Imagine a dish so effortlessly delicious that it transforms your kitchen into a gourmet Italian haven with minimal effort. This Parmesan Crock Pot Chicken and Potatoes recipe is your ticket to a mouthwatering meal that combines tender, juicy chicken with perfectly seasoned potatoes, all smothered in a rich, cheesy Parmesan coating. Whether you're a busy professional, a home cook looking for a hassle-free dinner, or someone craving a comforting meal that practically cooks itself, this recipe is about to become your new culinary best friend.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 5 hrs
Total Time: 5 hrs 10 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 boneless chicken thighs
- 4 medium potatoes, diced
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare ingredients by washing and dicing potatoes into 1-inch cubes. Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels and season both sides with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Grease the inside of the crock pot with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking. This will help with easier cleanup and prevent food from burning.
- Layer diced potatoes evenly across the bottom of the crock pot, creating a base for the chicken to rest on. The potatoes will absorb the flavors and cook underneath the chicken.
- Place seasoned chicken thighs on top of the potato layer, ensuring they are not overlapping for even cooking.
- Pour chicken broth around the edges of the crock pot, being careful not to wash away the seasoning from the chicken. The broth will help create moisture and prevent the dish from drying out.
- Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese generously over the chicken and potatoes, covering them completely for a rich, cheesy flavor.
- Cover the crock pot and set to low heat. Cook for 5 hours, allowing the chicken to become tender and the potatoes to become soft and flavorful.
- After cooking time is complete, check that chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) using a meat thermometer for food safety.
- Let the dish rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute, ensuring moist and flavorful chicken.
- Serve hot, optionally garnishing with fresh parsley or additional Parmesan cheese for extra flavor and presentation.
Tips
- Choose the Right Chicken: Opt for boneless chicken thighs for maximum flavor and tenderness. They're more forgiving in slow cooking and stay juicier than chicken breasts.
- Potato Prep Matters: Cut potatoes into uniform 1-inch cubes to ensure even cooking. Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes work best for this recipe.
- Seasoning is Key: Don't be shy with your Italian seasoning and Parmesan cheese. These ingredients are what transform a simple dish into a flavor explosion.
- Prevent Sticking: Always grease your crock pot before adding ingredients. This makes cleanup easier and prevents food from burning.
- Avoid Overcrowding: Arrange chicken thighs in a single layer without overlapping to ensure even cooking and consistent flavor distribution.
- Use Fresh Parmesan: If possible, grate your own Parmesan cheese for a more robust and authentic flavor compared to pre-packaged options.
- Temperature Check: Always use a meat thermometer to confirm the chicken has reached 165°F (74°C) for food safety.
- Resting Time: Let the dish rest for 5-10 minutes after cooking to allow juices to redistribute, ensuring maximum moisture and flavor.
- Optional Garnish: Fresh parsley or additional Parmesan can elevate the presentation and add a fresh touch to your dish.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: This recipe can be prepared in the morning and will be ready by dinner time, making it perfect for busy weekdays!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 22g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 140mg
