Hey there! Let me tell you, cooking with a crockpot is like having your own personal sous chef. Seriously, it’s a game changer for those busy weeknights when the clock is ticking and you just don’t have the energy to whip up an elaborate meal. That’s where my *crockpot garlic parmesan chicken and potatoes for busy weeknights* comes in! It’s simple, delicious, and requires minimal effort—just toss everything in, set it, and forget it!
I remember those frantic evenings when I’d come home from work, exhausted and starving, and the last thing I wanted was to spend an hour in the kitchen. Now, I can prep this meal in just 15 minutes, and by the time I’m ready to eat, the aroma of garlic and parmesan fills the house, making it feel warm and inviting. There’s nothing quite like sitting down to a hot, hearty meal that practically cooks itself while you go about your day. Trust me, you’re going to love it!
Ingredients List
Let’s gather everything we need to make this scrumptious dish! Here’s what you’ll need:
- 4 chicken breasts: Boneless and skinless work best for this recipe. They’ll soak up all that yummy flavor!
- 2 cups baby potatoes: I love using baby potatoes because they’re tender and cook evenly. No peeling necessary—just give them a good rinse!
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese: Freshly grated is ideal, but the pre-grated stuff works too if you’re in a pinch. It adds such a rich, savory kick!
- 1/4 cup butter, melted: This is what makes everything luscious. If you want, you can use olive oil, but butter gives it that homey flavor.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: The more garlic, the better, right? It brings so much depth to the dish. Feel free to adjust if you’re a garlic lover like me!
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: This blend of herbs really ties everything together. You can also use your favorite fresh herbs if you have them on hand!
- Salt and pepper to taste: Don’t forget these! A pinch of salt and a few cracks of pepper elevate the flavors beautifully.
Gather these ingredients, and you’re all set to make a comforting meal that’s sure to impress! Let’s get cooking!
How to Prepare Instructions
Alright, let’s dive into how to whip up this delightful dish! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a delicious dinner waiting for you without any fuss. Ready? Let’s go!
- Prep the chicken: Start by placing those lovely chicken breasts right in the bottom of your crockpot. No need to season them just yet; we’ll get to that in a moment!
- Add the potatoes: Next, toss in the baby potatoes around the chicken. They’ll absorb all those fantastic flavors as they cook. Make sure they’re nestled in nicely!
- Mix the sauce: In a separate bowl, combine the melted butter, minced garlic, grated parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Give it a good stir until everything is nicely mixed. This is where the magic happens!
- Pour it on: Carefully pour that luscious mixture over the chicken and potatoes. Make sure it coats everything well. You want each bite to be bursting with flavor!
- Set it and forget it: Cover your crockpot with the lid and set it to cook on low for about 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. If you’re in a hurry, the high setting is perfect, but low and slow brings out the best flavors!
- Serve and enjoy: Once it’s done cooking, serve it warm right from the crockpot. I like to sprinkle a little extra parmesan on top for good measure. Trust me, it’s worth it!
And there you have it! The key is to let the crockpot do all the work while you kick back and relax. Just don’t forget to set a timer, so you can savor the delicious aroma wafting through your home! Enjoy your effortless dinner!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to prepare: With just 15 minutes of prep time, you can get this meal started and let the crockpot do the rest!
- Flavorful dish: The combination of garlic, parmesan, and Italian seasoning creates a mouthwatering aroma and taste that’s sure to please.
- Made in one pot: Less cleanup means more time to relax! Everything cooks together beautifully in the crockpot.
- Perfect for busy weeknights: Whether you’re coming home from work or running errands, this dish is ready when you are.
- Low calorie and healthy: At around 350 calories per serving, this meal offers a nutritious option without sacrificing flavor.
Tips for Success
Now that you’re ready to dive into making this delicious meal, here are some pro tips to ensure it turns out perfectly every time. Trust me, these little tweaks can make a big difference!
- Adjusting seasoning: Everyone’s taste buds are different! Feel free to tweak the garlic, salt, and pepper to suit your preference. A little extra garlic never hurt anyone, right?
- Add extra veggies: Want to sneak in some more nutrients? Toss in some chopped carrots, green beans, or bell peppers along with the potatoes. They’ll cook beautifully and soak up all that savory goodness!
- Use fresh herbs: If you have fresh basil or parsley on hand, sprinkle some on top just before serving. It adds a lovely brightness to the dish!
- Don’t overcrowd: Make sure your crockpot isn’t too packed. If it’s too full, the chicken and potatoes won’t cook evenly. Better to cook in batches if you’re making a larger quantity!
