If you are craving a comforting, hearty dinner that practically makes itself, you are going to adore this Italian Crockpot Chicken and Potatoes Recipe. It combines tender, juicy chicken thighs infused with rich Italian herbs alongside perfectly cooked baby potatoes that soak up all those delicious flavors. This dish offers a harmonious balance of savory herbs, zesty garlic, and a touch of Parmesan goodness, all slow-cooked to perfection. Whether you’re new to crockpot cooking or a seasoned pro, this recipe promises effortless preparation with satisfying, soul-warming results every time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, everyday ingredients is key to making this Italian Crockpot Chicken and Potatoes Recipe shine. Each one plays an essential role in layering flavors, bringing texture, and lending that vibrant Italian flair.
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts: Choose thighs for extra juiciness, or breasts if you prefer leaner meat.
- 1 1/2 pounds baby potatoes, halved: These little spuds cook evenly and soak up the seasoning beautifully.
- 1/2 cup chicken broth: Adds moisture and depth of flavor to the slow cook.
- 1/4 cup olive oil: Brings a silky texture and rich taste typical of Italian cooking.
- 1 packet Italian dressing seasoning mix (1 ounce): The secret behind that classic blend of herbs without extra effort.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: For that signature aromatic punch everyone loves.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano: Earthy and fragrant, a must-have Italian herb.
- 1 teaspoon dried basil: Sweet and slightly peppery, rounds out the herb mix.
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme: Adds subtle complexity and warmth.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the natural flavors.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a gentle kick without overwhelming.
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika: Gives a smoky undertone and lovely color.
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes: For just a hint of heat.
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Melted over the top for a luscious, savory finish.
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley: Brightens the dish and adds fresh color.
- Juice of 1/2 lemon: A splash of acidity to lift and balance all the flavors.
How to Make Italian Crockpot Chicken and Potatoes Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Crockpot and Potatoes
Start by lightly coating your crockpot with cooking spray to keep everything from sticking. Place the halved baby potatoes evenly at the bottom—this creates a cozy bed for the chicken and allows the potatoes to absorb all those wonderful juices while cooking.
Step 2: Whisk the Seasoning Mixture
In a small bowl, combine the chicken broth, olive oil, Italian dressing seasoning mix, minced garlic, oregano, basil, thyme, salt, pepper, paprika, and red pepper flakes. Whisk everything together until smooth and fragrant—this mixture is what transforms the chicken and potatoes into an Italian-flavored delight.
Step 3: Layer the Chicken and Pour the Mixture
Place the chicken pieces on top of the potatoes in your crockpot. Then pour the seasoned liquid evenly over everything, ensuring the chicken and potatoes are well coated. This step ensures every bite is bursting with bold flavors.
Step 4: Slow Cook to Perfection
Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6 to 7 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours. You’ll know it’s done when the chicken is incredibly tender and the potatoes are soft enough to pierce with a fork.
Step 5: Add Parmesan Cheese
During the last 10 minutes of cooking, sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the chicken and cover again. This allows the cheese to melt perfectly, adding a creamy, savory note that makes this Italian Crockpot Chicken and Potatoes Recipe truly irresistible.
Step 6: Finish with Lemon and Parsley
Once cooking is complete, drizzle the juice of half a lemon over the dish and sprinkle with fresh parsley. These bright touches cut through the richness and lend a fresh, vibrant finish to your meal.
How to Serve Italian Crockpot Chicken and Potatoes Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley keeps things colorful and fresh, while a dash of extra Parmesan can add that final savory flourish. If you like a little more tang, a few lemon wedges on the side are perfect for squeezing over each serving.
