Name: Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 4 h
Total time: 4 h 10 min
Yield: 5
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 5 in chicken thighs; kosher salt; black pepper; 6 pcs red potatoes; 5 garlic; 1 tbsp thyme; ½ cup parmesan cheese

This slow cooker garlic parmesan chicken and potatoes recipe is a comforting, flavorful dish that's easy to make and perfect for any weeknight dinner. The combination of juicy chicken thighs, hearty red potatoes, aromatic garlic, and savory parmesan cheese creates a delicious meal that the whole family will enjoy.

Photos of Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes Recipe

The ingredients required for this recipe are mostly pantry staples. However, it’s important to note that not all parmesan cheese is created equal. For the best flavor, opt for a block of high-quality parmesan that you can grate yourself, rather than the pre-grated variety. Thyme, a key herb in this recipe, is available both fresh and dried. Fresh thyme will provide a more nuanced flavor, but dried thyme is more commonly found in pantries and works perfectly fine.

Ingredients for Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes

Chicken thighs: These are used for their juiciness and flavor, which stand up well to slow cooking.

Kosher salt: This is used to season the chicken and potatoes, enhancing their natural flavors.

Black pepper: This adds a touch of heat and complexity to the dish.

Red potatoes: These hold up well in the slow cooker and absorb the flavors of the dish.

Garlic: A key flavor component in this dish, garlic adds a robust, savory flavor.

Thyme: This herb adds a subtle earthy flavor that complements the chicken and potatoes.

Parmesan cheese: This adds a saltiness and nuttiness to the dish, and also helps to thicken the sauce slightly.

One reader, Eduino Osorio says:

This slow cooker garlic parmesan chicken and potatoes recipe is a game-changer! The flavors are rich and comforting, and the chicken is so tender. It's incredibly easy to prepare, and the aroma while it cooks is mouthwatering. This recipe has become a family favorite in our household!

Eduino Osorio

Mastering the Techniques for Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes

How to brown the chicken thighs: Heat a skillet on medium-high heat and season the chicken thighs with kosher salt and black pepper. Add the chicken thighs skin side down and brown for 5 to 7 minutes on each side or until golden brown.

How to add the potatoes and garlic: After browning the chicken, add the red potatoes to the skillet and stir them in the chicken fat. Then add the chopped garlic and thyme, and season as desired with salt and pepper.

How to cook in the slow cooker: Cook the chicken and potatoes on high for 4 hours or low for 8 hours. After the cooking time, add half of the parmesan cheese and cook on high for an additional 15 minutes.

How to serve: Serve the slow cooker garlic parmesan chicken and potatoes and top with the remaining parmesan cheese.

How To Make Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Chicken

Using a slow cooker brought out layers of flavor in this garlic parmesan chicken dish. The chicken and potatoes created a three-dimensional taste.

Preparation: 10 minutes

Cooking: 4 hours

Total: 4 hours 10 minutes

Serves:

Ingredients

5inchicken thighsbone-in and skin-on
kosher salt
black pepper
6pcsred potatoesquartered
5garliccloves
1tbspthymefresh
½cupparmesan cheeseshaved

Instructions

In your slow cooker aluminum insert.
Heat the skillet on medium-high heat.
Season the chicken to taste with Kosher salt and black pepper.
Add the chicken thighs skin side down and brown for 5 to 7 minutes on each side or until golden brown.
Add in the potatoes and stir amongst the chicken fat in the pan.
Add in the chopped garlic and thyme and season as desired with salt and pepper.
Cook on High for 4 hours or Low for 8 hours.
Add half the Parmesan cheese and cook on high for 15 minutes.
Serve and top with remaining Parmesan cheese.

Recipe Notes

If your slow cooker runs hot or you use inserts and the chicken steams instead of crisps, finish cooking in the oven at 400 degrees F for 5 to 7 minutes to crisp up the potatoes and the chicken.

Nutrition

Calories: 730.79kcal
Fat: 36.49g
Saturated Fat: 11.32g
Trans Fat: 0.16g
Monounsaturated Fat: 14.54g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 7.03g
Carbohydrates: 56.76g
Fiber: 5.97g
Sugar: 4.16g
Protein: 44.47g
Cholesterol: 199.25mg
Sodium: 1227.57mg
Calcium: 271.85mg
Potassium: 1865.17mg
Iron: 4.23mg
Vitamin A: 76.74µg
Vitamin C: 33.54mg

Expert Advice for Perfecting Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes

When browning the chicken thighs, ensure that your skillet is properly heated before adding the chicken. This will help to sear the skin, locking in the juices and flavor. Additionally, resist the urge to move the chicken around while it's browning. Let it sit undisturbed for the recommended 5 to 7 minutes on each side to achieve a beautiful golden brown color and crispy texture.

