1 Shares

Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes is a simple yet flavorful dish that combines juicy chicken thighs with tender baby red potatoes. The garlic and Parmesan seasonings soak into the potatoes, making them a perfect accompaniment to the crispy chicken. It’s a hearty, comforting meal made effortlessly in the slow cooker, perfect for busy days.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

8 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
½ teaspoon dried basil
½ teaspoon dried oregano
¼ teaspoon dried rosemary
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 pounds baby red potatoes, quartered
2 tablespoons olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
½ teaspoon dried thyme
1 cup freshly grated Parmesan
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley leaves

Directions

Season chicken with basil, oregano, rosemary, salt, and pepper, to taste.
Melt butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken, skin-side down, and sear both sides until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per side. Drain excess fat and set chicken aside.
Place the potatoes into a 6-quart slow cooker. Stir in olive oil, garlic, and thyme; season with salt and pepper to taste. Add chicken on top of the potatoes in an even layer.
Cover and cook on low for 7-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and is fully cooked.
Serve immediately, sprinkled with freshly grated Parmesan and garnished with parsley, if desired.

Nutrients

Calories: Approximately 550-600 kcal per serving
Fat: 30-35g
- Saturated Fat: 8-10g
Cholesterol: 80-100mg
Sodium: 700-800mg
Total Carbohydrates: 35-40g
- Sugars: 4-6g
Protein: 40-45g
Vitamin A: 6-8% of the daily value
Vitamin C: 20-25% of the daily value
Calcium: 15-20% of the daily value
Iron: 15-20% of the daily value

Why Use a Slow Cooker?

The slow cooker is the perfect cooking method for this dish because it allows the flavors to meld together over time, creating a tender and flavorful meal without requiring constant attention. Cooking chicken thighs in the slow cooker ensures that the meat remains juicy and tender throughout the process, while the skin crisps up slightly during the searing stage, giving you the best of both worlds—crispy skin and juicy meat. The slow cooker also helps the potatoes cook evenly, absorbing all the garlic, herb, and Parmesan flavors, resulting in perfectly seasoned and tender potatoes that complement the chicken beautifully.

The Perfect Combination of Chicken and Potatoes

This recipe is a perfect marriage of chicken and potatoes, two ingredients that are always a hit on the dinner table. Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs are used for their rich flavor and moisture. The skin provides a crispy texture while the meat stays tender and juicy, making every bite satisfying. Potatoes are a great side dish on their own, but in this recipe, they’re more than just a side—they’re fully incorporated into the dish, cooking right alongside the chicken. As the potatoes absorb the garlic, herbs, and Parmesan, they transform into a flavorful, savory accompaniment that elevates the entire meal.

The Garlic and Parmesan Flavor Profile

The garlic and Parmesan combination is a classic that never disappoints. Garlic provides an aromatic, savory base, while the Parmesan adds a sharp, salty flavor that enhances the overall dish. The herbs—basil, oregano, and rosemary—bring depth and complexity to the flavor profile, creating a fragrant and herbaceous backdrop to the chicken and potatoes. This simple but flavorful seasoning is the perfect complement to the rich, tender chicken and creamy potatoes. The addition of fresh parsley as a garnish adds a fresh, bright element to the dish, balancing out the richness of the meal.

The Searing Step: Key to Crispy Skin and Deep Flavor

While the slow cooker does most of the work, one key step in this recipe is searing the chicken thighs before placing them in the slow cooker. Searing the chicken creates a beautiful golden-brown crust on the skin, which not only adds visual appeal but also locks in the juices and enhances the overall flavor. The searing process is quick—about 2-3 minutes per side—just enough to get the chicken skin crispy without fully cooking the meat. This step ensures that the chicken has a crisp, savory exterior that contrasts perfectly with the tender, juicy interior that the slow cooker will produce.

Why Baby Red Potatoes?

Baby red potatoes are an excellent choice for this dish because of their creamy texture and ability to hold their shape during long cooking times. Unlike russet potatoes, which can break down and become mushy, baby red potatoes remain firm and absorb the flavors of the garlic, herbs, and Parmesan beautifully. They’re also small enough to cook evenly throughout the slow-cooking process, making them the perfect base for the chicken. The potatoes provide a hearty, comforting element to the dish and ensure that every bite is full of flavor.

The Simplicity of Preparation

One of the best things about Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes is how easy it is to prepare. The first step is to season the chicken thighs with a blend of herbs, salt, and pepper, giving them a flavorful base. Then, you sear the chicken in a skillet to achieve a crispy skin and a golden-brown exterior. After that, the potatoes are placed in the slow cooker along with garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper, and the chicken is arranged on top. Once everything is in the slow cooker, you simply cover and let it cook. The slow cooker does the hard work, infusing the chicken and potatoes with rich flavors and creating a deliciously comforting meal.

Perfect for Busy Weeknights

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and convenience. The slow cooker allows you to prepare a hearty, flavorful dinner without spending a lot of time in the kitchen. Once everything is in the slow cooker, you can set it and forget it, leaving you free to focus on other tasks while dinner cooks. The dish is ready in 7-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high, depending on your schedule. Whether you’re preparing it before work or letting it cook while you handle other chores, this recipe fits seamlessly into your day and ensures you’ll have a warm, comforting meal ready when you need it.

A Complete Meal in One Pot

Another great thing about this recipe is that it’s a complete meal in one pot. The chicken provides protein, while the baby red potatoes deliver carbs and fiber. The garlic, herbs, and Parmesan add plenty of flavor, and the dish is naturally hearty and filling. You don’t need to worry about preparing multiple side dishes or worrying about balance—you have everything you need for a satisfying meal in one slow cooker. This makes it a great option for busy families, meal prepping, or even dinner parties where you want to serve something delicious without spending too much time in the kitchen.

Nutritional Benefits

Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes is a balanced dish that provides a good amount of protein and carbohydrates. Each serving contains around 40-45 grams of protein from the chicken, making it a satisfying and filling meal. The baby red potatoes provide fiber and essential vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C and potassium. The Parmesan adds a source of calcium, which is important for bone health. While the dish does contain fat, including saturated fat from the chicken thighs and butter, these fats contribute to the rich flavor and help to keep the chicken moist and tender.

If you’re looking to reduce the fat content, you could substitute boneless, skinless chicken thighs for a leaner cut of chicken or use less butter. You could also serve the dish with a side of vegetables or a fresh salad to add additional nutrients and balance out the richness of the meal.

Serving Suggestions

Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes is a filling meal on its own, but it can also be complemented with a variety of side dishes. A crisp, green salad with a light vinaigrette can provide a refreshing contrast to the rich, savory flavors of the chicken and potatoes. Steamed vegetables such as broccoli, asparagus, or green beans would also pair nicely with this dish, adding texture and nutrients without overpowering the flavors. If you’re looking for something even more indulgent, consider serving the chicken with a side of garlic bread or a creamy risotto to further enhance the meal.

Conclusion

Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes is the perfect combination of simplicity and flavor. With tender chicken thighs, savory baby red potatoes, and a delicious garlic Parmesan sauce, this dish is guaranteed to satisfy even the most discerning palates. The slow cooker makes it easy to prepare, allowing you to set it and forget it while the flavors meld together beautifully. Whether you’re preparing it for a busy weeknight or a special family dinner, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your meal rotation. So, gather your ingredients, fire up the slow cooker, and enjoy a comforting, flavorful meal with minimal effort!

Pin1