Say hello to your new weeknight favorite: Italian Crockpot Chicken and Potatoes! This hearty and wholesome dish brings together juicy chicken and tender potatoes, all infused with zesty Italian herbs and a touch of garlic—then slow cooked to absolute perfection. The crockpot does all the heavy lifting, letting you come home to a melt-in-your-mouth meal that’s just begging for a sprinkle of Parmesan and a flurry of fresh parsley. If you crave both comfort and ease, you’ll adore how all the bright, savory flavors come together in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The secret to fantastic Italian Crockpot Chicken and Potatoes is in the fresh and simple ingredients. Each one plays a starring role, bringing color and flavor, while the crockpot works its magic blending them together for an effortless, flavorsome dinner.
- Chicken Breasts (or Thighs): Boneless, skinless pieces hold up wonderfully in the slow cooker, staying tender and flavorful.
- Baby Potatoes: Halved for quicker cooking, they soak up the savory juices while keeping a creamy texture.
- Onion: Sliced thin, onion adds sweetness and body, melting into the dish as it cooks.
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic infuses the meal with that classic Italian aroma and depth.
- Olive Oil: This gives richness, helps the seasonings stick, and keeps everything moist.
- Italian Seasoning: The cornerstone of that herby, Mediterranean flavor profile—oregano, basil, and thyme shine here.
- Salt: Just enough to amplify every other ingredient.
- Black Pepper: A must for a subtle, peppery kick.
- Paprika: Adds a gentle warmth and a lovely hint of color.
- Crushed Red Pepper Flakes (optional): For those who like a touch of heat—adjust to your taste!
- Parmesan Cheese: Adds a nutty, salty finishing touch; don’t skip it for real Italian flair!
- Fresh Parsley: Just before serving, a sprinkle of chopped parsley brings freshness and a pop of green.
How to Make Italian Crockpot Chicken and Potatoes
Step 1: Build the Potato and Onion Base
Start by arranging the halved baby potatoes and sliced onion in the bottom of your slow cooker. This creates a hearty, flavor-absorbing bed for the chicken while ensuring every bite of potato stays infused with savory essence.
Step 2: Add Oil and Seasonings
Drizzle half of your olive oil over the potatoes and onions, then sprinkle on half the Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and paprika. Give everything a good toss right in the slow cooker so each piece is nicely coated and ready to take on some serious flavor.
Step 3: Layer the Chicken
Place your chicken breasts (or thighs) gently on top of the seasoned veggies. This keeps the chicken juicy as all those savory juices drip down onto the potatoes while cooking.
Step 4: Season to Perfection
Drizzle the rest of the olive oil over the chicken, then sprinkle on the remaining Italian seasoning, garlic, and a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes if you enjoy a bit of heat. This double-layer seasoning ensures rich, even flavor throughout your Italian Crockpot Chicken and Potatoes.
Step 5: Slow Cook Until Tender
Cover and cook on low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4 hours. The magic of this dish is in the low-and-slow simmer; your house will smell incredible, and both the chicken and potatoes will be fork-tender and full of flavor.
Step 6: Add Finishing Touches
Just before serving, lift the lid and shower the whole dish with grated Parmesan cheese and plenty of chopped fresh parsley. The cheese melts beautifully, binding everything together under a layer of savory goodness, and the parsley adds a fresh burst that brightens up each bite.
How to Serve Italian Crockpot Chicken and Potatoes
Garnishes
To truly make your Italian Crockpot Chicken and Potatoes irresistible, don’t skip the finishing touches! A generous sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese adds indulgence, while chopped fresh parsley brings a lovely color contrast and a pop of garden-fresh taste right before serving.
Side Dishes
This dish is so complete that it hardly needs anything extra, but it pairs beautifully with a simple green salad tossed in lemon vinaigrette, or some garlicky sautéed green beans. A hunk of crunchy Italian bread is perfect for soaking up those delicious juices at the bottom of the slow cooker.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to dress it up, plate the chicken on top of the potatoes, drizzle the cooking juices over, and add a grating of fresh Parmesan at the table. For a rustic family-style meal, serve straight from the crockpot so everyone can dig in or arrange individual portions on large dinner plates for a more formal touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Italian Crockpot Chicken and Potatoes hold up beautifully in the refrigerator. Simply let everything cool to room temperature, transfer to airtight containers, and store for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making your next meal even more delicious!
Freezing
For longer storage, scoop individual portions into freezer-safe containers (or use heavy-duty freezer bags). The dish will freeze well for up to 3 months; just make sure to label with the date. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before you reheat.
Reheating
To reheat, you can use the microwave for convenience or gently warm it in a covered skillet with a splash of chicken broth or water on the stovetop. This helps restore moisture and keeps the chicken and potatoes from drying out. Finish with a fresh sprinkle of parsley for that just-cooked finish!
FAQs
Can I use bone-in chicken pieces in this recipe?
Absolutely! Bone-in chicken will add an extra layer of flavor to your Italian Crockpot Chicken and Potatoes. Just remember to increase the cook time slightly to ensure everything is fully cooked and falling off the bone.
What kind of potatoes work best?
Baby potatoes are ideal because they hold their shape well and become buttery tender without getting mushy. You can use red, yellow, or a mix for beautiful color and flavor—just make sure to halve them for even cooking.
Is it okay to add other vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to toss in green beans or carrots during the last hour of cooking for a veggie boost. They’ll soak up the delicious Italian flavors without turning too soft by the end.
Can I make this dish dairy-free?
Yes, simply omit the Parmesan cheese or use a dairy-free alternative at the end. The Italian Crockpot Chicken and Potatoes will still be packed with flavor from the herbs, garlic, and olive oil.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, it’s naturally gluten-free as written. Just be sure any packaged ingredients like Italian seasoning or Parmesan don’t contain hidden gluten, and you’re good to go!
Final Thoughts
There’s truly nothing cozier than gathering around a table with a slow-cooked meal like Italian Crockpot Chicken and Potatoes. Whether you’re meal prepping for a busy week or treating your family to a comforting Sunday dinner, this dish is about to become a treasured regular in your kitchen. Give it a try, and don’t be surprised if everyone comes back for seconds!
Print
Italian Crockpot Chicken and Potatoes Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours on low
- Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Italian Crockpot Chicken and Potatoes recipe is a delicious and easy meal that cooks to perfection in your slow cooker. Tender chicken breasts with flavorful baby potatoes, onions, and a blend of Italian seasonings make this a satisfying dish for any night of the week.
Ingredients
For the Chicken and Potatoes:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
- 1.5 lbs baby potatoes, halved
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
For Garnish:
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Prepare the Potatoes: Place halved baby potatoes and sliced onion in the bottom of the crockpot. Drizzle with half of the olive oil and sprinkle with half of the Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and paprika. Stir to coat.
- Add the Chicken: Lay the chicken breasts on top of the potatoes. Drizzle with the remaining olive oil and sprinkle with the remaining seasoning, garlic, and crushed red pepper flakes if using.
- Cook: Cover and cook on low for 6–7 hours or on high for 3–4 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked and the potatoes are tender.
- Finish: Just before serving, sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley. Serve warm directly from the slow cooker.
Notes
- You can use bone-in chicken for extra flavor—just increase the cook time slightly.
- Add green beans or carrots in the last hour for a complete one-pot meal.
- Leftovers store well in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 460
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 480 mg
- Fat: 21 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 105 mg