Time-Saving Tips for Preparing This Slow Cooker Recipe

Prep ahead: Chop vegetables, measure ingredients, and marinate meat the night before to save time on the day of cooking.

Use a slow cooker: Utilize a slow cooker to allow the dish to cook slowly while you attend to other tasks, saving time and effort.

One-pot wonders: Opt for one-pot recipes to minimize cleanup and streamline the cooking process.

Batch cooking: Prepare larger quantities and freeze the extra portions for future quick and convenient meals.

Knife skills: Hone your knife skills to efficiently chop, dice, and slice ingredients, reducing prep time.

Organized workspace: Keep your kitchen organized and tidy to streamline the cooking process and save time searching for utensils and ingredients.

Multitask: Utilize downtime while waiting for ingredients to cook by prepping other components of the meal.

Plan your menu: Plan your meals for the week in advance, creating a shopping list and reducing the time spent deciding what to cook each day.

Efficient tools: Invest in efficient kitchen tools and appliances to simplify cooking tasks and save time.

Follow the recipe: Read the recipe thoroughly before starting to ensure you understand the steps, preventing mistakes and saving time.

Substitute Ingredients For Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes Recipe

chicken thighs - Substitute with bone-in chicken drumsticks: Chicken drumsticks are a great substitute for chicken thighs as they have a similar dark meat flavor and texture, and they work well in slow cooking recipes.
kosher salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can be used as a substitute for kosher salt, as it provides a similar level of salinity and can be used in the same quantity.
black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper can be used as a substitute for black pepper, providing a milder and slightly different flavor profile.
red potatoes - Substitute with Yukon Gold potatoes: Yukon Gold potatoes are a good substitute for red potatoes as they have a similar waxy texture and hold up well during slow cooking.
garlic - Substitute with garlic powder: Garlic powder can be used as a substitute for fresh garlic, providing a convenient option with a milder flavor.
thyme - Substitute with rosemary: Rosemary can be used as a substitute for thyme, adding a slightly different herbaceous flavor to the dish.
parmesan cheese - Substitute with pecorino Romano: Pecorino Romano is a suitable substitute for Parmesan cheese, offering a similar salty and nutty flavor profile.

Presenting Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes

Elevate the plating: Arrange the chicken thighs and potatoes in an artful and visually appealing manner on the plate, ensuring that each component is showcased beautifully.
Garnish with fresh herbs: Sprinkle the dish with freshly chopped parsley or chives to add a pop of color and a touch of freshness to the overall presentation.
Incorporate texture: Consider adding a crispy element, such as toasted breadcrumbs or fried shallots, to provide contrast and depth to the dish.
Utilize negative space: Embrace the concept of minimalism by allowing some areas of the plate to remain empty, creating a sense of balance and sophistication.
Emphasize the aroma: Just before serving, drizzle a small amount of truffle oil over the dish to enhance the olfactory experience and add a luxurious touch.
Highlight the parmesan: Shave delicate curls of parmesan cheese using a microplane grater and delicately place them atop the chicken and potatoes for an elegant finishing touch.
Consider the plate selection: Choose a plate that complements the colors of the dish, such as a simple white or earth-toned plate to allow the vibrant hues of the food to stand out.
Precision in sauce placement: If using any sauce, carefully drizzle it around the plate using a squeeze bottle or a small spoon, ensuring that it enhances the overall visual appeal without overwhelming the dish.

Essential Equipment for Making Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes

Slow cooker: A slow cooker is a countertop kitchen appliance used for cooking food at a low temperature over a longer period of time. It's perfect for creating tender and flavorful dishes with minimal effort.
Skillet: A skillet is a flat-bottomed pan used for frying, searing, and browning foods. It's an essential tool for achieving a golden brown crust on the chicken thighs in this recipe.
Aluminum insert: An aluminum insert is a removable cooking vessel that fits inside a slow cooker. It provides a convenient and easy-to-clean surface for preparing slow-cooked meals.
Spatula: A spatula is a kitchen tool with a broad, flat, flexible blade used for lifting, spreading, or flipping foods. It's useful for turning the chicken thighs and potatoes while browning them in the skillet.
Cutting board: A cutting board provides a stable surface for chopping and preparing ingredients such as garlic, thyme, and potatoes. It helps protect countertops and keeps the kitchen organized.
Chef's knife: A chef's knife is a versatile, all-purpose kitchen knife used for slicing, dicing, and chopping. It's essential for preparing the ingredients in this recipe, such as chopping garlic and slicing potatoes.
Measuring spoons: Measuring spoons are used to accurately measure small amounts of ingredients, such as salt, pepper, and parmesan cheese, ensuring the right balance of flavors in the dish.
Grater: A grater is a kitchen tool used to grate ingredients like parmesan cheese. It helps create fine shreds of cheese that can be easily incorporated into the dish, adding a rich and savory flavor.
Tongs: Tongs are a versatile kitchen tool used for gripping and lifting hot foods. They are handy for turning the chicken thighs and potatoes while browning them in the skillet and transferring them to the slow cooker.