- Timing is key: Keep an eye on the cooking time, especially on the high setting. If you’re using smaller chicken breasts, they might cook faster, so check for doneness a little earlier!
By following these tips, you’ll be on your way to a truly scrumptious crockpot meal that your family will beg for again and again. Happy cooking!
Variations
If you’re feeling a bit adventurous or just want to mix things up, there are so many fun ways to tweak this recipe to suit your taste! Here are some variations that I absolutely love:
- Herb Swap: Experiment with different herbs! Instead of Italian seasoning, try using fresh thyme or rosemary for a fragrant twist. You could even go for a herby blend like Herbes de Provence!
- Different Cheese: While parmesan is a classic, you can swap in other cheeses like mozzarella for a melty, gooey texture or feta for a tangy kick that pairs beautifully with the chicken.
- Add More Veggies: Want to make it even heartier? Toss in some chopped bell peppers, zucchini, or even broccoli florets. They’ll add color and nutrition, and they soak up all that delicious sauce!
- Spicy Kick: If you like a bit of heat, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes or add a diced jalapeño to the mix. It’ll give your dish a nice spicy edge!
- Mustard Twist: Mix in a tablespoon of Dijon mustard with your sauce for a tangy flavor that complements the garlic and parmesan perfectly. It’s a simple way to elevate the dish!
- Switch the Protein: Not a fan of chicken? No problem! You can use boneless pork chops or even turkey breast for a leaner option. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly!
These variations are a great way to keep things fresh and exciting in the kitchen. Feel free to get creative and make this dish your own! Enjoy experimenting!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Got leftovers? You’re in luck! This crockpot garlic parmesan chicken and potatoes make for fantastic next-day meals. Here’s how to store and reheat them properly so you can enjoy the deliciousness again.
Storing Leftovers: Allow any leftovers to cool down to room temperature before transferring them to an airtight container. This helps prevent condensation, which can make your dish soggy. You can keep the chicken and potatoes in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Just make sure to label the container with the date, so you know when to enjoy them by!
Freezing for Later: If you want to save some for a rainy day, you can freeze the leftovers! Place the cooled chicken and potatoes in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag. They’ll keep well for up to 2-3 months. Just remember to squeeze out as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn!
Reheating: When it’s time to dig in, you have a couple of great options. For the best results, reheat the chicken and potatoes in the oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), place the leftovers in a baking dish, and cover it with aluminum foil to retain moisture. Heat for about 20-25 minutes or until everything is warmed through. If you’re in a hurry, you can use the microwave—just be sure to cover the dish and heat in short bursts, stirring in between, until it’s hot and ready to go!
And there you have it! With these storage and reheating tips, you’ll be able to savor your delicious creation well beyond the first serving. Enjoy every last bite!
Nutritional Information Section
Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown for my *crockpot garlic parmesan chicken and potatoes for busy weeknights*. Keep in mind that these values can vary based on the specific ingredients you use, but this will give you a good idea of what to expect:
- Calories: Approximately 350 per serving
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
- Sodium: 600mg
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Sugar: 1g
This dish is not only flavorful but also a great option for a healthy, balanced meal. Enjoy your cooking, and feel good about what you’re serving your family!
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Just keep in mind that if you’re starting with frozen chicken, it may take a bit longer to cook through. I recommend cooking on high for about 4-5 hours instead of the usual 3-4 hours.
What if I don’t have baby potatoes?
No worries at all! You can use regular potatoes, just cut them into smaller chunks. They’ll still cook beautifully and soak up all that savory flavor!
Can I add other vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to toss in some carrots, green beans, or even broccoli. Just make sure they’re cut into similar sizes so they cook evenly with the chicken and potatoes.
How do I know when the chicken is done?
The best way to check is by using a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C) for perfectly cooked chicken. If you don’t have one, cut into the chicken to ensure it’s no longer pink inside.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prep everything in your crockpot the night before and store it in the fridge. In the morning, just set it to cook while you go about your day. It’s a fantastic way to have a warm meal waiting for you at dinner time!
Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes Delightful Dinner
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Calorie
Description
A simple and delicious recipe for garlic parmesan chicken and potatoes made in a crockpot. Perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts
- 2 cups baby potatoes
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Place chicken breasts in the crockpot.
- Add baby potatoes around the chicken.
- In a bowl, mix melted butter, garlic, parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the mixture over the chicken and potatoes.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
- Serve warm and enjoy.
Notes
- Feel free to add vegetables like carrots or green beans.
- Adjust seasoning to your taste.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Crockpot
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Keywords: crockpot garlic parmesan chicken and potatoes for busy weeknights
