If you’re looking for a fuss-free dinner that feels cozy and indulgent, you’re going to fall in love with this Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes Recipe. Trust me, it hits all the right notes — tender chicken, creamy garlic sauce, and perfectly cooked potatoes all mingling together, thanks to the magic of your slow cooker. Whether you’re new to slow cooking or a seasoned pro, this recipe is a keeper you’ll come back to again and again.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Set it and forget it: This slow cooker recipe lets you walk away and come back to a deliciously done meal without any stress.
- Rich and creamy flavor: The garlic parmesan sauce combined with cream cheese and melty mozzarella creates a sauce you’ll want to spoon over everything.
- Family-friendly comfort: When I first made this, my kids couldn’t get enough — it’s hearty, cheesy, and perfect for picky eaters.
- Minimal prep, maximum taste: Just a few ingredients and simple steps make this dinner a breeze on busy weeknights.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients here are straightforward, but they come together beautifully to create a crave-worthy creamy dish. Look for fresh garlic and good-quality parmesan cheese — these really elevate the final flavor.
- Yukon gold petite potatoes: These small potatoes cook evenly and have a buttery, creamy texture that blends perfectly with the sauce.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Using bite-sized pieces helps them cook evenly, so nothing ends up over- or underdone.
- Cream cheese: Make sure it’s room temperature and cut into chunks for smooth melting throughout the dish.
- Garlic (minced): Fresh minced garlic shines here — it gives just the right punch without overpowering.
- Parmesan cheese: Adds tang and depth; freshly grated is best if you can manage it.
- Garlic parmesan sauce: I love using the Buffalo Wild Wings garlic parmesan sauce, but any creamy garlic parmesan sauce works great.
- Milk: Helps thin and loosen the sauce; adding it to the sauce bottle and shaking is a neat little trick I picked up.
- Mozzarella cheese: To melt on top for that gooey, melty finish everyone loves.
Variations
One of the things I love about this Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes Recipe is how easy it is to put your own spin on. I’ve tried a bunch of tweaks over time, so you can make it your own!
- Spicy kick: I sometimes add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the garlic parmesan sauce — it wakes up the flavors without overwhelming the creaminess.
- Veggie boost: Toss in some sliced mushrooms or chopped spinach in the last hour of cooking for extra color and nutrition.
- Dairy-free swap: For a dairy-free version, you can try coconut cream and a dairy-free parmesan alternative — I haven’t tried this extensively but it could work with some tweaks.
- Chicken thighs: If you prefer dark meat, boneless skinless thighs keep the dish juicy and add a different flavor that’s just as satisfying.
How to Make Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes Recipe
Step 1: Layer the Potatoes and Chicken
Start by quartering the petite Yukon gold potatoes — keeping them roughly the same size is key for even cooking. Place them in an even layer at the bottom of your slow cooker. Then, add the bite-sized chicken pieces on top. I’ve found that stacking this way helps the potatoes soften nicely without turning mushy.
Step 2: Add the Cream Cheese and Cheeses
Scatter the cream cheese chunks evenly over the chicken, then sprinkle in the minced garlic and parmesan cheese. Using room temperature cream cheese really helped me avoid clumps — it melts right into the sauce, creating that luscious, creamy texture.
Step 3: Pour the Sauce and Milk
Here’s a tip I learned: pour the garlic parmesan sauce into a measuring cup or the sauce bottle, add the milk, put the lid back on, and give it a good shake. This thins the sauce a bit, making it easier to pour and ensuring it distributes evenly over the chicken and potatoes. Pour it all over, then cover your slow cooker.
Step 4: Cook Low and Slow
Cook on high for about 2½ to 3½ hours or on low for 4½ to 5½ hours. The exact timing might vary depending on your slow cooker model and the size of your chicken pieces, so check for tenderness. The potatoes should be soft and the chicken cooked through but still juicy.
Step 5: Finish with Mozzarella
Once the chicken and potatoes are cooked, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese on top and cover again just until it melts — usually about 10 minutes. The gooey cheese on top is what really makes this dish feel like comfort food at its best.
Pro Tips for Making Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes Recipe
- Cut pieces evenly: Uniform bite-sized chicken and potato pieces mean your dish cooks evenly without surprises like tough chicken bits or undercooked potatoes.
- Room temperature cream cheese: Cutting cold cream cheese straight from the fridge can leave clumps in your sauce; letting it soften first makes a velvety sauce.
- Layering order matters: Putting potatoes at the bottom helps them cook through in the slow cooker’s heat source, while the chicken stays tender on top.
- Adjust sauce thickness: If it seems too thick after cooking, add a splash of milk or broth to loosen it—the sauce is still delicious and easier to serve.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes Recipe
Garnishes
I like to sprinkle chopped fresh parsley right on top before serving — it adds a pop of color and brightens the rich flavors just the right amount. Sometimes I toss on a little extra parmesan if the mood strikes!