Preserving and Freezing Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes

Here are the storing and freezing guidelines for slow cooker garlic parmesan chicken and potatoes recipe:

Let the chicken and potatoes cool completely before storing. This will prevent condensation from forming inside the container, which can lead to spoilage.
Transfer the cooled chicken and potatoes to an airtight container or resealable plastic bag. Make sure to remove as much air as possible before sealing to prevent freezer burn.
If you plan to consume the leftovers within 3-4 days, store the container in the refrigerator. The garlic parmesan chicken and potatoes will maintain their quality and flavor for up to 4 days when properly refrigerated.
For longer storage, place the airtight container or resealable plastic bag in the freezer. The chicken and potatoes can be frozen for up to 2-3 months without significant loss of quality.
When you're ready to reheat the frozen garlic parmesan chicken and potatoes, transfer the container from the freezer to the refrigerator and let it thaw overnight. This slow thawing process helps preserve the texture of the chicken and potatoes.
Once thawed, reheat the chicken and potatoes in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat smaller portions in the microwave, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.
To maintain the best quality and flavor, avoid repeatedly freezing and thawing the garlic parmesan chicken and potatoes. It's best to portion out the leftovers into individual servings before freezing, so you can thaw and reheat only what you need.

Reheating Leftover Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover chicken thighs and potatoes in an oven-safe dish, making sure to spread them out evenly. Cover the dish with aluminum foil to prevent the chicken and potatoes from drying out. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the chicken and potatoes are heated through.
For a quicker reheating method, use your microwave. Place the leftover garlic parmesan chicken and potatoes in a microwave-safe dish and cover with a damp paper towel. This will help keep the chicken and potatoes moist during the reheating process. Microwave on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through, or until the chicken and potatoes are heated through.
If you have a bit more time and want to add some extra flavor, reheat the leftover slow cooker chicken and potatoes in a skillet on the stovetop. Heat a tablespoon of olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken and potatoes to the skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, until they are heated through and slightly crispy on the outside. You can also add some extra minced garlic and fresh thyme to enhance the flavors.
For a delicious twist on leftovers, transform your garlic parmesan chicken and potatoes into a comforting soup. Shred the chicken and dice the potatoes into smaller pieces. In a large pot, sauté some onions and garlic in butter or olive oil. Add chicken broth, the shredded chicken, diced potatoes, and any additional vegetables you like (such as carrots or celery). Simmer the soup until the vegetables are tender, then stir in some heavy cream and grated parmesan cheese for a rich and creamy finish.

Interesting Trivia About Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes

Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes is a versatile dish that can be customized with various herbs and spices to suit individual preferences.

Budget-Friendly Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes

This slow cooker garlic parmesan chicken and potatoes recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. The ingredients, such as chicken thighs, red potatoes, garlic, and parmesan cheese, are affordable and readily available. The slow cooking method also helps to tenderize the meat, making it a great option for budget-friendly meals. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $15-$20, making it a reasonable choice for a delicious and satisfying meal. Overall Verdict: 9/10

Is This Slow Cooker Dish Healthy or Unhealthy?

This slow cooker garlic parmesan chicken and potatoes recipe has both healthy and unhealthy aspects. On the positive side, chicken thighs are a good source of protein, and potatoes provide complex carbohydrates and fiber. Garlic and thyme add flavor while offering potential health benefits such as boosting the immune system and reducing inflammation.

However, there are some concerns with this recipe:

The chicken skin, while adding flavor, is high in saturated fat.
Depending on the amount of salt used, the dish may have a high sodium content.
The recipe lacks vegetables, which are essential for a balanced meal.

