Slow Cooker Parmesan Garlic Chicken and Potatoes

This Slow Cooker Parmesan Garlic Chicken and Potatoes recipe is perfect for busy nights when you want a comforting and flavorful meal without spending hours in the kitchen. With tender chicken and creamy potatoes smothered in a heavenly garlic Parmesan sauce, this dish is sure to impress at any family dinner or gathering. The ease of preparation and delicious outcomes make it a standout choice for anyone looking to enjoy a hearty meal with minimal effort.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: Spend just 15 minutes on prep work and let your slow cooker do the rest.
• One-Pot Wonder: Everything cooks together, making cleanup a breeze.
• Rich Flavor: The creamy garlic sauce infuses the chicken and potatoes with incredible taste.
• Family-Friendly: This dish appeals to both kids and adults, making it great for family meals.
• Versatile: Perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or meal prep for the week ahead.

Tools and Preparation

To make this delicious meal, you’ll need a few essential tools that will help streamline your cooking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Slow cooker
• Cutting board
• Knife
• Mixing bowl
• Whisk

Importance of Each Tool

• Slow cooker: This tool allows you to cook your meal low and slow, resulting in tender chicken and perfectly cooked potatoes.
• Mixing bowl: Ideal for combining ingredients like sauces and seasonings without making a mess.
• Knife: A sharp knife is key for quickly chopping vegetables and meat, saving you time in preparation.

Ingredients

To create this mouthwatering slow cooker dish, gather the following ingredients:

For the Chicken and Potatoes

• 2 pounds potatoes, cut in 1 1/2 -2 inch chunks
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 3/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 2 pounds skinless, boneless chicken breasts

For the Sauce

• 1 cup creamy Parmesan garlic sauce, such as Buffalo Wild Wings® Parmesan Garlic
• 1/2 cup water or chicken stock

For Topping

• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley, or to taste (optional)

How to Make Slow Cooker Parmesan Garlic Chicken and Potatoes

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

Combine the following ingredients in your slow cooker:
1. Add the potatoes, olive oil, kosher salt, black pepper, and paprika. Stir until well coated.
2. Place the chicken breasts on top of the seasoned potatoes. Sprinkle with any remaining salt and pepper.

Step 2: Mix the Sauce

In a mixing bowl:
1. Whisk together the Parmesan garlic sauce and water or chicken stock. Ensure it’s well combined.

Step 3: Combine Everything

Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken and potatoes in the slow cooker.

Step 4: Cook

Set your slow cooker:
– Cook on High for 4 hours or Low for 6 hours until the chicken is cooked through and potatoes are tender.

Step 5: Add Cheese

During the last 20 minutes of cooking:
– Sprinkle in the shredded mozzarella cheese and optional grated Parmesan cheese. Cover to let it melt.

Step 6: Serve

Once cooked, sprinkle with fresh parsley if desired before serving. Enjoy your delicious Slow Cooker Parmesan Garlic Chicken and Potatoes!

How to Serve Slow Cooker Parmesan Garlic Chicken and Potatoes

Serving Slow Cooker Parmesan Garlic Chicken and Potatoes is a delightful experience that brings comfort to your dining table. This dish pairs well with various sides and toppings, enhancing its rich flavors.

Add Fresh Herbs

• Chopped Parsley: Sprinkle fresh parsley on top for a burst of color and flavor.
• Thyme or Rosemary: These herbs can elevate the dish with their aromatic qualities.

Pair with Bread

• Garlic Bread: Serve warm garlic bread on the side to soak up the delicious sauce.
• Dinner Rolls: Soft dinner rolls are perfect for mopping up any remaining sauce.

Serve with Salad

• Caesar Salad: A classic Caesar salad provides a nice crunch and balances the richness of the chicken.
• Mixed Greens: Light mixed greens with a vinaigrette offer a refreshing contrast.

How to Perfect Slow Cooker Parmesan Garlic Chicken and Potatoes

Perfecting this dish ensures that every bite is flavorful and tender. With these tips, you’ll be able to enhance your slow cooker experience.

