Creamy Garlic Parmesan Crockpot Chicken & Potatoes (Print Version)

Tender Garlic Parmesan Crockpot Chicken and Potatoes, an easy, cheesy weeknight meal. Set it and forget it for comforting flavor.

# Recipe Info:

Prep Time: 15 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 4 Hours minutes
Total Time: 19 minutes
Servings: 6 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: American Comfort
Dietary: Comfort Food

# Ingredients:

→ Main Players

01 - 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
02 - 2 lbs Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch chunks
03 - 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth

→ Flavor Powerhouses

04 - 6-8 cloves fresh garlic, minced
05 - 1 tbsp dried Italian seasoning
06 - 1 tsp onion powder
07 - 1 tsp garlic powder
08 - 1 tsp salt
09 - 1/2 tsp black pepper

→ Creamy Dream Team

10 - 8 oz cream cheese, cut into chunks
11 - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus more for garnish)

→ Fresh Finishers

12 - 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

# Instructions:

01 - First things first, let's get those potatoes and chicken ready. Wash and peel your Yukon Golds, then chop them into roughly 1-inch pieces. Don't make them too small, or they might get a bit too soft. Then, trim any excess fat from your boneless, skinless chicken thighs. I usually give them a quick pat dry with a paper towel; it helps the seasonings stick better. This is where I always make sure the cutting board is stable, nothing worse than a wobbly board when you're chopping!
02 - In a large bowl, toss your chopped potatoes and chicken thighs with the minced fresh garlic, Italian seasoning, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Really get in there with your hands and make sure everything is evenly coated. I love how the garlic smell starts to fill the kitchen even at this stage – it’s a promise of deliciousness to come! Don't be shy with the seasonings; this is where a lot of your flavor comes from. I once didn't season enough and the final dish was a bit bland, a mistake I won't repeat.
03 - Now for the easy part! Transfer the seasoned chicken and potatoes into your slow cooker. Try to spread them out in an even layer. Then, pour in the chicken broth. I usually give the bowl a little rinse with some of the broth to make sure I get all those delicious spices into the pot. This step always feels like the calm before the delicious storm, just set it and forget it, mostly!
04 - Dot the top of the chicken and potatoes with chunks of cream cheese. Just dollop them around; they'll melt down and create that incredible, rich sauce as the dish cooks. Sprinkle about half of the grated Parmesan cheese over everything. The cheese will melt into the sauce, adding that signature salty, nutty flavor. I've found if you add it all at the beginning, some of the parmesan can stick to the sides, so I save some for later.
05 - Cover your slow cooker and cook on LOW for 4-6 hours, or on HIGH for 2-3 hours. The cooking time can vary a bit depending on your slow cooker, so keep an eye on it. The chicken should be fall-apart tender, and the potatoes easily pierced with a fork. Resist the urge to lift the lid too often, honestly, every peek adds about 20-30 minutes to your cook time, and trust me, the wait is worth it!
06 - Once everything is cooked through, give the contents of your slow cooker a good stir. The cream cheese and Parmesan will have melted into a wonderfully thick, creamy sauce. Taste and adjust seasonings if needed – maybe a little more salt or pepper? Sprinkle the remaining grated Parmesan and fresh chopped parsley over the top for a final flourish. The aroma at this point is just incredible, making all the waiting worthwhile. Enjoy your perfect Garlic Parmesan Crockpot Chicken and Potatoes!

# Notes:

01 - Don't peek too much! Resist the urge to lift the lid; every time you do, you add about 20-30 minutes to the cook time. I learned that the hard way when I was starving!
02 - Leftovers are surprisingly good! Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth if it seems dry.
03 - Tried swapping chicken thighs for breasts once, and while it worked, the thighs just stay juicier in the slow cooker. Stick with them for the best texture, trust me.
04 - A sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives right before serving really brightens up all that rich flavor. It's a small step that makes a big difference in presentation.

# Equipment Needed:

01 - Slow cooker (Crockpot)
02 - large mixing bowl
03 - sharp knife
04 - cutting board

# Nutrition (Per Serving):

Calories: 650
Total Fat: 42g
Total Carbohydrate: 35g
Protein: 38g