Slow-Cooker Garlic-Parmesan Chicken is a dish that will impress your family and friends with its delightful flavors while also being easy to prepare. You can set it up in the morning and let your slow cooker work its magic throughout the day. The combination of garlic and Parmesan gives this chicken a rich, savory taste that pairs perfectly with tender, buttery potatoes. This meal is not only delicious but also comforting, making it a great choice for any occasion.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
4 Reasons Why You’ll Love It
- Easy to Prepare
- Rich, Savory Flavors
- Tender and Juicy Chicken
- Perfect for Busy Days
Time Breakdown
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Refrigerate: 2 hours to overnight
- Cook Time: 4 hours on Low or 2 hours on High
- Total Time: 6 hours to overnight
Ingredients List:
- 2 lb. bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 1 tsp. garlic powder
- Kosher salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
- 1 1/2 lb. baby red potatoes, quartered
- 6 garlic cloves, chopped
- 1 oz. Parmesan, finely shredded (about 1/2 cup), plus more for serving
- 2 Tbsp. unsalted butter, melted
- 10 thyme sprigs, divided
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 2 Tbsp. chopped parsley
How to make Step-by-Step
1. Season Chicken
Season chicken thighs all over and under the skin with garlic powder, 2 tsp. salt, and 1 tsp. pepper. Let sit, uncovered, on a wire rack in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours and up to overnight.
2. Prepare Potatoes
In a slow cooker, toss potatoes, garlic, Parmesan, butter, and half of the thyme. Generously season with salt and pepper.
3. Cook Potatoes
Cook on High for 2 hours or on Low for 4 hours.
4. Sear Chicken
In a large skillet over medium heat, arrange chicken skin side down. Cook, undisturbed, until fat has rendered and skin is golden brown, about 12 to 14 minutes.
5. Transfer Chicken
Transfer chicken to slow cooker skin side up and discard excess fat.
6. Deglaze Skillet
Pour cream into the skillet to deglaze, scraping browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Cook until reduced by half, about 3 minutes.
7. Add Cream
Pour the cream from the skillet into the slow cooker. Top with the remaining thyme.
8. Cook Chicken
Cook until potatoes are tender and an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the chicken registers 165 degrees, about 2 hours on High or 4 hours on Low.
9. Serve
Top with more Parmesan and chopped parsley before serving.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this dish with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete meal. The creamy sauce is excellent over rice or pasta if you’d like a heartier side.
Slow-Cooker Garlic-Parmesan Chicken
Ingredients
Main ingredients
- 2 lb bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Kosher to taste salt
- Freshly ground to taste black pepper
- 1.5 lb baby red potatoes, quartered
- 6 cloves garlic, chopped
- 1 oz Parmesan, finely shredded (about 1/2 cup), plus more for serving
- 2 Tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 10 sprigs thyme, divided
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 2 Tbsp chopped parsley
Instructions
Preparation
- Season chicken thighs all over and under the skin with garlic powder, 2 tsp. salt, and 1 tsp. pepper. Let sit, uncovered, on a wire rack in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours and up to overnight.
- In a slow cooker, toss potatoes, garlic, Parmesan, butter, and half of the thyme. Generously season with salt and pepper.
Cooking
- Cook the potatoes on High for 2 hours or on Low for 4 hours.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, arrange chicken skin side down. Cook, undisturbed, until fat has rendered and skin is golden brown, about 12 to 14 minutes.
- Transfer chicken to slow cooker skin side up and discard excess fat.
- Pour cream into the skillet to deglaze, scraping browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Cook until reduced by half, about 3 minutes.
- Pour the cream from the skillet into the slow cooker. Top with the remaining thyme.
- Cook until potatoes are tender and an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the chicken registers 165 degrees, about 2 hours on High or 4 hours on Low.
- Top with more Parmesan and chopped parsley before serving.
Notes
Nutrition
Storage Tips
- Refrigerate leftovers in a sealed container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.
- Freeze portions in airtight bags for up to 2 months.
- Thaw in the fridge before reheating to maintain texture.
Tips for Success
- Make sure to season well for maximum flavor.
- Let the chicken rest in the fridge for the best results.
- Use fresh herbs for a brighter taste.
- Don’t rush the cooking time for tender chicken.
Variations to Try
- Substitute the chicken with bone-in, skin-on chicken breasts.
- Add other vegetables like carrots or green beans for extra nutrition.
- Experiment with different herbs such as rosemary or oregano.
FAQs
Can I use boneless chicken thighs?
Yes, but cooking time may be shorter.Is this recipe spicy?
No, it has a mild flavor profile.Can I use non-dairy cream?
Yes, any non-dairy substitute should work well.How can I thicken the sauce further?
Consider adding a cornstarch slurry toward the end of cooking.
Closing Notes
Slow-Cooker Garlic-Parmesan Chicken is a meal that simplifies your dinner routine while still delivering on flavor. Perfect for weeknight dinners or casual get-togethers, this dish will quickly become a favorite. By following these simple steps, you will have a comforting meal that impresses everyone at the table. Enjoy the ease of cooking with the slow cooker and the mouthwatering aromas filling your kitchen!
