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Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes Recipe

If you’re anything like me, you’ll love how fuss-free and comforting this Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes Recipe is. It’s one of those meals that feels fancy but requires almost zero hands-on time, perfect for days when you want a hearty dinner waiting for you without slaving away in the kitchen. The garlic parmesan sauce brings a rich, creamy flavor that wraps around tender chicken and golden potatoes, making every bite cozy and indulgent.

I first made this recipe on a chilly weekend when I craved something warm and satisfying with minimal prep, and it quickly became a staple. It’s reliable, forgiving, and perfect for busy weeknights or lazy Sundays when you want to relax instead of cook. Trust me, once you try this Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes Recipe, you’ll find yourself reaching for it again and again.

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Why This Recipe Works

  • Effortless Prep: You just toss everything into the slow cooker and let it do the work.
  • Flavor-Packed Sauce: The garlic parmesan sauce is creamy and savory, turning simple ingredients into a comforting meal.
  • Tender, Juicy Chicken & Potatoes: Slow cooking melds flavors beautifully and makes both the chicken and potatoes melt in your mouth.
  • Versatile for Any Occasion: Whether it’s weeknight dinner or hosting friends, this recipe fits right in.

Ingredients & Why They Work

The magic of this Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes Recipe lies in the balance of creamy cheese, savory garlic, and tender protein paired with starchy potatoes that soak up all the flavors. Choosing good-quality ingredients really takes this dish from simple to sensational.

  • Yukon gold petite potatoes: Their thin skins don’t require peeling, and they hold shape well during slow cooking, giving a lovely creamy texture.
  • Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Easy to cut into bite-sized pieces for even cooking and quick absorption of flavors.
  • Cream cheese: Adds richness and smoothness to the sauce—make sure it’s at room temperature for easier melting.
  • Minced garlic: The star flavor, providing that punchy garlicky aroma which pairs perfectly with parmesan.
  • Parmesan cheese: Brings salty, nutty complexity that elevates the sauce.
  • Garlic parmesan sauce: I used Buffalo Wild Wings’ version, but any creamy garlic parmesan sauce you like will do—this keeps the sauce easy and tasty.
  • Milk: Helps thin out the sauce just enough so it’s luscious without being too thick or heavy.
  • Mozzarella cheese: Sprinkled on top to melt into ooey-gooey cheesy goodness before serving.
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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

One of the things I enjoy most is how adaptable this Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes Recipe is. Feel free to tweak it based on what you have or what you like. I’ve played with spicy versions and even swapped veggies to keep it fresh and exciting.

  • Spicy Twist: I sometimes add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce to the garlic parmesan sauce for a subtle heat that wakes up the flavors.
  • Vegetable Add-Ins: Throw in some green beans or broccoli in the last hour of cooking to sneak in some greens.
  • Dairy-Free Version: Substitute cream cheese with dairy-free cream cheese and use a garlic parmesan sauce that’s vegan-friendly for a similar rich experience.
  • Make it Gluten-Free: Just double-check your garlic parmesan sauce to ensure it’s gluten-free, and you’re set.

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

Step 1: Prep the Potatoes and Chicken

Start by quartering the Yukon gold petite potatoes so they cook evenly and are easy to eat. Then, chop the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces for uniform cooking. Having your veggies and chicken similarly sized makes sure nothing ends up undercooked or dry. Pro tip: Pat the chicken dry with paper towels before cutting—it helps the sauce cling better and reduces excess moisture.

Step 2: Layer Everything in the Slow Cooker

Put the potatoes at the bottom of your 6-quart slow cooker—they need the most time to soften. Next, pile the cubed chicken on top. Scatter pieces of room-temperature cream cheese evenly across the chicken, then sprinkle the minced garlic and parmesan cheese. Pour the garlic parmesan sauce over everything to coat it nicely.

Step 3: Mix the Milk and Finish Pouring

After pouring the sauce, add the milk to the empty sauce bottle, give it a good shake to pick up every last bit, then pour that over the slow cooker layers. This trick ensures you get all the flavor without wasting any sauce. Cover and set the cooker to high for 2½ to 3½ hours, or low for 4½ to 5½ hours until the chicken is tender and the potatoes are soft.

Step 4: Add Mozzarella and Finish Cooking

Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese on top once the chicken and potatoes are done cooking and cover again. Let the cheese melt for about 10-15 minutes—this finishing touch adds that irresistible gooey layer you don’t want to miss. If the sauce looks too thick for your liking, feel free to stir in a splash of milk or broth to loosen it up before serving.

