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This creamy garlic Parmesan chicken with potatoes slow cooker meal is super cozy and easy. Juicy chicken breasts cook slowly with halved baby potatoes in a smooth garlicky cheese sauce. It’s perfect when you want something tasty without a lot of fuss on busy nights or chill weekends.
This was one of my first slow cooker dishes and it always wowed guests. It quickly became a favorite because it’s simple and classy all at once.
What You’ll Need
- 4 skinless chicken breasts: great for soaking up the garlic sauce
- 1 pound baby potatoes: cut in half so they cook through and taste even better
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: to brown the chicken and add flavor
- 1 teaspoon salt: makes all the flavors pop
- 1 teaspoon black pepper: balances the dish perfectly
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: boosts that garlic punch
- 3 cloves garlic: finely chopped fresh garlic for strong aroma
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano: gives a warm herbal note without taking over
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme: adds a gentle earthy touch
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese: adds creamy, nutty richness
- 2 cups fresh spinach: toss in at the end for some fresh green color
- 1 cup chicken broth: simmering liquid that keeps everything juicy
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley: sprinkle on top to brighten the flavor at the end
How to Cook It
- Season the Chicken Well
- Sprinkle salt, pepper, garlic powder, oregano, and thyme over the chicken pieces to pack in flavor from the start.
- Brown the Chicken
- Heat olive oil in a pan over medium-high heat and brown the chicken for 2-3 minutes on each side to seal in juice and add color.
- Cook Garlic
- Use the same pan to gently cook the chopped garlic for a minute or two until it smells amazing but doesn’t burn.
- Layer in the Crockpot
- Put the halved potatoes at the bottom and lightly sprinkle salt and pepper on them to season.
- Add Chicken on Top
- Place the browned chicken breasts over the potatoes for layering flavors.
- Pour Broth and Add Cheese
- Pour chicken broth over everything then cover with the Parmesan cheese so it can melt and thicken into a creamy sauce.
- Cook Slowly
- Cover and cook on low for 6 to 7 hours or high for 3 to 4 hours until chicken is cooked through and potatoes get soft and tasty.
- Mix in Spinach
- About half an hour before you’re ready, stir fresh spinach into the crockpot so it wilts nicely.
- Top and Serve
- Sprinkle chopped parsley over the dish for fresh flavor. Serve warm, and add lemon wedges if you want a little zing.
I remember making this after a long day and loving how comforting it was to come home to something that felt homemade but wasn’t hard to put together.
Storing Leftovers
Put leftovers in a sealed container in the fridge for up to three days to keep it fresh. Warm it up on the stove or microwave, adding a bit of broth if the sauce gets too thick. If you freeze it, keep chicken and potatoes separate so they thaw evenly and don’t get mushy.
Swap Ingredients
You can switch baby potatoes for fingerlings or Yukon gold for a slightly different texture—just make sure they’re about the same size so they cook evenly. Swap spinach with kale or broccoli if you want a different veggie feel. If you want it creamier, stir in a bit of butter or cream cheese right before you eat.
Great Pairings
A crisp salad with lemon dressing balances the rich flavors nicely. Garlic bread or crusty French bread adds a nice crunch and soaks up all the sauce. A cold glass of Sauvignon Blanc or light Chardonnay pairs beautifully with those herbs and cheese.
This dish feels like a cozy hug on a plate and gets everyone gathered around the table easily. After a few times, you’ll find your own little changes that make it perfectly yours.
Frequently Asked Cooking Questions
- → Why do I need to brown the chicken before slow cooking?
Browning makes a tasty crust and helps keep the chicken juicy when it cooks low and slow.
- → Can I swap the spinach for other veggies?
Sure thing, broccoli or kale are good choices. Just add them near the end so they keep some bite.
- → How can I make sure the potatoes cook through completely?
Cut the baby potatoes in half evenly and put them on the bottom of the slow cooker where it’s hottest so they get soft by the end.
- → What’s the best way to get a creamier sauce?
Mix in a spoonful of butter or cream cheese right before serving to make it richer without hiding the flavors.
- → Can I tweak cooking times for different slow cookers?
Yes, times vary. Check the chicken’s inside temperature or softness and adjust based on your slow cooker.