Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes: A Comforting Crockpot Delight

There’s something undeniably comforting about coming home to a warm, hearty meal after a long day. For busy home cooks, the crockpot is a true kitchen hero, simplifying meal prep and giving you the freedom to go about your day while it does all the heavy lifting. One of the most flavorful and satisfying meals you can prepare in your crockpot is the Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes. This creamy dish combines tender chicken, hearty little potatoes, and a rich, savory garlic Parmesan sauce that creates a flavorful, soul-warming dinner with minimal effort. It’s a perfect meal for any day of the week, whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting guests. Let’s dive deep into the delightful layers of this dish and why it should be a staple in your weeknight rotation.

The Allure of Garlic and Parmesan

Garlic and Parmesan are two ingredients that, when paired together, bring bold and robust flavors to almost any dish. Garlic’s pungent, aromatic qualities add warmth and depth, while Parmesan cheese, with its nutty, salty profile, lends richness to sauces, making them creamy and indulgent.

In this recipe, the combination of these two star ingredients creates a savory sauce that blankets the chicken and potatoes, turning a simple meal into something extraordinary. The creaminess of the sauce is enhanced further with cream cheese, which melts into the garlic Parmesan mixture, creating a luscious coating for both the chicken and potatoes. Meanwhile, the addition of smoked paprika and garlic adds a subtle kick, complementing the richness of the sauce and cutting through the creaminess with its aromatic heat.

Why Crockpot Cooking is Perfect for This Dish

The slow cooker, or crockpot, is a game-changer for dishes like this one because it allows the flavors to meld together over time, creating a depth of flavor that is hard to replicate with faster cooking methods. The chicken becomes incredibly tender, practically falling apart with each bite, and the potatoes soak up all the creamy garlic Parmesan goodness, becoming soft and buttery.

Beyond the flavor benefits, crockpot cooking is a time-saver. With just a few minutes of preparation, you can have everything ready in the morning and come home to a delicious meal in the evening. It’s ideal for busy families or anyone who wants to enjoy a homemade meal without spending hours in the kitchen.

A Versatile Recipe for Any Occasion

Moreover, the recipe can be easily adapted. Want to add some vegetables? Toss in some carrots, peas, or green beans into the crockpot for a more balanced meal. Prefer dark meat chicken? Swap out the tenderloins for chicken thighs, which are equally tender and flavorful when cooked in the crockpot.

Now, let’s get into the details of how to prepare this creamy, flavorful dish.

Ingredients and Instructions: Bringing It All Together

Ingredients:

• 1 bottle Garlic Parmesan sauce (Buffalo Wild Wings recommended for its rich flavor)
• 2 packs little potatoes (baby potatoes work well for their bite-sized goodness)
• 1 pack chicken tender filets (about 1 pound)
• 1 block cream cheese (adds creaminess to the dish)
• 1 tsp smoked paprika (gives a subtle smoky heat)
• 1-2 tsp minced garlic (enhances the garlic flavor)
• Salt and black pepper (to taste)
• 1 carton heavy cream (use to rinse out the sauce bottle for added richness)

Instructions:

