Slow Cooker Garlic Herb Chicken and Cheddar Potatoes is a delicious and comforting dish that warms both the body and spirit. I remember the first time I tasted a similar recipe at my friend’s house on a chilly evening. The smell of garlic and herbs filled the air, and I couldn’t help but feel cozy and happy. What I love most about Slow Cooker Garlic Herb Chicken and Cheddar Potatoes is how easy it is to make. You can simply toss the ingredients into a slow cooker and let it do all the work! This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends. It offers all the flavors and comfort of a home-cooked meal without the fuss. If you want a hearty meal that is rich in flavor and easy to prepare, this recipe is definitely worth trying!
Why Make This Recipe
There are so many reasons to love Slow Cooker Garlic Herb Chicken and Cheddar Potatoes. First, it’s incredibly easy to put together. You can prep in just a few minutes and then go about your day while the slow cooker works its magic. This makes it a wonderful option for busy families, as you can come home to a warm, hearty meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
The combination of chicken, potatoes, garlic, and herbs creates a mouthwatering flavor that everyone will enjoy. The chicken turns out tender, juicy, and infused with the fragrant herbs. The potatoes become soft and buttery, perfectly complementing the chicken. And let’s not forget the delicious melted cheddar cheese on top—who doesn’t love cheese? The cheese adds richness and extra flavor, making every bite absolutely delightful.
Another great reason to make this recipe is its family value. It’s one of those meals that brings everyone together. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner after school or a family gathering on the weekend, this dish will please both kids and adults alike. You can even use it for potlucks or gatherings—everyone will be impressed! Plus, with simple ingredients, you can customize it according to what your family likes or what you have on hand.
How to Make Slow Cooker Garlic Herb Chicken and Cheddar Potatoes
Making Slow Cooker Garlic Herb Chicken and Cheddar Potatoes is simple and straightforward. The first step involves prepping your fresh ingredients. You will want to wash the baby potatoes and cut them in half. This allows them to cook evenly and soak up the flavors from the herbs and garlic.
Next, toss the potatoes in a bowl with olive oil, minced garlic, dried thyme, dried rosemary, paprika, salt, and pepper. This step is where the magic begins! The smell of garlic and herbs is strong and mouthwatering. Once your potatoes are well-coated, layer them in the bottom of the slow cooker.
Now, it’s time to prepare the chicken. Season the boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts with salt, pepper, and a little extra garlic and herbs. Placing it on top of the seasoned potatoes not only saves a dish to wash but also allows the chicken juices to drip down, making the potatoes even tastier.
Cover the slow cooker and let it do its work. You can choose to cook it on low for 6 to 7 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours. During this time, your house will fill with an aroma that will have everyone thinking about dinnertime. When it’s done, the chicken will be tender and easy to shred or cut. Don’t rush to serve it right away; first, sprinkle a generous amount of shredded cheddar cheese on top. Cover it back up for just a few minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Finally, top it all off with fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness. The first bite will be comforting, with a perfect blend of garlic, herbs, juicy chicken, and cheesy potatoes. It makes serving this dish a joy—you’ll feel like a cooking superstar!
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts: This part adds protein to the meal and stays juicy during cooking. You could also use chicken legs if you prefer.
- 1 1/2 lbs baby potatoes, halved: These little potatoes cook quickly and soak up flavors beautifully. Any small potatoes will work, like red or yellow, or even larger potatoes cut into chunks.
- 2 tbsp olive oil: It helps everything cook evenly and adds a rich flavor. You can replace it with any vegetable oil if you don’t have olive oil.
- 1 tbsp minced garlic: Garlic offers a wonderful fragrance and flavor. If you love garlic, feel free to add more!
- 1 tsp dried thyme: Thyme provides a warm, earthy taste. Fresh thyme can also be used if you have it.
- 1 tsp dried rosemary: Like thyme, rosemary adds a wonderful aroma and taste. Again, fresh rosemary works great too!
- 1 tsp paprika: This spice gives a subtle smokiness and beautiful color to the dish. You can use sweet or smoked paprika based on your preference.
- Salt & pepper, to taste: These basic seasonings are important to enhance all the flavors. Feel free to adjust according to your liking.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: This cheese adds creaminess and a rich flavor. Other cheese options could be Monterey Jack or a dairy-free cheese if needed.
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional): Parsley adds a bright note and looks great when garnished. If you don’t have parsley, you can skip it.
Directions
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Prep the Potatoes: Start by washing the baby potatoes under cool running water. Cut each potato in half and place them in a large mixing bowl.
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Season the Potatoes: Drizzle the olive oil over the potatoes. Add the minced garlic, dried thyme, dried rosemary, paprika, salt, and pepper. Toss everything together until the potatoes are evenly coated with the oil and seasoning. This is the moment the wonderful aroma fills the kitchen!
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Layer the Ingredients: Grab your slow cooker and spread the seasoned potatoes evenly in the bottom of the pot.
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Prepare the Chicken: Pat the boneless chicken thighs or breasts dry with a paper towel, this helps them to brown in the slow cooker. Season them generously with salt, pepper, and a touch of garlic and herbs.
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Add the Chicken: Place the seasoned chicken on top of the potatoes in the slow cooker. This will help the spices mix well as they cook.
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Cook: Cover your slow cooker with its lid. You can choose to cook on low for 6 to 7 hours or high for 3 to 4 hours. Try to resist the temptation to lift the lid too much; it lets out the heat!
