This Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes is a warm and cozy meal. The chicken is tender and full of flavor, while the potatoes soak up all that yummy garlic and cheese goodness!
I love how simple it is to throw everything in the crockpot and let it do all the work. Plus, who can resist that delicious smell wafting through the house? It’s a dinner win! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Thighs: Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs bring flavor and moisture to the dish. If you prefer, you can substitute with boneless, skinless thighs or chicken breasts. Just remember that breasts might dry out faster.
Baby Potatoes: These tiny potatoes are creamy and hold their shape well. You can swap them for red or Yukon gold potatoes if you prefer a different texture. Just be sure to cut them into uniform halves for even cooking.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic gives a robust flavor. If you don’t have fresh garlic, you can use about 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder per clove as a substitute. But fresh is always the best choice for maximum flavor!
Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan adds a salty richness. If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, try using nutritional yeast or leave it out for a lighter version.
Broth: Chicken broth is essential for moisture. Vegetable broth is a great alternative if you want a lighter taste or are vegetarian. Be mindful of the saltiness when making this swap.
How Do I Get Perfectly Searing Chicken Thighs?
Searing the chicken thighs is key to locking in that juicy flavor. To do this well, follow these steps:
- Start with a hot skillet. Heat the olive oil until it shimmers but doesn’t smoke.
- Season the chicken generously with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning before placing it skin-side down in the skillet.
- Sear for 4-5 minutes without moving it to form a nice crust. Flip and do the same on the other side for 3-4 minutes.
This step is so worth it! It adds a deeper flavor to the dish and helps keep the chicken moist as it cooks in the crockpot.
Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken And Potatoes
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken and Potatoes:
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 1.5 pounds baby potatoes, halved
- 1 onion, sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
How Much Time Will You Need?
This mouthwatering dish requires about 15 minutes of prep time, with a cooking time of 6-8 hours on low or 4-5 hours on high in the crockpot. So, you can set it in the morning and come home to a warm, delicious meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
Start by seasoning the chicken thighs with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once it’s nice and hot, place the chicken thighs skin-side down. Sear them for about 4-5 minutes until they’re golden brown. Then, flip them over and sear for another 3-4 minutes. This step will give the chicken great flavor!
2. Layer Ingredients:
Now, grab your crockpot! Add the sliced onion and halved baby potatoes at the bottom. These will soak up all the delicious flavors. Next, layer the seared chicken thighs on top of the potatoes and onions.
3. Add Garlic and Broth:
In a small bowl, mix the chicken broth with the minced garlic. Pour this tasty mixture over the chicken and potatoes in the crockpot. Make sure everything gets coated so that your dish is full of flavor!
4. Cook:
Cover the crockpot and let it do its magic! Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours. The chicken should be cooked through, and the potatoes will be tender and delicious.
5. Add Parmesan:
About 30 minutes before serving, sprinkle that lovely grated Parmesan cheese over the chicken and potatoes. This will melt nicely into the dish and add a creaminess that you’ll love!
6. Garnish and Serve:
Once everything is cooked, it’s time to serve! Garnish your dish with fresh parsley for that pop of color and flavor. Serve warm, dig in, and enjoy your scrumptious garlic Parmesan chicken and potatoes!
Can I Use Boneless Chicken Thighs Instead of Bone-In?
Absolutely! Boneless chicken thighs can be used in this recipe. Just reduce the cooking time slightly to about 4-5 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high, as boneless cuts cook faster. Keep an eye on them to ensure they don’t dry out!
What If I Don’t Have Baby Potatoes?
No worries! You can substitute any type of potatoes you have on hand, such as Yukon Gold or red potatoes. Just chop them into similar-sized pieces to ensure even cooking. You can also use sweet potatoes for a different flavor!
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm in the microwave or on the stove, adding a splash of chicken broth if needed to keep the dish moist.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can! Prepare everything up to the cooking step, then cover and refrigerate. When ready to cook, just take it out and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before starting the crockpot. This will help the cooking process.
