01 -
First things first, get those baby Yukon Gold potatoes scrubbed clean and halved. If they're bigger, quarter them so they cook evenly. Then, mince your garlic – and don't be shy, we want plenty of that aromatic goodness! Pat your boneless, skinless chicken thighs dry with paper towels. This step is crucial for getting the seasonings to stick and helps the chicken sear better if you decide to do that later. Honestly, my kitchen counter looks like a war zone after this step, but it’s all part of the process!
02 -
In a medium bowl, toss those chicken thighs with a tablespoon of olive oil, a good pinch of salt, and a generous grind of black pepper. Make sure every piece is coated. I used to just sprinkle it on top, but really getting in there and massaging the seasoning makes a world of difference in the final flavor of the <span class="keyphrase">Garlic Parmesan Crockpot Chicken & Potatoes</span>. Don't be afraid to get your hands a little messy here; it's all part of the home cook charm!
03 -
Now for the layering! Place the seasoned chicken thighs evenly at the bottom of your 6-quart crockpot. Then, scatter the halved potatoes right on top of the chicken. This ensures the potatoes get bathed in all those delicious chicken juices as they cook. I once just dumped everything in, and the potatoes on the bottom got a bit too soft while the top ones were still firm. Layering prevents those little oops moments, trust me.
04 -
Pour in the low-sodium chicken broth, then sprinkle over the minced garlic, dried Italian seasoning, and onion powder. Give it a gentle swirl so the spices are somewhat distributed, but don't stir too vigorously right now. You want that broth to seep down and mingle with everything. The smell of the garlic and Italian seasoning together starts to get me excited at this point – it's the promise of a delicious meal to come!
05 -
Cover your crockpot and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is fall-apart tender and the potatoes are easily pierced with a fork. Resist the urge to peek too often; every time you lift the lid, you lose heat and extend the cooking time. I've learned this the hard way, adding an extra hour to dinner once because I couldn't stop checking! This is where the crockpot does all the heavy lifting for our <span class="keyphrase">Garlic Parmesan Crockpot Chicken & Potatoes</span>.
06 -
About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Give it a good mix to combine everything, making sure the Parmesan melts into that luscious sauce. Re-cover and let it cook for another 20-30 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly and is wonderfully creamy. The aroma at this stage is just incredible – rich, garlicky, and oh-so-inviting. This is my favorite part, watching it transform!
07 -
Before serving, give everything one final stir and taste. Adjust any seasonings if needed – maybe a little more salt or pepper? Then, sprinkle generously with fresh chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness. Ladle big servings onto plates, making sure everyone gets some of that incredible creamy sauce and tender chicken and potatoes. It looks so vibrant and smells so good, even if it was ridiculously easy to make!