I absolutely love how comforting and fuss-free this Garlic Parmesan Crockpot Chicken and Potatoes Recipe turns out every single time. It’s like the perfect cozy dinner without needing to stand over the stove, and the flavor is just incredible — rich, garlicky, and cheesy all in one dish! Whether you’re winding down after a busy day or planning a weekend meal that basically cooks itself, this recipe is such a winner in my kitchen.
When I first tried this recipe, I was amazed at how tender the chicken gets and how the potatoes soak up all those tasty seasonings and that signature Buffalo Wild Wings Garlic Parmesan Sauce flavor. You’ll find that it works great for busy weeknights or even casual gatherings because it’s simple yet impressive, and the crockpot does most of the work. Trust me, once you try this Garlic Parmesan Crockpot Chicken and Potatoes Recipe, it’ll quickly become a staple in your meal rotation.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Set It and Forget It: Toss everything into your crockpot and come back to a flavorful, melt-in-your-mouth meal without babysitting the stove.
- Perfect Flavor Balance: The garlicky, parmesan richness blends beautifully with tender chicken and seasoned potatoes, delivering comforting taste every time.
- Family Friendly: My family goes crazy for this dish, and you’ll love how happy it makes your crew without a ton of effort.
- Flexible & Customizable: Easy to tweak with your favorite herbs, spices, or even different cheeses to suit your mood and pantry.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients come together to create a harmonious flavor and texture — creamy cheese, tender chicken, and perfectly seasoned potatoes. I recommend choosing fresh garlic and good-quality olive oil for that extra depth, and feel free to experiment with your favorite cheese blend, too.
- Potatoes: Use medium-sized potatoes, preferably Yukon Gold or red potatoes, because they hold their shape and get beautifully tender without turning mushy.
- Olive Oil: Adds richness and helps the seasonings stick to the potatoes for flavor-packed bites.
- Salt, Pepper, Garlic Powder, Paprika: These basic seasonings build layers of flavor for the potatoes; paprika gives a lovely hint of smokiness.
- Chicken Breasts: Cubed for even cooking, though you can swap with thighs if you prefer more juiciness.
- Garlic (Minced): Fresh is key for that punch of garlicky goodness that defines this recipe.
- Paprika, Onion Powder, Italian Seasoning: These spices bring cozy warmth and herby accents that pair beautifully with the garlic and parmesan.
- Buffalo Wild Wings Garlic Parmesan Sauce: The star player — creamy, tangy, and cheesy sauce that elevates the whole dish.
- Mozzarella Cheese (Shredded): Melts over the top to add gooey, indulgent texture and extra flavor.
Variations
I love how forgiving this Garlic Parmesan Crockpot Chicken and Potatoes Recipe is when it comes to personalization. Over time, I’ve discovered a few tweaks that keep the flavor exciting and cater to different dietary needs or preferences. Don’t hesitate to make it your own!
- Chicken Thighs instead of Breasts: I tried this swap for a juicier bite, and it made the dish even more tender and flavorful.
- Use Cauliflower instead of Potatoes: For a low-carb option, cauliflower florets work great and soak up the sauce well.
- Add Crispy Toppings: Toasted breadcrumbs or crushed parmesan chips add a nice crunch — a trick I picked up from a friend who craves texture.
- Spice It Up: Adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne gives a welcome little kick, especially if you like bold flavors.
How to Make Garlic Parmesan Crockpot Chicken and Potatoes Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Season the Potatoes
Start by washing and cubing your potatoes into bite-sized chunks — I usually aim for about 1-inch pieces so they cook evenly without getting mushy. In your crockpot, lightly spray the bottom with cooking spray to prevent sticking, then add the potatoes. Drizzle with olive oil, and sprinkle with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Give everything a good stir to coat well — this step really makes sure every bite is flavorful!