Side Dishes
This recipe stands well on its own but pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad, roasted vegetables, or even some garlic bread to scoop up every last bit of sauce. For a low-carb option, steamed green beans or sautéed spinach are fantastic companions.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the chicken and potatoes family-style straight from the crockpot for a cozy, casual feel. For a dinner party, plating individual servings with a drizzle of the cooking juices and a sprig of parsley elevates the dish elegantly. You can also toss in some roasted cherry tomatoes or olives during the last hour of cooking to add pops of color and flavor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheating gently helps keep the chicken moist and the potatoes tender without drying them out.
Freezing
If you want to save this Italian Crockpot Chicken and Potatoes Recipe for later, transfer cooled leftovers into a freezer-safe container. It freezes well for up to 2 months, making it a superb option for meal prepping busy weeks.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth if needed to maintain moisture. Avoid high heat to keep the chicken tender and prevent the potatoes from becoming mushy.
FAQs
Can I use bone-in chicken for this recipe?
Yes! Bone-in chicken adds extra flavor, but it may require longer cooking times. Just ensure it’s cooked through before serving.
What if I don’t have Italian dressing seasoning mix?
You can substitute with your own blend of dried herbs like oregano, basil, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of red pepper flakes for a similar flavor profile.
Can I add other vegetables to the crockpot?
Absolutely! Carrots, green beans, or bell peppers make great additions—just add them in during the last hour of cooking so they don’t overcook.
Is it better to cook on low or high?
Cooking on low for longer yields more tender chicken and better flavor development, but high works well if you’re short on time.
How can I get the chicken skin crispy?
If you prefer crispy skin, transfer the cooked chicken to a baking sheet and broil in the oven for 3 to 4 minutes before serving.
Final Thoughts
This Italian Crockpot Chicken and Potatoes Recipe is a trusty classic that feels like a warm hug at the end of a long day. It’s straightforward, uses simple ingredients, and produces hearty, flavor-packed meals that everyone loves. Give it a try—you might just find it becomes your go-to weeknight favorite, perfect for sharing around the family table or impressing friends with little effort. Happy cooking!
Print
Italian Crockpot Chicken and Potatoes Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Italian Crockpot Chicken and Potatoes recipe offers a flavorful, hands-off meal perfect for busy days. Tender chicken thighs or breasts are slow-cooked with baby potatoes in a savory Italian seasoning mix, enriched with garlic, herbs, and Parmesan cheese. The dish results in a comforting, aromatic main course that’s easy to prepare and feeds the whole family with minimal effort.
Ingredients
Meat and Vegetables
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- 1 1/2 pounds baby potatoes, halved
Seasoning and Sauce
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 packet Italian dressing seasoning mix (1 ounce)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
Finishing Touches
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- Juice of 1/2 lemon
Instructions
- Prepare the Crockpot: Lightly coat the inside of the crockpot with cooking spray to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Arrange Potatoes: Place the halved baby potatoes in an even layer at the bottom of the slow cooker, which will cook thoroughly and absorb flavors from the seasoning.
- Make Seasoning Mixture: In a small bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, olive oil, Italian dressing seasoning mix, minced garlic, dried oregano, dried basil, dried thyme, salt, black pepper, paprika, and red pepper flakes until well combined.
- Add Chicken and Seasoning: Arrange the chicken pieces on top of the potatoes evenly, then pour the seasoned mixture over the chicken and potatoes to coat everything uniformly.
- Cook the Dish: Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6 to 7 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours until the chicken is tender and fully cooked, and the potatoes are fork-tender.
- Add Parmesan Cheese: About 10 minutes before the cooking time is complete, sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the chicken, cover, and allow it to melt slightly for a rich finishing flavor.
- Finish and Garnish: Just before serving, drizzle the fresh lemon juice over the top and garnish with chopped fresh parsley to brighten the dish and add color.
Notes
- For extra browning, transfer the cooked chicken to a baking sheet and broil for 3 to 4 minutes before serving to achieve a crispy finish.
- Add carrots or green beans during the last hour of cooking to create a complete one-pot meal with added vegetables.
- Adjust salt quantity as needed depending on the sodium content of the Italian dressing seasoning mix used.
