I love the combination of potatoes and garlic in this Bored of Lunch slow cooker garlic parmesan chicken recipe, made with chicken thighs, baby potatoes, Parmesan cheese, garlic, and butter.

To make Garlic Parmesan Chicken in your slow cooker or crockpot, arrange seasoned chicken and cubed potatoes in the cooker, top with cheese and herbs, and cook on high for 4 hours.

This dish transforms simple ingredients into a comforting meal that fills your kitchen with irresistible aromas, perfect for a satisfying family dinner.

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Can I Use Boneless Chicken Thighs Instead of Bone-In?

Yes, you can use boneless chicken thighs for this recipe; however, bone-in thighs tend to yield juicier results. Boneless thighs might cook slightly faster, so keep an eye on them to prevent overcooking.

Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Chicken Ingredients

• 8–10 chicken thighs
• 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
• 500 grams baby potatoes, cubed with skins on
• 70 grams Parmesan cheese, grated, plus extra for garnishing
• 6 garlic cloves, crushed
• 150 grams low-fat butter
• 2 sprigs fresh rosemary
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• A handful of fresh parsley, chopped, plus extra for garnishing
• 1 lemon slice
• 1 tablespoon cornflour (optional, for thickening)
• 1 tablespoon water (optional, for cornflour paste)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

How To Make Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Chicken

1. Season and Sear Chicken: Season the chicken thighs with salt, pepper, and Cajun seasoning. Heat a nonstick frying pan over high heat and sear the chicken for approximately 2 minutes on each side until golden brown.
2. Prepare Potatoes: Place the cubed baby potatoes in the slow cooker. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
3. Add Garlic and Parmesan: Sprinkle the potatoes with half of the grated Parmesan cheese and all the crushed garlic.
4. Dot with Butter and Add Herbs: Distribute pieces of low-fat butter evenly over the potatoes. Tuck in the rosemary sprigs.
5. Layer the Chicken: Arrange the seared chicken thighs on top of the potatoes. Sprinkle the remaining Parmesan cheese over the chicken along with the dried oregano and chopped parsley.
6. Cook: Add a slice of lemon on top of the chicken. Cover and cook on high for 4 hours. If a thicker sauce is desired, mix the cornflour with water to make a paste and stir into the cooking juices 30 minutes before the end of cooking.
7. Garnish and Serve: Once done, sprinkle extra Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley for garnish. Serve hot, ideally with steamed green beans or a side salad.

Recipe Tips

• Choose the Right Chicken: Opt for bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs to maximize flavor as the bones and skin impart more taste during the slow cooking process.
• Potato Choices: Using baby potatoes adds convenience as they require less chopping, but feel free to use Yukon gold or red potatoes for a different texture and flavor.
• Control the Sodium: Adjust the salt based on the Cajun seasoning’s salt content. If your Cajun seasoning is very salty, you might want to reduce the additional salt you add.
• Herb Alternatives: If rosemary isn’t your favorite, try thyme or sage for a different but equally delicious herbal note that complements the garlic and Parmesan beautifully.
• Searing Is Key: Don’t skip searing the chicken even though it might seem easier. This step locks in flavors and improves both the texture and color of the meat in the final dish.

How Do I Know When The Chicken Is Fully Cooked?

The chicken is fully cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Use a meat thermometer to check this, ensuring your chicken is safe to eat and deliciously tender.

Recipe Variations

• Dairy-Free Version: Substitute the Parmesan cheese and butter with nutritional yeast and a plant-based butter alternative to cater to dairy-free dietary needs without losing the rich, savory profile.
• Add Vegetables: Enhance the dish by adding chopped carrots and celery to the chicken in the slow cooker. They’ll absorb the juices and add an extra layer of flavor and nutrition.
• Spice It Up: If you enjoy a spicy kick, add 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes to the seasoning mix. It’ll introduce a pleasant heat that cuts through the richness of the butter and cheese.
• Make It Creamy: Stir in a cup of heavy cream or full-fat coconut milk during the last hour of cooking for a creamier sauce that’s decadent and coats the chicken beautifully.
• Lemon Zest Twist: Instead of a lemon slice, add the zest of a whole lemon to the herb mixture for a brighter, more citrus-forward flavor that elevates the freshness of the dish.

What To Serve With Garlic Parmesan Chicken

Serve your Garlic Parmesan Chicken with lemon-garlic green beans, roasted Brussels sprouts with balsamic glaze, and creamy polenta.

I also love it with garlic mashed potatoes and a fresh arugula salad. You can also pair it with a chilled cucumber salad and baked sweet potato fries.

How To Store Leftover Garlic Parmesan Chicken

In The Fridge:

Store leftover Garlic Parmesan Chicken in an airtight container. I suggest placing it in the refrigerator as soon as it cools. It will stay fresh for up to four days. Make sure to keep it covered to avoid absorbing other food odors.

In The Freezer:

Garlic Parmesan Chicken can be frozen, but I recommend removing the potatoes as they can become mushy when reheated. Freeze the chicken in airtight containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. It will keep well for up to three months.

How To Reheat Leftover Garlic Parmesan Chicken

Reheat your leftover Garlic Parmesan Chicken by placing it in a baking dish covered with foil. Heat it in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 20 minutes, or until heated through. If you prefer, you can also microwave individual portions for 2-3 minutes.

Check out More Slow Cooker Recipes:

• Slow Cooker Irish Stew with Beef and Guinness
• Slow Cooker French Onion Soup
• Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon