Slow Cooker Creamy Garlic Herb Chicken Potatoes

Creamy Garlic Herb Chicken Potatoes

A :warm, hands-off dinner that cooks while you live your life

0There is something very satisfying about dropping a few simple ingredients into the slow cooker in the morning and coming home to a house that smells like dinner is ready.skinnytaste​
The air feels warm, the kitchen smells like garlic and herbs, and you know you do not have to scramble to cook at the end of the day.therealfooddietitians​
That is the whole appeal of crockpot recipes and slow cooker recipes in one sentence.themagicalslowcooker​

This creamy garlic herb chicken and potatoes is one of those “everyone eats it” kind of meals.therealfooddietitians​
You get tender chicken, soft baby potatoes, and a rich but simple sauce that tastes like something from a sit-down restaurant, not a busy Tuesday.skinnytaste​
The slow cooker handles the long simmer, so the chicken turns juicy and the potatoes soak up all the flavor.bbc​

The base is straightforward: boneless chicken, baby potatoes, a can of cream, broth, garlic, and a few herbs and spices.therealfooddietitians​
You do a few minutes of prep, close the lid, and the slow cooker does what it does best.skinnytaste​
If you like slow cooker beef stew, pulled pork, or creamy chicken soups, this fits right in with that cozy, low-effort style.therealfooddietitians​

Think of this as a “starter” crockpot recipe that still feels special.themagicalslowcooker​
You can serve it with crusty bread, over rice, or with a side salad, and it works for both regular weeknights and relaxed weekends.halfbakedharvest​
It is also easy to tweak into different slow cooker recipes like Tuscan chicken, lemon herb chicken, or even a slightly lighter version with extra veggies.damndelicious​

Why you’ll love this crockpot recipe

• It uses simple, grocery-store ingredients you can find almost anywhere, so you do not have to chase anything fancy.allrecipes​
• Everything cooks in one slow cooker, which means less cleanup and no juggling multiple pots.skinnytaste​
• The chicken comes out tender and shreddy instead of dry, which is one of the main reasons people use crockpots in the first place.therealfooddietitians​
• Baby potatoes soak up the garlic herb sauce, so you get a full meal without turning on the oven.bbc​
• It is a true “set it and forget it” style dinner once the prep is done, which helps on busy days.themagicalslowcooker​
• You can easily double the recipe if your slow cooker is large and you want leftovers or are feeding guests.therealfooddietitians​
• Leftovers work well for meal prep and pack nicely into containers for lunches or another simple dinner.skinnytaste​
• The flavor is family-friendly but not boring, and you can add more herbs or spice if you want a stronger taste.damndelicious​
• It fits into a long list of crockpot recipes you can rotate through the week, alongside chilis, stews, and pulled meats.therealfooddietitians​
• You can dress it up for a casual dinner party with good bread, salad, and wine, and no one has to know it cooked itself all day.halfbakedharvest​

Ingredients with exact measurements

This recipe serves about 6 people, depending on appetite and sides.therealfooddietitians​

For the slow cooker creamy garlic herb chicken and potatoes

• 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts (thighs stay more tender in the slow cooker)therealfooddietitians​
• 1 ½ pounds baby gold or red potatoes, halved if largebbc​
• 1 medium yellow onion, sliced into thin wedgestherealfooddietitians​
• 4 cloves garlic, minced (about 1 ½ tablespoons)skinnytaste​
• 1 ¼ cups low-sodium chicken broththerealfooddietitians​
• 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-halftherealfooddietitians​
• 1 can (10.5 ounces) condensed cream of chicken soup, optional but makes it thicker and richerallrecipes​
• 2 teaspoons dried Italian seasoning (or mix of dried basil, oregano, and thyme)therealfooddietitians​
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley (or 1 tablespoon fresh, chopped, added at the end)skinnytaste​
• 1 teaspoon paprika (regular or smoked)therealfooddietitians​
• 1 teaspoon salt, plus more to tastebbc​
• ½ teaspoon black peppertherealfooddietitians​
• 2 tablespoons butter, cut into small pieces, for extra richnesstherealfooddietitians​

For finishing and serving

• 2 tablespoons cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water (slurry, to thicken if needed)bbc​
• ¼–½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, to stir into the sauce at the end (optional but good)therealfooddietitians​
• 2–3 tablespoons fresh chopped parsley or chives, for garnishskinnytaste​
• Extra salt and pepper at the tablebbc​

Suggested sides:

• Crusty bread, rice, or egg noodlestherealfooddietitians​
• Simple green salad or steamed green beansskinnytaste​

Step-by-step instructions with extra tips

1. Prep the slow cooker

Lightly grease the inside of your slow cooker with a bit of oil or nonstick spray so cleanup is easier.themagicalslowcooker​
You can use a standard 5–7 quart crockpot for this amount of food.therealfooddietitians​
Larger models also work as long as the food is mostly in an even layer and not too spread out.skinnytaste​

Spread the sliced onion and baby potatoes across the bottom of the slow cooker.bbc​
This gives the chicken a little “bed” to sit on and helps everything cook evenly.therealfooddietitians​

2. Season the chicken

Pat the chicken dry with paper towels so the seasoning sticks and you do not add extra water to the slow cooker.therealfooddietitians​
In a small bowl, mix the salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, dried parsley, and paprika.bbc​

Sprinkle this mixture all over both sides of the chicken.therealfooddietitians​
You can save a pinch or two of the seasoning to sprinkle over the potatoes as well if you like.skinnytaste​

Lay the seasoned chicken pieces on top of the potatoes and onions in the slow cooker.therealfooddietitians​

3. Mix the sauce base

In a separate bowl or large measuring cup, whisk together the chicken broth, heavy cream, condensed cream of chicken soup (if using), and minced garlic.therealfooddietitians​
Whisk until the soup and cream look mostly smooth and the garlic is dispersed.skinnytaste​

Taste a small spoonful of the liquid and adjust salt or pepper if needed, keeping in mind that the flavors will soften a bit as they cook.therealfooddietitians​

Pour this mixture evenly over the chicken and potatoes.bbc​
Dot the top with the small pieces of butter.therealfooddietitians​

Tip: If you prefer a lighter sauce, you can use more broth and less cream, or skip the condensed soup and thicken later with cornstarch.therealfooddietitians​

4. Set the slow cooker

Put the lid on the slow cooker.skinnytaste​
Cook on low for 6–7 hours, or on high for about 3–4 hours, until the chicken is tender and the potatoes are soft when pierced with a fork.therealfooddietitians​

Cooking on low usually gives the most tender and juicy texture for chicken in crockpot recipes.skinnytaste​
If you are home, try to avoid lifting the lid too often, because that releases heat and can increase cooking time.themagicalslowcooker​

5. Check doneness and adjust

When the cook time is almost up, check a thicker piece of chicken with a fork or knife.bbc​
It should shred or cut easily and not look pink in the center.therealfooddietitians​

Test a potato as well; it should be soft all the way through.therealfooddietitians​
If the chicken is done but the potatoes are still firm, gently stir and push the potatoes further down into the sauce and cook a bit longer.skinnytaste​

Taste the sauce and adjust salt and pepper if needed.bbc​

6. Thicken the sauce if you like

If the sauce feels thin for your taste, stir the cornstarch and cold water together in a small bowl until smooth.bbc​
Pour this slurry into the slow cooker and stir it in around the chicken and potatoes.therealfooddietitians​

Turn the slow cooker to high and let it cook for 10–15 minutes more, with the lid on, until the sauce thickens.therealfooddietitians​
If it is already thick enough for you, you can skip this step.bbc​

7. Add Parmesan and fresh herbs

Once the sauce looks how you like it, turn the slow cooker to warm or off.themagicalslowcooker​
Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts into the sauce.therealfooddietitians​

Sprinkle chopped parsley or chives over the top for color and a fresh taste.skinnytaste​
This little bit of green makes the dish look more like something you would get at a bistro than a dump-and-go meal.halfbakedharvest​

8. Serve

Serve the creamy garlic herb chicken and potatoes straight from the crockpot.themagicalslowcooker​
You can leave the chicken pieces whole or gently shred them into big chunks with two forks.therealfooddietitians​

Spoon sauce over each serving and add extra salt, pepper, and cheese at the table if people like it that way.skinnytaste​

Extra serving suggestions and party ideas

Easy weeknight dinner

For a regular night, keep it simple.skinnytaste​
Serve this creamy slow cooker chicken in shallow bowls with the potatoes and plenty of sauce.therealfooddietitians​
Add a basic green salad and maybe some steamed broccoli or green beans, and you have a full plate without much work.bbc​

Crusty bread or dinner rolls are great for soaking up the sauce at the bottom of the bowl.therealfooddietitians​
This is the kind of crockpot meal that works well after work, kids’ activities, or any day you know you will be tired at 6 p.m.skinnytaste​

