A creamy, savory slow-cooker meal with tender chicken, buttery potatoes, garlic, Parmesan, and Italian herbs. It’s an easy comfort-food dinner with minimal prep.
Ingredients
For the chicken and potatoes:
- 2 lb (900 g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- 1½ lb (680 g) baby Yukon Gold or red potatoes, halved
- 5–6 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup (120 ml) low-sodium chicken broth
- ½ cup (120 ml) heavy cream
- ¾ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1½ tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp paprika
- ¾ tsp salt, or to taste
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp dried parsley
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes, optional
For finishing:
- ¼ cup extra Parmesan cheese
- 1–2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice, optional
Instructions
- Prepare the potatoes
Wash the potatoes thoroughly and cut larger baby potatoes in half. Keep very small potatoes whole so they cook evenly. - Season the chicken
Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and Italian seasoning. - Make the garlic Parmesan mixture
In a bowl, whisk together the melted butter, olive oil, minced garlic, chicken broth, heavy cream, and ¾ cup Parmesan cheese. - Layer the crockpot
Place the potatoes in the bottom of a 6-quart slow cooker. Arrange the seasoned chicken over the potatoes. - Add the sauce
Pour the garlic Parmesan mixture evenly over the chicken and potatoes. Sprinkle with dried parsley and red pepper flakes if using. - Slow cook
Cover and cook on LOW for 5–6 hours or HIGH for 2½–3½ hours, depending on the size and type of chicken. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), and the potatoes should be fork-tender. - Add more Parmesan
During the final 15–20 minutes, sprinkle the remaining ¼ cup Parmesan over the chicken and potatoes. Cover again and allow the cheese to melt. - Finish and serve
Sprinkle with fresh parsley and, if desired, a small squeeze of lemon juice to brighten the creamy sauce.
Nut Information
- Contains nuts: No.
- The recipe itself does not contain peanuts, tree nuts, almonds, walnuts, pecans, cashews, pistachios, or other nuts.
- Parmesan cheese and heavy cream are dairy products, not nuts.
- For a nut allergy, check the labels of packaged Parmesan, broth, seasonings, and other ingredients for possible cross-contact warnings.
Quick Nutrition Estimate
Per serving, assuming 6 servings:
- Calories: about 520
- Protein: about 43 g
- Carbohydrates: about 28 g
- Fat: about 27 g
- Fiber: about 3 g
- Sugar: about 3 g
- Sodium: about 700–850 mg
Nutrition will vary depending on the chicken cut, potatoes, Parmesan, cream, and broth used.
Q&A
Q: Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
A: Yes. Chicken breasts work very well, but avoid overcooking them because they can become dry. Check the temperature toward the lower end of the cooking time.
Q: Can I use frozen chicken?
A: For food safety, it is better to thaw the chicken completely before putting it into a slow cooker.
Q: Can I use Russet potatoes?
A: Yes, but Yukon Gold or red potatoes hold their shape better. If using Russets, cut them into large chunks so they don’t become too soft.
Q: Can I make this without heavy cream?
A: Yes. You can substitute half-and-half or evaporated milk. The sauce will be slightly lighter.
Q: Why did my sauce separate?
A: High heat or prolonged cooking can cause dairy-based sauces to separate. Cooking on LOW and adding the Parmesan toward the end helps keep the sauce smoother.
Q: Can I add vegetables?
A: Absolutely. Broccoli, green beans, mushrooms, carrots, or spinach can be added. Add delicate vegetables such as spinach and broccoli toward the end so they don’t overcook.
Q: Can I make it spicy?
A: Add red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or a little hot sauce to the garlic Parmesan mixture.
Q: Can I brown the chicken first?
A: Yes. Searing the chicken in a little oil before adding it to the crockpot gives it a deeper, more savory flavor, although this step is optional.
Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days.
Q: Can I freeze it?
A: The chicken and potatoes can be frozen, but the creamy Parmesan sauce may change texture slightly after thawing. For best quality, refrigerate rather than freeze.
Q: How do I reheat it?
A: Reheat gently in the microwave or in a covered skillet over low heat. Add a splash of chicken broth or cream if the sauce has thickened too much.
Q: What can I serve with it?
A: A simple green salad, steamed broccoli, roasted vegetables, or green beans pair nicely with this creamy chicken and potato dish.
- Grandma’s Cream Puffs – Light, Crisp & Creamy - October 17, 2026
- Easy Crockpot Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken - October 17, 2026
- Garlic Herb Roasted Potatoes - October 17, 2026