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

  • Uniformly Sized Pieces: Cutting potatoes and chicken into similar-sized chunks ensures even cooking and prevents some parts from drying out.
  • Room Temperature Cream Cheese: It melts more smoothly into the sauce, preventing clumps and giving that velvety texture.
  • Use the Shake Trick for Sauce: Adding milk into the sauce bottle and shaking it ensures you get every flavorful drop into your meal.
  • Layer Order Matters: Potatoes on the bottom get the most heat, so they soften perfectly while chicken stays juicy on top.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes Recipe

Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

I always sprinkle some freshly chopped parsley on top before serving—it brightens the dish visually and adds a fresh herbal touch that cuts through the richness nicely. If you like a little extra zing, a few red pepper flakes also make a great garnish.

Side Dishes

This Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes Recipe is pretty complete on its own, but I love pairing it with a crisp green salad or some steamed broccoli to balance the richness. A crusty bread or garlic knots are also great for dipping into that luscious sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party, I like serving this dish in rustic cast iron skillets right at the table, topped with extra parmesan and fresh herbs. It looks inviting, keeps everything warm, and makes guests feel like they’re indulging in something truly special.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually let the leftovers cool completely, then transfer them to an airtight container and store them in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheating in the microwave works well, but I add a splash of milk to bring back that creamy texture.

Freezing

If I want to freeze the Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes Recipe, I wait until it’s completely cooled, then pack it into a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. The texture changes a bit—the dairy can get grainy—but it’s still tasty when reheated gently.

Reheating

To reheat, I usually warm it up on the stovetop in a skillet over low heat with a little milk stirred in to loosen the sauce. This way, it warms evenly and keeps its creamy goodness without drying out.

FAQs

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

    Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a great alternative because they stay juicy and flavorful during slow cooking. Just cut them into uniform pieces as you would with breasts, and expect the same cooking time. Thighs may even add a bit more richness to the dish.

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

    No worries! You can easily make a quick homemade version by mixing mayonnaise, grated parmesan, minced garlic or garlic powder, and a splash of milk to reach your desired consistency. Adjust the amounts to taste, and you’ll still have that signature garlicky, cheesy flavor.

  3. Can this recipe be made in an Instant Pot instead of a slow cooker?

    Yes, you can make this in an Instant Pot using the “Slow Cook” function or by pressure cooking on high for about 10 minutes with natural release. Just make sure to layer ingredients as suggested and check for doneness before adding mozzarella cheese on top to melt under the “Sauté” mode.

  4. How can I prevent the sauce from becoming grainy when freezing?

    Dairy sauces can separate or get grainy after freezing due to texture changes in the cheese. To minimize this, freeze leftovers quickly and thaw slowly in the fridge before reheating gently over low heat with a bit of milk added to smooth the sauce out again.

Final Thoughts

This Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes Recipe is one of my go-to meals because it combines simple ingredients with big, comforting flavor, all without a lot of stress. Whether you’re cooking for family, meal prepping, or just craving something cozy after a busy day, it’s a winner. I hope you love it as much as I do—give it a try and let it become your next slow cooker favorite!

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Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.9 from 18 reviews
  • Author: Madison
  • 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 chicken breasts and Yukon gold potatoes simmered 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 ingredients: Quarter the Yukon gold potatoes and cut chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces for even cooking and easy eating.
  2. Layer in slow cooker: Add potatoes to the bottom of a 6-quart slow cooker, then place the cubed chicken on top.
  3. Add cheeses and garlic: Distribute cream cheese chunks, minced garlic, and parmesan cheese evenly over the chicken and potatoes.
  4. Add sauce and milk: Pour the garlic parmesan sauce over everything. Then, add milk to the empty sauce bottle, shake to combine, and pour it over the ingredients in the slow cooker.
  5. Cook: Cover and cook on high for 3 hours or low for 5 hours until the chicken is fully cooked and potatoes are tender.
  6. Add mozzarella: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the cooked mixture, cover again, and cook for an additional 10-15 minutes until cheese is melted.
  7. Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and enjoy your creamy garlic parmesan chicken and potatoes.

Notes

  • Uniform pieces: Cut potatoes and chicken into similar-sized chunks to ensure even cooking.
  • Storing: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator or freeze up to 3 months; note texture changes may occur after freezing.
  • Cream cheese tips: Use room temperature cream cheese cut into even pieces to help it melt evenly.
  • Thinner sauce: If the sauce is too thick after cooking, add a splash of milk or broth to reach desired consistency.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 450 kcal
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 650 mg
  • Fat: 25 g
  • Saturated Fat: 12 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 20 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 35 g
  • Cholesterol: 90 mg

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