Introduction
If you love a cheesy, garlicky, and satisfying one-pan dinner, then Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes is the recipe you need. This dish combines juicy, tender chicken with crispy, golden potatoes, all smothered in a rich, creamy garlic parmesan sauce. Whether you’re cooking it in a slow cooker, oven, or stovetop, it’s the perfect meal for a cozy night in.
Not only is this dish packed with bold flavors, but it’s also an easy family dinner idea that requires minimal effort. Plus, you can tweak it based on your preferences—add extra cheese, swap in your favorite seasonings, or throw in some veggies for added texture.
So, if you’re looking for a comfort food recipe that’s budget-friendly, easy to make, and absolutely delicious, you’ve come to the right place. Let’s get started!
Ingredients for Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes
Main Ingredients
To make the best Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes, you’ll need a handful of simple but flavorful ingredients:
- Chicken – You can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts or chicken thighs for extra juiciness.
- Potatoes – Baby potatoes, Yukon Gold, or russet potatoes all work well. Cut them into bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
- Garlic – Fresh minced garlic is best for a deep, rich flavor. Garlic powder works in a pinch!
- Parmesan Cheese – Adds a nutty, salty depth that ties everything together.
- Mozzarella Cheese – Melts beautifully over the top, creating a cheesy, gooey finish.
- Olive Oil – Helps achieve crispy, golden brown potatoes when roasting or pan-searing.
- Heavy Cream – Creates a luscious, creamy sauce (you can substitute milk or half & half if needed).
- Butter – Enhances richness and helps the garlic flavor infuse into the sauce.
Seasonings & Flavor Boosters
The seasoning is key to making this dish incredibly flavorful:
- Salt & Black Pepper – The foundation of great seasoning.
- Italian Seasoning Blend – A mix of oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary. Check out this Homemade Italian seasoning blend recipe.
- Smoked Paprika – Adds a subtle smoky depth.
- Onion Powder – Enhances the overall savoriness.
- Cajun Seasoning (Optional) – If you love a little spice, this is a game-changer!
How to Make Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes
This recipe is versatile, so you can cook it using three different methods—slow cooker, oven, or stovetop. Choose the one that fits your schedule!
Slow Cooker Method (Set It & Forget It!)
If you want a hands-off dinner, the slow cooker method is perfect.
- Prep the Ingredients – Wash and cut the potatoes into bite-sized chunks. Season the chicken with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and smoked paprika.
- Layer in the Slow Cooker – First, place the potatoes at the bottom, then lay the seasoned chicken on top.
- Make the Sauce – In a bowl, whisk together heavy cream, parmesan cheese, minced garlic, and melted butter. Pour it over the chicken and potatoes.
- Cook on LOW for 6 hours or HIGH for 4 hours until the chicken is tender.
- Add Mozzarella – Sprinkle shredded mozzarella over the top and let it melt for 10 more minutes before serving.
- Garnish with Fresh Parsley & Enjoy!
Pro Tip: If you like crispy potatoes, pop them under the broiler for 5 minutes before serving.
Oven-Baked Method (For Crispy Potatoes!)
This method is great if you love crispy, golden potatoes with a roasted garlic parmesan finish.
- Boil & Smash the Potatoes – Boil baby potatoes for 10 minutes, then gently smash them with a fork for extra crispiness.
- Season the Chicken & Potatoes – Toss with olive oil, salt, pepper, and seasonings.
- Bake at 400°F for 20 Minutes – Arrange potatoes and chicken on a lined baking sheet and roast until golden.
- Make the Garlic Parmesan Sauce – While baking, mix butter, garlic, heavy cream, and parmesan in a saucepan over low heat.
- Pour the Sauce & Bake Again for 15 Minutes – Let everything get golden and bubbly.
- Add Mozzarella & Broil for 5 Minutes – This creates that perfect cheesy topping!
Pro Tip: Smashed potatoes get extra crispy when brushed with garlic butter before baking!
Stovetop Method (Quick & Easy!)
If you need dinner on the table fast, this method delivers big flavor in minimal time.
- Pan-Sear the Chicken – Heat olive oil in a large skillet, then cook the chicken for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
- Cook the Potatoes – In the same pan, sauté the potatoes until crispy and tender (about 10 minutes).
- Make the Sauce – Add garlic, butter, and heavy cream to the pan. Stir well to create a smooth sauce.
- Return Chicken & Simmer – Let everything cook together for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens.
- Top with Cheese & Serve!
Pro Tip: Add a splash of chicken stock or white wine for extra depth in the sauce!
Tips for the Best Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes
How to Get Crispy Potatoes
- Use baby potatoes and smash them before roasting for extra crunch.
- Coat with olive oil and bake at 400°F for at least 20 minutes.