To make this recipe healthier, I would suggest the following modifications:

Remove the chicken skin to reduce the saturated fat content.
Use a minimal amount of salt and consider replacing some of it with herbs and spices for flavor.
Add a variety of vegetables to the slow cooker, such as carrots, onions, and bell peppers, to increase the nutrient density of the dish.
Use a leaner cut of chicken, such as chicken breast, to further reduce the fat content.
Serve the dish with a side salad or steamed vegetables to round out the meal and add more fiber and nutrients.

Our Editor's Opinion on Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes

The slow cooker garlic parmesan chicken and potatoes recipe is a delightful combination of flavors and textures. The use of garlic and thyme infuses the dish with aromatic richness, while the parmesan cheese adds a savory depth. The slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld together, resulting in tender, succulent chicken and perfectly cooked potatoes. The addition of parmesan cheese at the end adds a final touch of indulgence. This recipe is a wonderful option for a comforting and satisfying meal that is sure to please the whole family.

Enhance Your Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:

Roasted Asparagus: Tender asparagus spears roasted to perfection with a hint of garlic and lemon zest.

Garlic Breadsticks: Soft and fluffy breadsticks brushed with garlic butter and sprinkled with parmesan cheese for the perfect accompaniment to the main dish.

Mixed Green Salad: A refreshing mix of crisp lettuce, juicy tomatoes, and crunchy cucumbers tossed in a tangy vinaigrette dressing.

Delicious Variations on Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes

Creamy Mushroom Risotto: This creamy and flavorful risotto is the perfect comfort food for any occasion. The combination of mushrooms, arborio rice, and parmesan cheese creates a rich and satisfying dish.

Honey Garlic Glazed Salmon: This sweet and savory salmon dish is a crowd-pleaser. The honey garlic glaze adds a delicious caramelized flavor to the tender and flaky salmon fillets.

Roasted Vegetable Quinoa Salad: This colorful and nutritious salad is packed with roasted vegetables, fluffy quinoa, and a zesty vinaigrette. It's a great option for a light and satisfying meal.

Perfect Appetizers and Desserts for Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes

Appetizers:

Stuffed Mushrooms: Delight your guests with these savory stuffed mushrooms, filled with a flavorful mixture of herbs, cheese, and breadcrumbs. The perfect bite-sized appetizer to kick off any meal.

Caprese Skewers: Impress your guests with these colorful and refreshing caprese skewers, featuring juicy tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and fragrant basil, all drizzled with a balsamic glaze. A simple yet elegant appetizer to start off any gathering.

Desserts:

Chocolate Mousse: Indulge in a rich and velvety chocolate mousse, topped with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of cocoa powder. The smooth texture and decadent flavor will leave your taste buds craving for more.

Apple Crisp: Savor the warm and comforting flavors of a homemade apple crisp, with tender baked apples and a crispy oat topping. Pair it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the perfect balance of sweetness and tartness.

Why trust this Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes Recipe:

This recipe guarantees a flavorful and satisfying meal, thanks to the use of high-quality ingredients. The chicken thighs are seasoned to perfection with kosher salt and black pepper, ensuring a delicious taste. The addition of red potatoes and garlic infuses the dish with hearty flavors, while thyme adds a fragrant aroma. The final touch of parmesan cheese enhances the overall richness of the dish. With these carefully selected ingredients, this recipe promises a delightful dining experience.

Share your thoughts on the Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes Recipe in the Recipe Sharing forum and let us know how it turned out for you!

FAQ:

Can I use chicken breasts instead of chicken thighs?

Yes, you can use chicken breasts instead of chicken thighs. However, keep in mind that chicken breasts tend to cook faster than thighs, so you may need to adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Can I substitute the red potatoes with another type of potato?

Absolutely! You can substitute the red potatoes with Yukon Gold potatoes, russet potatoes, or any other type of potato you prefer. Just keep in mind that different types of potatoes may have varying textures and cooking times.

Can I add other vegetables to the slow cooker?

Of course! Feel free to add your favorite vegetables such as carrots, bell peppers, or green beans to the slow cooker for added flavor and nutrients. Just ensure that the vegetables are cut into uniform sizes for even cooking.

Can I use grated parmesan cheese instead of shredded parmesan?

Yes, you can use grated parmesan cheese instead of shredded parmesan. Both types of parmesan cheese will add a delicious savory flavor to the dish.

Can I prepare this recipe in an oven instead of a slow cooker?

Certainly! You can adapt this recipe for the oven by using an oven-safe dish or roasting pan. Simply follow the same steps, but adjust the cooking temperature and time according to your oven's settings.