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Melt the Cheese: When the cooking time is done, check if the chicken is tender and fully cooked. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top of the chicken, then cover again for about 5 to 10 minutes. This allows the cheese to melt beautifully.
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Serve: Use a spatula to carefully scoop the chicken and potatoes onto a plate. Sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley if desired. Enjoy your tasty meal!
How to Serve Slow Cooker Garlic Herb Chicken and Cheddar Potatoes
This dish is perfect for many occasions! It’s an excellent weeknight dinner, especially when you have a busy day ahead. Pair it with a simple green salad or some steamed veggies for a complete meal. You could also serve it with a warm biscuit or bread to soak up all the lovely flavors.
For special gatherings or a holiday dinner, this dish is sure to impress your guests. Consider serving it with a cozy soup on the side, like a creamy tomato or a light vegetable broth. For drinks, you could offer a refreshing iced tea or sparkling water to cleanse the palate between bites.
Children will love this dish, so it’s a great choice for family meals. You can even put it in a taco shell for a fun twist or serve it with a side of applesauce. The possibilities are limitless, and everyone can customize their plate with their favorite flavors!
How to Store Slow Cooker Garlic Herb Chicken and Cheddar Potatoes
Storing leftovers is easy and convenient! Once the meal has cooled down to room temperature, you can store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It will keep well for about 3 to 4 days. Make sure to separate chicken and potatoes in the container for easier reheating later.
If you want to keep leftovers for longer, you can freeze them. Just place the cooled chicken and potatoes in a freezer-safe container, leaving some space at the top as they may expand when frozen. It’s a good idea to freeze in individual portions for easy thawing later.
When you’re ready to enjoy your leftovers, you can reheat them in the microwave. If reheating from frozen, it helps to thaw them overnight in the fridge before reheating. Just make sure they are heated thoroughly. You could also reheat it in the oven, covered with foil, at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-30 minutes.
Tips to Make Slow Cooker Garlic Herb Chicken and Cheddar Potatoes
- Prep Ahead: If you know you’re going to be busy, you can cut the potatoes and season them the night before. Just keep them in the fridge until you’re ready to cook.
- Don’t Rush Cooking: Let the chicken and potatoes cook low and slow. This will give a deeper flavor and keep the chicken moist.
- Check Tenderness: Use a fork to check if the chicken is tender before serving. If it’s easy to shred, it is ready.
- Let It Cool: Allow the dish to cool for a few minutes before serving. It will be easier to portion and gives a chance for the flavors to settle.
- Fresh Ingredients: Whenever possible, use fresh herbs instead of dried ones. They bring out an even brighter flavor in your dish.
Variation
Feel free to get creative with this recipe! Here are a few ideas to help you tweak it:
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Add Veggies: For a heartier meal, consider adding carrots, green beans, or bell peppers into the slow cooker. They’ll cook down and add extra nutrition and flavor.
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Spice It Up: If you want a bit of heat, add some red pepper flakes or a touch of cayenne pepper for a spicy kick.
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Dietary Needs: For a gluten-free or dairy-free version, use gluten-free seasoning blends and swap out the cheddar for a dairy-free cheese.
FAQs
Q: Can I make Slow Cooker Garlic Herb Chicken and Cheddar Potatoes ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can prep the ingredients the night before and store them in the fridge. In the morning, just pour them into the slow cooker and let it cook throughout the day.
Q: What’s the best way to reheat it?
A: You can reheat it in the microwave or oven. For the oven, preheat to 350°F (175°C), cover with foil, and heat for 20-30 minutes, checking to make sure it’s hot all the way through.
Q: Can I use a different cheese?
A: Absolutely! While cheddar is delicious, you can substitute it with mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or another cheese you like. If you need a dairy-free option, there are many plant-based cheeses available.
Now that you have all this information, you’re ready to make Slow Cooker Garlic Herb Chicken and Cheddar Potatoes and enjoy a lovely, comforting meal! Happy cooking!
Print
Slow Cooker Garlic Herb Chicken and Cheddar Potatoes
- Total Time: 255 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten-Free
Description
A delicious slow cooker recipe featuring tender chicken infused with garlic and herbs, paired with buttery cheddar potatoes.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- 1 1/2 lbs baby potatoes, halved
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp minced garlic
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried rosemary
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt & pepper, to taste
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Start by washing the baby potatoes under cool running water. Cut each potato in half and place them in a large mixing bowl.
- Drizzle the olive oil over the potatoes. Add the minced garlic, dried thyme, dried rosemary, paprika, salt, and pepper. Toss everything together until the potatoes are evenly coated.
- Spread the seasoned potatoes evenly in the bottom of the slow cooker.
- Pat the chicken thighs or breasts dry with a paper towel, then season them generously with salt, pepper, and a touch of garlic and herbs.
- Place the seasoned chicken on top of the potatoes in the slow cooker.
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6 to 7 hours or high for 3 to 4 hours.
- When done, check if the chicken is tender, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top, then cover and let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes for the cheese to melt.
- Carefully scoop the chicken and potatoes onto a plate and sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley if desired. Enjoy!
Notes
Feel free to customize the recipe by adding your favorite vegetables or spices for a personal touch.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 240 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: slow cooker, chicken, garlic, potatoes, easy meal, comfort food, family dinner