Step 2: Season Your Chicken
Cube your chicken breasts similarly to the potatoes for consistent cooking. Season them evenly with salt, pepper, paprika, onion powder, and Italian seasoning — this combo is what makes the dish taste so well-rounded. Then add the minced garlic and mix it all together. Coat the chicken pieces generously with the Buffalo Wild Wings Garlic Parmesan Sauce. This sauce brings the signature garlicky, cheesy goodness that turns this dish from simple to spectacular.
Step 3: Layer and Cook in the Crockpot
Spread the chicken over the seasoned potatoes in the crockpot. Set the crockpot on low and cook for about 6 hours. This slow cooking allows the potatoes to become tender and the chicken to absorb all those delicious flavors. If you can, gently stir the mixture once or twice during cooking to keep everything coated and evenly cooked. Don’t rush this step — the slow simmer is what makes it so tasty.
Step 4: Add the Mozzarella Cheese
Once the chicken is fully cooked and the potatoes are tender, sprinkle a generous layer of shredded mozzarella over the top. Close the lid for 10-15 minutes to let the cheese melt into gooey perfection. This finishing touch adds creamy richness that my family always raves about — it’s worth the wait!
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Serve your Garlic Parmesan Crockpot Chicken and Potatoes hot, and if you like, drizzle a little ranch dressing on top for some tangy freshness. I also love serving it with extra parmesan sprinklings or fresh parsley for color. This dish is filling and satisfying on its own, but a great gravy or side salad never hurts.
Pro Tips for Making Garlic Parmesan Crockpot Chicken and Potatoes Recipe
- Even Potato Pieces: Cutting potatoes into uniform sizes ensures they cook evenly and avoid some getting mushy while others remain hard.
- Fresh Garlic Boost: Adding minced fresh garlic alongside the sauce enhances the garlic flavor and prevents it from tasting one-dimensional.
- Stir Occasionally: Giving the crockpot mix a gentle stir halfway through cooking helps blend the flavors and prevents sticking on the bottom.
- Cheese Melt Timing: Add the mozzarella cheese near the end to avoid it getting rubbery and to enjoy that creamy, gooey topping everyone loves.
How to Serve Garlic Parmesan Crockpot Chicken and Potatoes Recipe
Garnishes
I usually garnish this dish with some freshly chopped parsley or chives to brighten it up visually and add a subtle fresh note. A few extra shavings of Parmesan cheese on top always make it feel a little extra special. And for a bit of tang, ranch dressing or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice complements the garlicky richness perfectly.
Side Dishes
While this recipe is satisfying on its own, I enjoy pairing it with a light side salad tossed in a citrus vinaigrette to balance the richness. Steamed green beans or roasted asparagus work well too, adding some green freshness. Sometimes, garlic bread makes a nice indulgent side when we’re craving comfort food!
Creative Ways to Present
For a special occasion, I like to serve this recipe in individual ramekins topped with the melted mozzarella and a sprinkle of crunchy herb breadcrumbs. It turns a humble crockpot dish into a table-worthy presentation that guests always appreciate. Also, layering some roasted cherry tomatoes on top before adding the cheese adds a pop of color and sweet juiciness.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
When I have leftovers, I store them in an airtight container in the fridge, and they usually last 3-4 days without losing much flavor or texture. I find the potatoes soak up more of the sauce overnight, making the meal taste even better the next day!
Freezing
This recipe freezes pretty well, which is a lifesaver for busy weeks. I like to freeze it before adding the mozzarella cheese — that way, I can melt fresh cheese when reheating for that gooey experience. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.
Reheating
To reheat, I usually pop leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) covered with foil to keep moisture in, then add fresh shredded cheese on top for the last few minutes to melt. If I’m in a hurry, the microwave works too — just be careful not to overcook, as the chicken can dry out.
FAQs
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Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts in this Garlic Parmesan Crockpot Chicken and Potatoes Recipe?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs work wonderfully in this recipe and tend to be juicier and more forgiving during slow cooking. Just cube them similar in size to breasts, and the cooking time remains the same. You’ll get a slightly richer flavor and more tender texture.