- Try the air fryer – Cook at 375°F for 15 minutes, shaking halfway through.
Making the Creamiest Sauce
- Use heavy cream instead of milk for a thicker, richer texture.
- Slowly melt parmesan cheese into the sauce to avoid clumping.
- For extra richness, add a splash of white wine or chicken stock.
Best Cheese for This Dish
- Parmesan – Adds a nutty, salty depth.
- Mozzarella – Creates the perfect gooey, melty topping.
- Monterey Jack – A great alternative for an extra creamy texture.
What to Serve with Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes
Want the perfect side dishes to pair with this meal? Try these:
- Cheesy Garlic Mashed Potatoes – Extra indulgent and creamy.
- Roasted Green Beans with Parmesan – Adds a fresh, crisp contrast.
- Garlic Bread – Perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce!
FAQs About Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes
Can I Use Bone-In Chicken Instead of Boneless?
Absolutely! Bone-in chicken thighs or drumsticks add extra flavor and stay juicy while cooking. However, keep in mind that they require a longer cooking time:
- Slow Cooker – Add 15-20 minutes to the cooking time.
- Oven – Roast for 35-40 minutes at 400°F, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Stovetop – Cook covered over medium-low heat for 25-30 minutes, flipping occasionally.
Pro Tip: If using bone-in chicken, sear it first for a crispy, golden crust before adding it to the dish.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Got leftovers? No problem! Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes stores beautifully and makes for an easy meal prep option.
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Place leftovers in a freezer-safe bag or container and freeze for up to 2 months.
- Best Way to Reheat:
- Oven – Bake at 350°F for 10-15 minutes for the best texture.
- Microwave – Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until warm.
- Stovetop – Warm in a pan over medium heat, adding a splash of cream or broth to refresh the sauce.
Pro Tip: If reheating frozen leftovers, thaw overnight in the fridge before warming up for even heating.
Can I Make This Recipe Keto-Friendly?
Yes! You can easily turn this into a low-carb meal with a few simple swaps:
- Replace potatoes with cauliflower, zucchini, or broccoli.
- Use extra cheese and heavy cream for added richness.
- Skip store-bought sauces that may have hidden carbs and opt for a homemade garlic parmesan sauce instead.
Bonus: This dish is already high in protein, making it a great keto dinner option!
Can I Make This Dish Dairy-Free?
Yes, you can modify this recipe for a dairy-free version! Here’s how:
- Replace butter with olive oil or a dairy-free butter alternative.
- Swap out heavy cream for coconut cream or unsweetened almond milk.
- Use dairy-free cheese or simply skip it altogether.
Pro Tip: Nutritional yeast adds a cheesy, nutty flavor without any dairy!
Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes Recipe Card
If you’re ready to try this dish out, here’s the simplified version of the recipe for easy reference:
Ingredients:
- 2 chicken breasts (or thighs)
- 1.5 lbs baby potatoes (cut into chunks)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup parmesan cheese, grated
- ½ cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp butter, melted
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- Salt & black pepper (to taste)
Cooking Methods:
Slow Cooker:
- Layer potatoes, then chicken.
- Pour the garlic parmesan sauce.
- Cook on LOW for 6 hours or HIGH for 4 hours.
- Add mozzarella and let it melt before serving.
Oven:
- Bake chicken and potatoes at 400°F for 20 minutes.
- Pour the sauce and bake for 15 more minutes.
- Broil for 5 minutes to get a golden, cheesy crust.
Stovetop:
- Pan-sear chicken and potatoes separately.
- Make the sauce in the same pan.
- Simmer everything together for 10 minutes before serving.
Serving Idea: Pair this with garlic bread or steamed green beans for a complete meal!
More Recipes You’ll Love
Looking for more delicious, cheesy, and garlicky meals? Try these reader-favorite recipes:
- Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta – A pasta lover’s dream with a rich, cheesy garlic sauce.
- Crispy Garlic Butter Chicken Thighs – Perfect if you love golden, crispy-skinned chicken.
- Cheesy Garlic Mashed Potatoes – The best side dish to go with Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes!
Final Thoughts – Try This Flavor-Packed Recipe Tonight!
There you have it—Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes in all its creamy, cheesy, and garlicky glory! No matter which cooking method you choose—slow cooker, oven, or stovetop—this dish is guaranteed to be a family favorite.
Here’s a quick recap of why you’ll love this recipe:
✅ Easy to make – Perfect for busy weeknights.
✅ One-pan meal – Less cleanup, more flavor!
✅ Comfort food classic – Creamy, cheesy, and satisfying.
✅ Customizable – Adjust the spice level, cheese, or add veggies!
So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, pick your cooking method, and enjoy a delicious homemade meal!
Don’t forget to share your Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes experience in the comments! Happy cooking!