– **Title**: Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes Skillet
– **Ingredients**:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1 lb baby potatoes, halved
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 tablespoon garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
– Optional: additional grated Parmesan for serving
– **Instructions**:
1. In a small bowl, mix melted butter, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, grated Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper to combine.
2. In the bottom of the crockpot, place the halved baby potatoes. Lay the chicken breasts on top of the potatoes.
3. Pour the butter and garlic mixture evenly over the chicken and potatoes, ensuring everything is well coated.
4. Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6-7 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and potatoes are tender.
5. Once done, carefully transfer the chicken and potatoes to a skillet over medium heat for an additional 5-10 minutes to crisp them up slightly, if desired.
6. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and additional grated Parmesan before serving.
Enjoy your delicious and comforting Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes Skillet!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless and skinless are ideal for this recipe. If you have chicken thighs instead, they work well too! Just adjust the cooking time a bit since thighs are usually juicier.
Potatoes: Baby potatoes add a nice texture. However, you can substitute with regular potatoes, just cut them into bite-sized pieces. Sweet potatoes are a tasty alternative, but they will cook faster, so keep an eye on them!
Garlic: Fresh garlic gives a vibrant flavor, but you can use garlic powder in a pinch. I love to roast extra garlic for an even deeper flavor in the meal.
Cheese: I used mozzarella for creaminess and Parmesan for flavor. If you’re a fan of sharp flavors, try sharp cheddar or pepper jack for a little kick. Vegan mozzarella works if you need a dairy-free option!
Chicken Broth: You can substitute with vegetable broth or water with a splash of soy sauce for an equally tasty result. Homemade broth takes this dish to another level if you have it on hand!
How Do I Ensure My Chicken Remains Juicy?
To keep chicken juicy, proper seasoning and slow cooking are essential. The seasoning creates a nice crust while the crockpot provides low and slow heat that keeps moisture locked in. Here are some tips:
- Rub the spices thoroughly into the chicken for more flavor.
- Don’t overcook; check internal temperature at around 3 hours on high or 6 hours on low.
- Let the cooked chicken rest for a few minutes before serving. This helps keep it juicy!
Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes Skillet
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken and Potatoes:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 3 cups baby potatoes, quartered (red or Yukon gold)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
For the Cheese Topping:
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dish requires about 15 minutes of prep time, plus you’ll need either 6-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high for cooking in the crockpot. After that, it only takes a few minutes to finish it off on the skillet!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
Start by seasoning the chicken breasts with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian seasoning. Make sure to rub the spices into the chicken well, so each piece gets flavor!
2. Setup the Crockpot:
Place the seasoned chicken breasts in the bottom of your crockpot. Add the quartered baby potatoes around the chicken, creating a cozy space for everything to cook together.
3. Add Garlic and Liquid:
In a small bowl, combine the minced garlic with chicken broth. Pour this flavorful mixture over the chicken and potatoes in the crockpot. This step will infuse your dish with a wonderful garlic flavor!
4. Cook:
Cover the crockpot with its lid and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or if you’re in a hurry, you can cook on high for 3-4 hours. You’ll know it’s done when the chicken is cooked through and the potatoes are tender.
5. Prepare for Skillet:
Once cooked, carefully remove the chicken and potatoes from the crockpot and transfer them to a large skillet. Be careful—they’ll be hot and tender!
6. Add Cheese:
Now it’s time for the cheesy goodness! Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese generously over the chicken and potatoes in the skillet.
7. Melt the Cheese:
Turn the heat on medium and cover the skillet with a lid. Let it sit for about 2-5 minutes, allowing the cheese to melt and become bubbly. Your kitchen will smell amazing!
8. Serve:
Once the cheese is perfectly melted, remove the skillet from heat. Garnish your dish with fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and flavor. Serve hot and enjoy this creamy, cheesy delight!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts! Just ensure you extend the cooking time to about 8-10 hours on low or 4-5 hours on high. Make sure to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) before serving. If using frozen chicken, you might want to wait to add the potatoes until the last few hours of cooking to prevent them from becoming too soft.
What Can I Substitute for Baby Potatoes?
If you don’t have baby potatoes, you can use regular potatoes cut into cubes, sweet potatoes, or even cauliflower florets for a low-carb option. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly—cauliflower usually cooks much faster, so add it in the last hour of cooking.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When ready to eat, reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop. You might want to add a splash of chicken broth or a little water to keep everything moist while reheating.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prep everything a day in advance. Season the chicken and place it in the crockpot with the potatoes, then cover and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, just add the garlic and broth and start cooking! This will save you time on a busy day.