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Is it necessary to use Buffalo Wild Wings Garlic Parmesan Sauce, or can I substitute it?
You can certainly substitute it with any creamy garlic parmesan sauce or make your own blend of butter, garlic, parmesan cheese, and a touch of cream. The branded sauce is convenient and packed with flavor, but homemade versions or other store-bought sauces work too — just adjust seasoning to taste.
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Can I make this recipe in an Instant Pot instead of a crockpot?
Yes! For an Instant Pot adaptation, use the sauté function to toss the potatoes and seasonings, then add the chicken and sauce. Cook on high pressure for about 10 minutes, then do a quick release. Add the cheese after cooking, and use the keep-warm mode to melt it. It’s a great way to speed up the process while keeping flavors intact.
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How do I prevent the cheese from getting rubbery when adding it to the crockpot?
Adding the shredded mozzarella cheese during the last 10-15 minutes of cooking and keeping the crockpot lid closed helps it melt smoothly without becoming rubbery. Avoid adding cheese too early to maintain that gooey texture everyone loves.
Final Thoughts
This Garlic Parmesan Crockpot Chicken and Potatoes Recipe holds a special place in my heart because it’s a true example of comfort food made easy. It’s the kind of meal that fills your home with irresistible aromas and your belly with pure satisfaction. If you’re looking for a dish that’s quick to prep, slow to cook, and insanely delicious, give this one a try — your taste buds and your family will thank you!
PrintGarlic Parmesan Crockpot Chicken and Potatoes Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Garlic Parmesan Crockpot Chicken and Potatoes recipe is a comforting and flavorful one-pot meal perfect for busy days. Tender cubed chicken breasts and seasoned potatoes slow cook together in a creamy Garlic Parmesan sauce, then melt under a blanket of shredded mozzarella cheese. It’s an easy, hearty dish with a rich blend of spices that captures the essence of classic comfort food with minimal effort.
Ingredients
Potatoes
- 5 medium-sized potatoes, cubed
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- Garlic powder, to taste
- Paprika, to taste
Chicken
- 1 lb chicken breasts, cubed
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp pepper
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 2 tbsp minced garlic
- Buffalo Wild Wings Garlic Parmesan Sauce, enough to cover chicken (approximately 1/2 to 3/4 cup)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Prepare the Potatoes: Wash and cube the potatoes into bite-sized pieces. Spray the crockpot with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Place the cubed potatoes inside and drizzle with olive oil. Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika, then stir thoroughly to evenly coat all the potatoes.
- Season the Chicken: Cube the chicken breasts into similar-sized pieces. In a bowl, season the chicken with salt, pepper, paprika, onion powder, and Italian seasoning. Add the minced garlic and mix well to distribute the flavors. Pour enough Buffalo Wild Wings Garlic Parmesan Sauce over the chicken to fully coat it.
- Cook in the Crockpot: Add the seasoned chicken on top of the potatoes in the crockpot. Cover and cook on the low setting for approximately 6 hours, or until the potatoes and chicken are tender and fully cooked. Stir the contents occasionally to prevent sticking and to distribute the sauce evenly.
- Add Cheese: Once cooked, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the crockpot contents. Cover the lid again and allow the cheese to melt for about 5 to 10 minutes before serving.
- Serve: Serve the Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes hot. Optionally, drizzle with ranch dressing or garnish with fresh herbs for an extra layer of flavor.
Notes
- Feel free to adjust the seasonings according to your preference for more or less spice and garlic flavor.
- Ensure the potatoes are well-coated with olive oil and spices for maximum flavor absorption.
- Check the chicken is fully cooked by ensuring there is no pink inside before serving.
- You can substitute mozzarella with Parmesan or another melting cheese based on availability or taste.
- If preferred, use homemade Garlic Parmesan sauce instead of store-bought for a fresh twist.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 590mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg