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Delicious, savory slow cooker garlic parmesan chicken. Made with juicy, flavorful chicken thigh, veggies, potatoes and topped with creamy parmesan. When it comes to a hearty and satisfying meal, few options can beat the classic combination of tender chicken, roasted vegetables, and aromatic herbs.
Table of Contents
Why Make This Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Chicken
This slow cooker meal is mouthwatering good. It’s easy to throw together and can be ready in just a few short hours in the slow cooker, I love the slow cooker when I have a busy day and crave a warm meal. Try my Slow Cooker Enchiladas or Chicken Satay sometime (equally as cozy!)
This meal has fresh, nutritious ingredients. The chicken is perfectly cooked, falls right off the bone and has veggies cooked right in.
The thighs are quickly seared to keep all the moisture and juice in, this is the key to the perfect cook. This also makes a wonderful meal prep. You can store it easily and reheat even easier.
Ingredients Needed
Chicken Thighs. Bone in chicken thighs is the best result! I tried with and without the bone. Cooked with the bone in was much more juicy and enjoyable. If you have leftover chicken thighs, try my Baked BBQ Chicken Thighs.
Small Potatoes. Use Yukon or red potatoes, or mix them. If you have leftover yukon golds, try my Slow Cooker Hamburger Soup.
Fresh Brussel Sprouts. I do not suggest frozen Brussel sprouts in the slow cooker, they will get soggy.
Onion. Use any onion of choice, I prefer red for more color. White and yellow are also great.
Fresh Parmesan. Use grated or shaved, I use both, but of course one style if fine. Shaved offers a more elevated look.
Seasonings. You will need dried oregano, salt, paprika, pepper and fresh thyme.
All other ingredients and measurements can be found in the recipe card below.
Recipe Variations
Chicken Thighs. You can use boneless chicken thighs if you need, just cut the cook time back by 30 minutes to 1 hour less (check the chicken before serving). Chicken breast tends to get a bit dried out with this recipe because there isn’t a lot of liquid for it to cook in, so I don’t suggest it.
Small Potatoes. You can also use large Yukon or red potatoes, just slice them into one inch pieces.
Butter. Use dairy free butter alternative if needed.
Parmesan. Use grated, shaved or powdered parmesan. You can also use pecorino.
Steps To Make This Chicken
Step One (photo one). In a small bowl, mix together the garlic salt, paprika, oregano, and pepper to create the seasoning blend. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Rub chicken thighs on both sides with seasoning and thyme. Chop the potatoes, brussels and garlic.
Step Two (photo two). Add oil to a cast iron skillet. Heat on medium high heat. Place the chicken on the skillet and sear it for about 2 minutes on each side. Meanwhile, place slow cooker on high.
Step Three (photo 3). Lay the potatoes on the bottom of the slow cooker. Top with the seared chicken thighs, garlic and butter.
Step Four (photo 4). Add the brussel sprouts and onion on top of the chicken. Place the lid on the cooker and cook for about 4 hours on high. If cooking on low: about 5-6 hours.
Step Five (photo five). About 30 minutes before the cooking time is complete, add a little more butter (optional) and sprinkle the shaved Parmesan over the chicken and vegetables. Cover and continue cooking until the cheese is slightly melted. Once the chicken is fully cooked and the vegetables are tender, spoon the flavorful mixture onto plates. Garnish with additional fresh thyme leaves and parmesan if desired.
Store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Recipe FAQs
Absolutely! While the recipe suggests bone-in chicken thighs for added flavor, you can use boneless chicken thighs or even chicken breasts if you prefer. Just keep in mind that boneless cuts might cook a bit faster, so adjust the cooking time accordingly.
The recipe already includes Brussels sprouts, baby potatoes, and onions, but you can customize it with your favorite vegetables. Carrots, bell peppers, or even zucchini can be great additions.
I do not recommend using frozen chicken, this will water down the recipe. Use thawed chicken for this.
Recipe Tips
For a crispier crust on the chicken, place the cooked chicken thighs under a broiler for a few minutes before serving to achieve a golden finish. Remember to monitor it closely to prevent burning.
Sear the chicken for the best, optimal flavor. It’s not mandatory to sear the chicken thighs in a skillet before placing them in the slow cooker but it enhances the overall flavor and create a nice texture.
Vegetables Matter Choose vegetables that have similar cooking times. Baby potatoes, Brussels sprouts, onions work well together. Consider adding other veggies you enjoy, but be mindful of their cooking times.
Slow cookers vary greatly in temperatures and sizes from different brands and models. Please check the chicken after 4 hours to confirm if it’s finsihed or needs more time. Chicken should be 165º inside.
What To Serve With This Recipe
You can eat this recipe on it’s own, it’s filling and covers almost all the food groups. But, it’s great with my Garlic Rolls, Air Fryer Garlic Bread or you can pair it with my Lemon Honey Kale Salad Or Kale Caesar.
Other Comfort Chicken Meals To Try
If you loved this recipe let me know! Also, follow me on Instagram & Pinterest for even more fun recipes to make you feel good from the inside out. Thanks for being here.
Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Chicken
Equipment
- sharp knives
Ingredients
- 4 chicken thighs, bone in
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp pepper
- 1 tsp fresh thyme
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
- ½ lb baby potatoes, halved
- ½ lb brussel sprouts, halved
- ½ red onion, chopped into large chunks
- 2 Tbsp butter
- 1 cup shaved Parmesan , more for garnish
Instructions
- In a small bowl, mix together the garlic salt, paprika, oregano, and pepper to create the seasoning blend. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Rub chicken thighs on both sides with seasoning and thyme. Chop the potatoes, brussels and garlic.
- Add oil to a cast iron skillet. Heat on medium high heat. Place the chicken on the skillet and sear it for about 2 minutes on each side. Meanwhile, place slow cooker on high.
- Lay the potatoes on the bottom of the slow cooker. Top with the seared chicken thighs, garlic and butter. Potatoes on the bottom help to have them cook quicker, the chicken drippings will keep the potatoes moist, but you can start with an oiled crock pot if you'd like.
- Add the brussel sprouts and onion on top of the chicken. Place the lid on the cooker and cook for about 4 hours on high. If cooking on low: about 5-6 hours.
- About 30 minutes before the cooking time is complete, add a little more butter (optional) and sprinkle the shaved Parmesan over the chicken and vegetables. Cover and continue cooking until the cheese is slightly melted. Once the chicken is fully cooked and the vegetables are tender, spoon the flavorful mixture onto plates. Garnish with additional fresh thyme leaves and parmesan if desired.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Perfect crockpot meal after a busy day! Chicken was juicy and so tender. Brussels sprouts and potatoes, delicious and completed the meal.