Side Dishes
This recipe shines as a complete meal, but I often pair it with a crisp green salad or steamed broccoli to add some freshness and crunch. Garlic bread or a warm baguette also makes a nice addition if you want something to soak up the creamy sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I’ve served this dish in adorable mini slow cookers at the table for each guest — always a hit! You could also try placing it over creamy polenta or even pasta to turn it into a dressed-up dinner party entree.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After dinner, I like to transfer leftovers into an airtight container and keep them in the fridge. They stay fresh for up to 3 days, making for an easy next-day lunch or dinner. Just be aware the sauce thickens as it chills — a quick reheat with a splash of milk helps.
Freezing
I have frozen this dish a couple of times with good results, though the creamy sauce can sometimes get a bit grainy after thawing because of the dairy. Still totally tasty, and perfect for batch cooking when you want to double the recipe.
Reheating
To reheat, I usually warm leftovers gently in a microwave or on the stovetop over low heat, adding a little milk or broth to loosen the sauce. This keeps the chicken tender and the potatoes creamy without drying out or toughening the cheese.
FAQs
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Can I use frozen chicken breasts for this recipe?
It’s best to use thawed chicken breasts for even cooking and food safety. If you only have frozen chicken, I recommend thawing it completely before adding to the slow cooker to avoid uneven cooking or unsafe temperatures.
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What if I don’t have Buffalo Wild Wings garlic parmesan sauce?
No worries! Any creamy garlic parmesan sauce works here, or you can make a simple sauce by mixing garlic, butter, cream, and grated parmesan cheese. The key is to have that rich, garlicky flavor that ties the whole dish together.
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How can I make this recipe creamier?
If you like it extra creamy, add a bit more cream cheese or increase the milk slightly. Just be sure not to add too much liquid at the start, which can dilute the flavors and affect cooking times.
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Can I use other types of potatoes?
You can swap Yukon gold for red potatoes or baby potatoes — just be sure to cut them into similar-sized pieces to ensure they cook evenly alongside the chicken.
Final Thoughts
This Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes Recipe is one of those dishes that just feels like a warm hug on a plate. I love how it simplifies dinner without skimping on flavor, and I’m sure you’ll appreciate how easy it is to pull together. Next time you want a comforting, cheesy, garlicky meal with minimal effort, give this recipe a go — your slow cooker will thank you, and so will everyone at your table!
PrintSlow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes Recipe
- Prep Time: 8 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Total Time: 4 hours 8 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Salt
Description
A creamy, flavorful slow cooker recipe featuring tender chicken breasts and Yukon gold potatoes smothered in a rich garlic parmesan sauce, topped with melted mozzarella cheese for a comforting, easy-to-make meal perfect for busy days.
Ingredients
Vegetables & Protein
- 1 pound Yukon gold petite potatoes, quartered
- 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
Dairy & Cheese
- 8 ounces cream cheese, cut into eight pieces
- ½ cup parmesan cheese
- 1 ½ cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1 cup milk
Sauces & Spices
- 3 teaspoons garlic, minced
- 12 ounces garlic parmesan sauce (e.g., Buffalo Wild Wings garlic parmesan sauce)
Instructions
- Prepare Slow Cooker: Add the quartered Yukon gold potatoes to the bottom of a 6-quart slow cooker to create an even layer.
- Add Chicken: Place the bite-sized chicken breast pieces evenly over the potatoes in the slow cooker.
- Add Cheeses and Garlic: Distribute the cream cheese chunks, minced garlic, and parmesan cheese evenly over the chicken and potatoes.
- Pour Sauce: Pour the entire bottle of garlic parmesan sauce over the ingredients. Add the cup of milk to the empty sauce bottle, shake well to combine, then pour the milk mixture over everything in the slow cooker.
- Cook: Cover and cook on HIGH for 2½ to 3½ hours or on LOW for 4½ to 5½ hours until the chicken is cooked through and potatoes are tender.
- Add Mozzarella Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese on top of the cooked chicken and potatoes. Cover again and cook until the cheese melts completely, about 10-15 minutes.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and enjoy warm.
Notes
- Uniform Pieces: Cut potatoes and chicken into bite-sized chunks for even cooking and ease of eating.
- Storing: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 3 months, though texture and dairy quality may slightly change.
- Cream Cheese: Use room temperature cream cheese and cut into evenly sized pieces to help it melt smoothly into the sauce.
- Thinner Sauce: If sauce is too thick after cooking, add additional milk or broth to thin it to your preference.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 1/6th of recipe)
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 39g
- Cholesterol: 95mg