Meal prep lunches

This recipe packs well into containers, which is another nice thing about many slow cooker recipes.therealfooddietitians​
Spoon a piece of chicken, a few potatoes, and some sauce into a meal prep container, and add a handful of steamed or roasted vegetables on the side.skinnytaste​

It reheats easily in the microwave and still tastes good the next day, which makes it handy for office lunches.therealfooddietitians​

Casual get-together or game night

For a relaxed gathering, keep the slow cooker on warm and let people scoop their own plates.themagicalslowcooker​
Serve the creamy chicken and potatoes with big bowls of salad, roasted vegetables, or a simple pasta like buttered egg noodles.therealfooddietitians​

You can also offer a “sauce bar” with extra Parmesan, red pepper flakes, and chopped herbs so guests can top their own plates.halfbakedharvest​
Set out a tray of other crockpot recipes like pulled pork sliders or a slow cooker dip, and you have a full spread with very little hands-on cooking at party time.youtube​

Extended variations and themed slow cooker ideas

Once you get comfortable with this creamy garlic herb chicken and potatoes, you can use the same basic method to build other crockpot recipes.therealfooddietitians​

1. Tuscan-style slow cooker chicken

Use the same base of chicken and potatoes, but add:damndelicious​

• ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, drained and choppedtherealfooddietitians​
• A handful of fresh spinach stirred in at the endskinnytaste​
• Extra garlic and a bit of Italian seasoning and Parmesantherealfooddietitians​

This leans closer to the “Marry Me” or Tuscan chicken style that is popular in slow cooker recipes right now.therealfooddietitians​

2. Lemon herb slow cooker chicken

Skip the cream soup and Parmesan and go lighter.bbc​
Use more broth, a splash of lemon juice, and extra herbs like thyme and rosemary.therealfooddietitians​

Serve over rice or with crusty bread, and it tastes fresh but still cozy, which fits well in a line-up of healthy crockpot meals.therealfooddietitians​

3. Slow cooker chicken and veggie bowls

Add more vegetables to the crockpot, such as carrots, green beans, or chunks of sweet potato.therealfooddietitians​
Use a bit less cream and more broth, so the sauce is thinner and works well over rice or quinoa.bbc​

Spoon into bowls and top with fresh herbs and maybe a squeeze of lemon for a simple, balanced slow cooker dinner.therealfooddietitians​

4. Tex-Mex twist

Swap the Italian herbs for chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika.therealfooddietitians​
Use black beans and corn instead of potatoes, or in addition to them.bbc​

Serve the shredded chicken over rice or in tortillas with salsa, avocado, and lime wedges.therealfooddietitians​
This gives you a taco-style slow cooker recipe without much extra work.therealfooddietitians​

5. Creamy slow cooker pasta add-on

You can also cook some short pasta on the stove near the end and stir it into the slow cooker sauce.damndelicious​
Think penne or rotini tossed in that garlic herb cream with chunks of chicken.therealfooddietitians​

This is a nice way to stretch the dish if you have extra guests and only one crockpot.therealfooddietitians​

6. Vegetarian creamy slow cooker option

Skip the chicken and use hearty vegetables and beans instead.therealfooddietitians​
Add mushrooms, chunks of cauliflower, carrots, and a can of chickpeas, and cook them in the same creamy garlic herb sauce.bbc​

Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and finish with Parmesan or a vegetarian cheese, and you have a cozy meatless slow cooker recipe.therealfooddietitians​

Pro tips for slow cooker success

• Use chicken thighs if you want extra tender, forgiving results, because they handle long cooking better than breasts.therealfooddietitians​
• Cut potatoes into even pieces so they cook at the same rate and you do not end up with some hard and some mushy.bbc​
• Keep the lid on as much as possible; each time you open it, you release heat and add to the cooking time.themagicalslowcooker​
• Taste the sauce at the end and adjust salt, herbs, and pepper; slow cooker recipes sometimes need a final seasoning bump.therealfooddietitians​
• Add fresh herbs, lemon, or Parmesan right before serving to brighten the flavor of long-cooked dishes.skinnytaste​
• Use a slow cooker liner or a light coat of oil if you hate scrubbing baked-on sauce.themagicalslowcooker​
• If your slow cooker tends to run hot, check for doneness a bit earlier than the recipe time suggests.therealfooddietitians​
• For food safety, do not leave cooked food on warm for more than a couple of hours; transfer leftovers to the fridge.bbc​
• When reheating creamy slow cooker recipes, use gentle heat and stir in a splash of broth or milk if the sauce thickened too much.therealfooddietitians​
• Keep a list of a few favorite crockpot recipes on the fridge so you can rotate them and avoid getting bored.skinnytaste​