1. Prepare Ingredients: Start by placing your chicken tenderloins and little potatoes into the crockpot. You don’t need to chop the potatoes unless they are particularly large. If using baby potatoes, leave them whole for a satisfying texture. Season the chicken and potatoes with smoked paprika, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper. The smoked paprika adds a hint of smokiness that complements the rich cream sauce beautifully, while the minced garlic enhances the depth of flavor.
2. Add Sauce and Cream Cheese: Pour the entire bottle of Garlic Parmesan sauce over the chicken and potatoes. The sauce is key here, as it forms the base of the dish’s rich, creamy flavor. If you’re using the Buffalo Wild Wings brand, you’ll enjoy the balanced garlic and Parmesan flavors, but feel free to experiment with other brands or homemade versions if you prefer. Next, cut the cream cheese into cubes and distribute them over the top. As the cream cheese melts, it will blend with the sauce to create an incredibly creamy texture.
3. Rinse Bottle with Heavy Cream: To make sure you don’t waste any of that delicious Garlic Parmesan sauce, pour the heavy cream into the empty sauce bottle, shake it well, and then pour the mixture into the crockpot. The heavy cream not only helps thin the sauce slightly but also makes it even more decadent and creamy as it cooks.
4. Cook: Cover the crockpot and cook on high for 4 to 6 hours. If you have more time and prefer a slower cook, you can set the crockpot to low and let it simmer for 6 to 8 hours. You’ll know the dish is ready when the chicken is tender enough to shred with a fork, and the potatoes are soft and easily pierced with a knife.
5. Serve: Once cooked, give everything a gentle stir to make sure the sauce is evenly distributed. Plate the chicken and potatoes, making sure to spoon over plenty of the creamy garlic Parmesan sauce. The rich, velvety sauce pairs beautifully with the tender chicken and potatoes, making each bite a flavorful, comforting delight.

Tips for Perfecting the Recipe

1. Selecting the Right Chicken: While chicken tenderloins are ideal for their quick cooking time, you can also use chicken thighs for a richer flavor. Bone-in, skinless thighs will add extra flavor to the sauce as the bones release their juices during cooking.
2. Potato Varieties: Little potatoes are perfect for this dish because they hold their shape and texture well during slow cooking. However, if you prefer, you can substitute Yukon Gold or red potatoes—just be sure to cut them into uniform pieces so they cook evenly.
3. Garlic Parmesan Sauce: Buffalo Wild Wings Garlic Parmesan sauce brings a wonderful balance of flavors, but feel free to make your own by mixing grated Parmesan, garlic, olive oil, and a touch of cream or butter for a homemade version. You can also experiment with other store-bought garlic Parmesan sauces to suit your flavor preferences.
4. Adding Vegetables: Want to make this a one-pot meal? Consider adding carrots, green beans, or even Brussels sprouts to the crockpot. Add the vegetables about halfway through cooking to ensure they don’t overcook and become mushy.
5. Herbs and Spices: While smoked paprika and garlic are essential to the recipe, you can also add other herbs and spices to customize the flavor. A dash of Italian seasoning, thyme, or rosemary can add a delightful herbal note to the dish. A little red pepper flakes can also be added for those who enjoy a bit of heat.

Serving Suggestions

This creamy, flavorful dish is delicious on its own, but you can pair it with a few simple sides to make it even more satisfying. A light, crisp side salad with a lemon vinaigrette can cut through the richness of the sauce, providing a fresh contrast. Alternatively, serve it with steamed green beans or sautéed spinach for a balanced meal.

If you’re hosting a dinner party, garlic bread or a warm baguette on the side can be perfect for soaking up all that delicious sauce. You could even serve the chicken and potatoes over a bed of pasta or rice if you want to stretch the meal further.

Variations to Try

One of the great things about this recipe is how versatile it is. Here are a few variations you might want to try:

• Cheesy Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes: Add shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese to the crockpot in the last hour of cooking for an even cheesier version of this dish.
• Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Mushrooms: Sauté some mushrooms and add them to the crockpot in the last hour of cooking for an earthy, umami-rich variation.
• Spicy Garlic Parmesan Chicken: If you like heat, add some red pepper flakes to the sauce, or stir in a bit of sriracha or hot sauce for a spicy twist on the classic.

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Conclusion

The Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes recipe is everything you want in a crockpot meal: easy, flavorful, and comforting. With tender chicken, creamy potatoes, and a rich garlic Parmesan sauce, it’s sure to become a favorite in your household. Whether you’re looking for a convenient weeknight dinner or a dish that impresses guests, this recipe checks all the boxes. Plus, with its versatility and potential for variations, you can make it your own every time you prepare it. So, pull out your crockpot and get ready to enjoy a meal that’s as satisfying to make as it is to eat!