This Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Chicken & Potatoes is a comforting “dump and go” dinner that brings rich, cheesy flavors to your table with minimal effort. Tender chunks of chicken and hearty potatoes are slow-cooked in a savory garlic parmesan sauce, then finished with a generous layer of melted cheese.
Perfect for busy weeknights, this creamy, one-pot meal delivers all the satisfaction of a casserole without heating up the oven.
Recipe Details
- Flavor Profile: This dish is savory and rich, highlighting the bold taste of creamy garlic parmesan sauce enhanced by paprika and melted mozzarella.
- Texture: The potatoes become perfectly fork-tender while the chicken stays juicy, all enveloped in a thick, cheesy sauce.
- Time: 10 minutes prep, 4-6 hours slow cooking time.
- Difficulty: Very Easy. It requires simple chopping and layering in the slow cooker.
What You’ll Need
To make this recipe, you will need a standard slow cooker (6-quart recommended) to hold the layered ingredients. A small bowl and whisk are needed to thin out the sauce before pouring. The ingredients rely on convenient store-bought creamy Parmesan garlic sauce (like the wing sauce) to provide a huge punch of flavor instantly.
Ingredient Notes
- Potatoes – You need about 2 pounds of potatoes. Russet or Yukon Gold work best. Cut them into 1 ½- to 2-inch chunks so they hold their shape during the long cook time without turning to mush.
- Chicken Breasts – Boneless, skinless chicken breasts diced into large pieces cook evenly with the potatoes.
- Parmesan Garlic Sauce – Use a creamy bottled sauce, such as Buffalo Wild Wings brand. This provides the base flavor, creaminess, and seasoning all in one.
- Mozzarella Cheese – Shredded mozzarella adds the essential gooey, stretchy cheese finish that melts over the top at the end.
- Paprika – A touch of paprika adds warmth and color to the potatoes.
- Olive Oil – Helps coat the potatoes and spices before the sauce is added.
- Chicken Stock/Water – Thinning the thick garlic sauce ensures it reaches the bottom of the pot to cook the potatoes without burning.
Add-ins and Substitutions
- Vegetables – You can add chopped carrots or green beans on top of the potatoes for a complete one-pot meal.
- Spice – If you like a kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce mixture.
- Cheese – Substitute provolone or an Italian cheese blend for the mozzarella if you prefer a sharper flavor.
How to Make Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Chicken & Potatoes
- Season Potatoes: Combine the potato chunks, olive oil, 3/4 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, and paprika in the bottom of the slow cooker. Stir well until the potatoes are evenly coated with the oil and spices.
- Add Chicken: Add the diced chicken pieces on top of the potatoes. Sprinkle the chicken with the remaining salt and pepper.
- Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the creamy Parmesan garlic sauce and the water (or chicken stock) until well incorporated. Pour this mixture evenly over the chicken and potatoes.
- Slow Cook: Cover and cook on High for 4 hours (or on Low for 6 hours), or until the chicken is cooked through and the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
- Melt Cheese: During the last 20 minutes of cooking, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese over the top. Continue to cook, covered, until the cheese is completely melted and bubbly.
- Serve: Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley to serve.
Pro Tip: Don’t cut your potatoes too small! If they are smaller than 1.5 inches, they might disintegrate into mashed potatoes before the chicken is fully cooked. Keeping them chunky ensures they maintain a nice bite.
Recipe Tips
- Layering Matters: Always put the potatoes on the bottom. They take longer to cook than the chicken and need direct contact with the heat source of the slow cooker.
- Sauce Consistency: If you prefer a thicker sauce, use less water/stock. If you want it saucier to serve over rice, use the full 1/2 cup or slightly more.
- Check Doneness: Every slow cooker is different. Check the potatoes at the 3.5-hour mark (on High). If they are soft, the dish is ready for the cheese step.
FAQs
- Can I use chicken thighs? Yes, boneless skinless chicken thighs are excellent in the slow cooker and will stay even moister than breasts.
- Can I use homemade sauce? Absolutely. If you have a favorite homemade garlic parmesan sauce recipe, feel free to use 1 cup of it in place of the bottled version.
- Is this gluten-free? Generally yes, as long as your bottled sauce and chicken stock are certified gluten-free.
Serving Suggestions
- Greens: A side of steamed broccoli or a fresh Caesar salad cuts through the richness of the cheese and potatoes.
- Bread: Garlic bread is perfect for mopping up the extra cheesy sauce.
- Garnish: Fresh parsley or chives add a necessary pop of color and freshness to the beige dish.
Make This Recipe in Advance
- Prep: You can chop the potatoes and chicken the night before. Store the potatoes in water (drain before using) to prevent browning.
- Leftovers: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven.
Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Chicken & Potatoes
- Total Time: Approx. 4 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 Servings 1x
Description
This Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Chicken & Potatoes is a comforting “dump and go” dinner that brings rich, cheesy flavors to your table with minimal effort. Tender chunks of chicken and hearty potatoes are slow-cooked in a savory garlic parmesan sauce, then finished with a generous layer of melted cheese. Perfect for busy weeknights, this creamy, one-pot meal delivers all the satisfaction of a casserole without heating up the oven.
Ingredients
The Base
- 2 pounds potatoes (Russet or Yukon Gold), cut into 1 ½- to 2-inch chunks
- 2 pounds skinless, boneless chicken breasts, diced into 1 ½-inch pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt, divided
- 3/4 teaspoon ground black pepper, divided
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
The Sauce & Topping
- 1 cup creamy Parmesan garlic sauce (e.g., Buffalo Wild Wings brand)
- 1/2 cup water or chicken stock
- 2 cups shredded Mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Season Potatoes
In the bottom of a 6-quart slow cooker, combine the potato chunks, olive oil, 3/4 teaspoon of the salt, 1/2 teaspoon of the black pepper, and the paprika. Toss well until the potatoes are evenly coated.
Add Chicken
Place the diced chicken breast pieces in an even layer on top of the potatoes. Season the chicken with the remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper.
Make the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the creamy Parmesan garlic sauce and the water (or chicken stock) until fully combined. Pour this mixture evenly over the chicken and potatoes.
Slow Cook
Cover and cook on High for 4 hours (or on Low for 6 hours).
Check
The dish is ready when the chicken is cooked through and the potatoes are fork-tender.
Melt Cheese
During the last 20 minutes of cooking, sprinkle the shredded Mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese over the top. Cover and continue cooking until the cheese is completely melted and bubbly.
Serve
Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and serve hot.
Notes
Potato Size: Don’t cut your potatoes too small! Keep them around 1.5 to 2 inches. If they are too small, they will turn into mush before the chicken is fully tender.
Layering Order: Always place the potatoes on the bottom. They require more direct heat to cook through than the chicken does.
Sauce Brand: This recipe relies on a bottled “Creamy Parmesan Garlic” wing sauce for flavor. If you prefer a homemade version, you can substitute 1 cup of your own sauce.
Liquid Adjustment: The 1/2 cup of water helps thin the thick wing sauce so it reaches the bottom of the pot. If you prefer a thicker, stickier result, reduce the water to 1/4 cup.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4–6 hours
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American Comfort
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 Serving (approx. 1/6 of recipe)
- Calories: 540
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 1150mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 42g
- Cholesterol: 115mg
Keywords: slow cooker chicken and potatoes, garlic parmesan chicken, crockpot chicken recipes, dump and go dinners, cheesy potato casserole, easy weeknight meals, buffalo wild wings sauce recipes
