recipe is a full meal on its own. Serve with:

  • Steamed broccoli or green beans
  • Fresh salad
  • Garlic bread
  • Rice or quinoa
  • Roasted vegetables

For color and freshness, top with chopped parsley.


Storage and Reheating

  • Refrigerate: 3–4 days in an airtight container
  • Freeze: 2–3 months
  • Reheat: Microwave, stovetop, or oven—add broth if needed

Helpful Tips for the Best Results

  • Cut chicken and potatoes evenly
  • Use fresh Parmesan for stronger flavor
  • Taste and adjust seasoning before serving
  • Check doneness early if cooking on HIGH

Variations to Try

  • Add mushrooms, carrots, or green beans
  • Swap Parmesan for mozzarella or provolone
  • Add red pepper flakes for heat
  • Stir in cream cheese for richer sauce

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Cutting the chicken and potatoes unevenly
    Uneven pieces cook at different rates, which can leave some pieces dry while others are undercooked.
  • Overcrowding the slow cooker
    Packing everything too tightly can prevent even cooking and lead to excess moisture instead of a creamy texture.
  • Using pre-shredded Parmesan cheese
    Pre-shredded cheese doesn’t melt smoothly and can result in a grainy sauce. Freshly grated Parmesan works best.
  • Adding all the cheese too early
    Stirring in shredded cheese at the beginning can cause it to separate. Add it near the end so it melts gently.
  • Cooking on HIGH without checking early
    Slow cookers vary. Checking doneness earlier helps prevent overcooking and dry chicken.
  • Skipping seasoning adjustments at the end
    Flavors deepen during cooking. Always taste and adjust salt or pepper before serving.
  • Serving immediately without resting
    Letting the dish rest briefly helps the sauce thicken slightly and coat the chicken and potatoes better.

Internal Links

  • Try my Garlic Butter Scallops for another easy dinner
  • Explore more Chicken Recipes on the blog
  • See my Dinner Ideas Collection for weekly meal planning inspiration

FAQ

Q1: Can I use frozen chicken in this slow cooker recipe?
Frozen chicken is not recommended for slow cookers.
For best results and food safety, thaw chicken fully in the refrigerator before cooking so it heats evenly and reaches a safe temperature.

Q2: Are chicken thighs better than chicken breasts for this recipe?
Many home cooks prefer thighs because they stay moist and tender during slow cooking. Thighs also add more flavor to the creamy garlic-Parmesan sauce, although breasts still work beautifully.

Q3: How can I make this chicken and potatoes dish creamier?
Add 2 tablespoons of cream cheese or a splash of heavy cream in the final 10 minutes. It blends into the Parmesan and creates a velvety sauce that coats every bite.

Q4: What vegetables can I add?
Carrots, mushrooms, cauliflower, green beans, or zucchini all work well. Add them at the beginning so they cook evenly alongside the chicken and potatoes.

Q5: Can I prep this slow cooker meal ahead of time?
Yes. Chop everything the night before and store it in the fridge. In the morning, simply add everything to the slow cooker and start cooking.


CONCLUSION

This Easy Slow Cooker Chicken and Potatoes recipe is warm, comforting, and perfect for any night of the week. With simple ingredients and almost no hands-on work, it creates a creamy garlic-Parmesan meal that feels homemade without the effort. Whether you’re planning a cozy family dinner, prepping meals for the week, or looking for an easy one-pot recipe, this dish is dependable, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying. Save it for busy nights—you’ll return to it again and again because it delivers great flavor with minimal work.


Tender slow cooker chicken and potatoes coated in creamy parmesan garlic sauce

Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes Recipe Card

  • Author: isaac blogger
  • Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
  • Yields: 6 servings
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Slow Cooker
  • Cuisine: American

Ingredients:

  • 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 1/2 lbs red potatoes, chopped
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 3/4 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
  • 3-4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp garlic powder
  • 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
  • 1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 tsp salt, or to taste
  • 1/2 tsp pepper, or to taste

Instructions:

  1. Prep Ingredients: Chop chicken and potatoes into uniform pieces.
  2. Combine: Add all ingredients except the shredded Parmesan to the slow cooker. Stir well to combine and coat everything evenly.
  3. Cook: Cook on HIGH for 2-3 hours or on LOW for 4-6 hours, until the chicken is tender and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F).
  4. Finish: In the last few minutes of cooking, sprinkle the shredded Parmesan cheese on top. Cover and let it melt.
  5. Serve: Serve hot, with fresh herbs if you like.

Nutrition (per serving):

  • Calories: 410
  • Carbohydrates: 40g
  • Protein: 34g
  • Fat: 15g
  • Fiber: 4g

Nutrition values are estimates only and may vary based on ingredients, brands, and portion sizes used.

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