Slow Cooker Parmesan Garlic Chicken and Potatoes

Steps to prepare ingredients for the slow cooker

Preparing the ingredients for your Slow Cooker Parmesan Garlic Chicken and Potatoes is a simple process that sets the stage for a delicious meal. Here’s how to get everything ready for the slow cooker:

Prepare the Chicken

• Trim the Chicken: Begin by trimming any excess fat off the chicken breasts. This step ensures that your dish is both healthy and appealing.

• Season the Chicken: In a small bowl, mix together salt, pepper, part of the minced garlic, and a little paprika. Rub this mixture onto both sides of the chicken breasts to infuse them with flavor.

Prepare the Potatoes

• Clean the Potatoes: Rinse the baby potatoes under cold water to remove any dirt. Since you’ll be cooking them with their skins on, it’s important they’re clean.

• Halve the Potatoes: Cut the baby potatoes in half. This increases their surface area, allowing them to absorb more flavor during cooking.

Mix the Seasoning

• Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix together the grated Parmesan cheese, the remaining minced garlic, dried oregano, dried basil, and the rest of the paprika. This mixture will be used to coat the chicken and potatoes, giving them a rich, savory flavor.

Prepare the Cooking Liquid

• Measure the Broth: Pour 1/2 cup of chicken broth into a measuring cup. The broth will provide moisture for the slow cooker, ensuring the chicken and potatoes cook to perfection without drying out.

Arrange the Ingredients in the Slow Cooker

• Layer the Chicken: Place the seasoned chicken breasts at the bottom of the slow cooker. This allows them to cook evenly and soak up flavors from the broth and seasonings.

• Add the Potatoes: Scatter the halved potatoes over and around the chicken. Try to spread them out evenly for uniform cooking.

• Sprinkle the Parmesan Mixture: Evenly distribute the Parmesan and herb mixture over the chicken and potatoes, ensuring every piece is well-coated.

• Pour in the Broth: Finally, pour the chicken broth over the ingredients in the slow cooker. The liquid shouldn’t cover the chicken and potatoes completely; it’s just there to provide moisture and help distribute the heat.

Set the Slow Cooker

• Before you turn on your slow cooker, ensure the lid is securely in place. This helps to trap the steam and flavors, allowing everything to cook slowly and thoroughly.

Comprehensive guide to cooking the dish.

Once you’ve prepared your ingredients for the Slow Cooker Parmesan Garlic Chicken and Potatoes, it’s time to move on to the cooking phase. Follow this comprehensive guide to ensure your dish turns out flavorful, tender, and perfectly cooked.

Cooking Steps

1. Layering the Ingredients

• After seasoning, place the chicken breasts at the bottom of the slow cooker. This positioning allows the chicken to cook evenly and soak up the flavors from the seasonings and broth.

• Arrange the halved baby potatoes around and on top of the chicken. The direct contact with the chicken and broth will infuse the potatoes with delicious flavors.

2. Adding the Seasonings and Broth

• Evenly sprinkle the Parmesan and herb mixture over the chicken and potatoes in the slow cooker. Make sure every piece gets a good coating to maximize flavor.

• Gently pour the chicken broth over the ingredients. The broth provides the necessary moisture for cooking and helps to distribute flavors evenly throughout the dish.

3. Setting the Slow Cooker

• Cover the slow cooker with its lid to trap steam and ensure a consistent cooking environment.

• Cook on low heat for 6-8 hours or on high heat for 3-4 hours. The low and slow cooking process allows the chicken to become tender and the potatoes soft, without overcooking.

4. Checking for Doneness

• Near the end of the cooking time, check the chicken and potatoes for doneness. The chicken should be thoroughly cooked with no pink in the middle, and the potatoes should be tender when pierced with a fork.

• If necessary, adjust the cooking time slightly to ensure everything is perfectly cooked. Slow cookers can vary, so it’s important to know how yours performs with different types of dishes.

5. Serving the Dish

• Once the chicken and potatoes are cooked to your satisfaction, carefully remove them from the slow cooker using a slotted spoon or tongs to avoid breaking the tender potatoes.

• Plate the chicken and potatoes, and spoon over some of the cooking juices from the slow cooker for extra flavor and moisture.

• Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness before serving.

Tips for Perfect Results

• Avoid Lifting the Lid: Resist the urge to frequently check on the dish by lifting the lid. Every time you do, steam escapes, lowering the cooking temperature and extending the cooking time.

• Adjust Seasonings to Taste: Before serving, taste the cooking juices and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if necessary.

• Thicken the Sauce (Optional): If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with water and stir it into the cooking juices. Let it cook on high for an additional 15-20 minutes until the sauce thickens.

Conclusion

Slow Cooker Parmesan Garlic Chicken and Potatoes is a fuss-free, delicious meal that’s perfect for any night of the week. By following these detailed steps, you’ll ensure your dish is cooked to perfection, offering a comforting and satisfying meal that’s packed with flavor. Enjoy the process of slow cooking, where patience yields incredible results, and the aromas filling your home promise a delightful meal ahead.