FAQ: Crockpot slow cooker recipes and this creamy chicken

1. Can I use frozen chicken in the slow cooker?

Most food safety guidelines say it is better to thaw chicken first before using it in crockpot recipes so it moves through the “danger zone” faster.bbc​
If you only have frozen chicken, thaw it in the fridge overnight or use the defrost setting on your microwave before adding it to the slow cooker.therealfooddietitians​

2. Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, with some changes.therealfooddietitians​
Use full-fat coconut milk or a thick unsweetened plant-based cream instead of heavy cream and skip the condensed soup and Parmesan.bbc​
The flavor will be different but still rich if you season well and add extra herbs.therealfooddietitians​

3. How do I stop chicken from drying out in the crockpot?

Cooking on low instead of high usually helps keep chicken more tender.skinnytaste​
Using thighs instead of breasts also gives you more protection against dryness, because they have more fat and connective tissue.therealfooddietitians​
Make sure there is enough liquid in the slow cooker and do not overcook it past the time the chicken is already tender.bbc​

4. Can I use other meats in this recipe?

Yes, you can swap the chicken for boneless pork loin or pork shoulder if you adjust the time a bit.therealfooddietitians​
Pork usually takes a little longer to get very tender, especially if you use a larger piece, which is why people like slow cooker pulled pork recipes.therealfooddietitians​

5. How long will leftovers keep?

Stored in an airtight container in the fridge, leftovers should keep for about 3–4 days.bbc​
Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, and add a splash of milk or broth if the sauce looks too thick.therealfooddietitians​

6. Can I freeze this creamy slow cooker chicken?

You can, but creamy sauces can change texture in the freezer.therealfooddietitians​
If you freeze it, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat slowly while whisking or stirring to help the sauce come back together.bbc​

7. Can I add more vegetables to the crockpot?

Yes, and the slow cooker is good for that because many vegetables get soft and sweet over low heat.bbc​
Carrots, green beans, peas added near the end, and even broccoli can work; just consider how long each vegetable needs so it does not overcook.therealfooddietitians​

8. What size slow cooker should I use?

A 5–7 quart slow cooker works well for most family-sized recipes like this.themagicalslowcooker​
Smaller models may overflow or cook unevenly if they are packed too full, while very large ones may cook a bit faster.therealfooddietitians​

9. Can I cook this on the stovetop instead?

You can adapt the idea to the stovetop, but it will not be a true set-and-forget meal.bbc​
Brown the chicken and onions in a large pot, add potatoes, broth, cream, and seasoning, then simmer gently until everything is tender and the sauce thickens.therealfooddietitians​

10. How do I know if my slow cooker runs hot or cool?

Try a simple recipe like slow cooker chili or a basic pot roast and check if it finishes much earlier or later than the recipe states.therealfooddietitians​
If your meals are often done early and edges look dry, your crockpot might run hot, and you can adjust times down in future recipes.bbc​

11. Can I double this crockpot recipe?

If your slow cooker is large enough, you can double the ingredients, but be sure it is not more than about two-thirds to three-quarters full.therealfooddietitians​
You may need a bit more time for the center to get hot, so check a piece of chicken in the middle for doneness.bbc​

12. What other crockpot recipes go well in a weekly rotation?

It helps to mix things up with a few different styles, like beef stew, chicken chili, pulled pork, and a vegetarian soup.therealfooddietitians​
Many sites list collections of easy slow cooker recipes, including stews, curries, pasta sauces, and taco fillings, so you can pick a few that fit your family and cycle through them.skinnytaste​

Conclusion

Crockpot and slow cooker recipes earn their place in the kitchen because they give you real food with very little effort at the busiest times of day.skinnytaste​
This creamy garlic herb chicken and potatoes is a good example of that: a full meal that tastes slow-cooked and comforting, but only asks you for a short prep window and a few basic ingredients.therealfooddietitians​

Once you get comfortable with this recipe, you can branch out into more slow cooker ideas, from Tuscan-style chicken to taco fillings, stews, and meatless dishes.therealfooddietitians​
You do a bit of work early, let the slow cooker handle the long simmer, and then enjoy a hot dinner when you are ready to sit down.themagicalslowcooker​