• Choose the Right Chicken: Using skinless, boneless chicken breasts keeps it healthy and allows for even cooking.
• Cut Potatoes Evenly: Ensure potatoes are cut into similar sizes for uniform cooking.
• Don’t Skip the Sauce: The creamy Parmesan garlic sauce adds depth; make sure it’s well mixed before pouring it over.
• Use Quality Cheese: Opt for high-quality mozzarella and Parmesan cheese for better melting and flavor.
• Adjust Cooking Time: Each slow cooker is different; check for doneness by ensuring chicken reaches 165°F (75°C).
• Let It Rest: Allow the dish to sit for a few minutes after cooking before serving. This helps flavors meld together.

Best Side Dishes for Slow Cooker Parmesan Garlic Chicken and Potatoes

Complementing your Slow Cooker Parmesan Garlic Chicken and Potatoes with the right side dishes can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some great options:

1. Steamed Broccoli: Bright green broccoli adds nutrition and color to your plate.
2. Roasted Asparagus: Tossed in olive oil, roasted asparagus offers a crispy, savory side.
3. Coleslaw: A crunchy coleslaw can add texture and balance out the creamy chicken dish.
4. Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad brings protein and freshness, enhancing the overall meal.
5. Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn on the cob is always a crowd-pleaser, especially in summer.
6. Rice Pilaf: Fluffy rice pilaf flavored with herbs complements the richness of the chicken nicely.
7. Grilled Zucchini: Grilled zucchini slices add smokiness and are easy to prepare alongside other dishes.
8. Baked Sweet Potatoes: Sweet potatoes provide a sweeter contrast that pairs beautifully with garlic flavors.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

To ensure your Slow Cooker Parmesan Garlic Chicken and Potatoes turns out perfectly, avoid these common mistakes.

• Overcrowding the slow cooker: When you add too many ingredients, it can prevent even cooking. Make sure there’s enough space for heat to circulate around the chicken and potatoes.
• Skipping the seasoning: Failing to season both the chicken and potatoes can lead to bland flavors. Don’t forget to sprinkle salt, pepper, and spices generously.
• Not checking doneness: Cooking times can vary based on your slow cooker model. Always check that the chicken is cooked through and the potatoes are tender before serving.
• Adding cheese too early: If you add mozzarella and Parmesan at the beginning, they can become overly melted and lose their texture. Add them during the last 20 minutes of cooking for best results.
• Using low-quality sauce: The quality of your Parmesan garlic sauce affects the final flavor. Opt for a creamy, flavorful sauce to enhance your dish significantly.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• • Store leftovers in an airtight container.
• • Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing Slow Cooker Parmesan Garlic Chicken and Potatoes

• • Allow the dish to cool completely before freezing.
• • Use freezer-safe containers or bags to prevent freezer burn.
• • Can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Slow Cooker Parmesan Garlic Chicken and Potatoes

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and heat covered for about 20 minutes or until warm throughout.
• Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe dish, cover, and heat in intervals of 1 minute until heated through.
• Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about Slow Cooker Parmesan Garlic Chicken and Potatoes.

Can I use other meats instead of chicken?

Yes! You can substitute turkey or lamb if desired. Adjust cooking time as necessary based on meat type.

What can I serve with Slow Cooker Parmesan Garlic Chicken and Potatoes?

This dish pairs well with steamed vegetables or a fresh salad to complement the richness of the meal.

How do I customize my Slow Cooker Parmesan Garlic Chicken and Potatoes?

Feel free to add other vegetables like carrots or green beans for extra nutrition and flavor!

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes! Substitute dairy-free cheese alternatives in place of mozzarella and Parmesan, ensuring you choose options that melt well.

Final Thoughts

Slow Cooker Parmesan Garlic Chicken and Potatoes is an easy, comforting dish perfect for busy weeknights. Its cheesy goodness is sure to please everyone at the table. Feel free to customize it with your favorite vegetables or spices to make it your own!