01 -
First things first, get those potatoes washed and quartered. If they're really tiny, you can just halve them. Then, give your chicken thighs a quick pat dry—this helps them brown just a tiny bit, even in the slow cooker, and absorb flavors better. Mince all that beautiful garlic. I usually get a little messy here, with garlic bits everywhere, but it's part of the process, right? This step just preps everything for an easy dump-and-go.
02 -
Place the chicken thighs at the bottom of your crockpot. Then, scatter the potatoes and minced garlic over the chicken. In a separate bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, heavy cream, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Pour this creamy mixture over the chicken and potatoes. Make sure everything is nestled in there. I always give it a little stir to ensure the flavors get distributed. Don't worry if it looks a bit soupy; it'll thicken up!
03 -
Cover your crockpot and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. Honestly, I usually go for the low and slow method; it makes the chicken ridiculously tender, practically falling apart. The aroma that starts wafting through your kitchen around hour four? Pure magic. It's the smell of dinner handled, and let me tell you, that feeling is priceless!
04 -
Once the chicken is cooked through and the potatoes are fork-tender, carefully remove the chicken and potatoes from the crockpot and set them aside. In a small bowl, whisk the cornstarch with a splash of the hot liquid from the crockpot until smooth. Pour this slurry back into the crockpot, stirring constantly. Cook on high for about 15-20 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened to your liking. This is where you transform it from liquid to luscious!
05 -
Now for the good stuff! Once the sauce is beautifully thickened, stir in half of the freshly grated Parmesan cheese until it's melted and incorporated. The sauce will become even more rich and velvety. I might "accidentally" taste-test a spoonful or two at this point—it's just too good to resist! This step adds that crucial cheesy, savory depth.
06 -
Return the chicken and potatoes to the crockpot, gently stirring to coat everything in that glorious garlic Parmesan sauce. Serve immediately, garnished with the remaining Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of fresh parsley if you have some. It should look like a warm, inviting pile of deliciousness, smelling absolutely divine. The chicken will be so tender, and the potatoes will melt in your mouth, all coated in that dreamy sauce.