Craving a heartwarming, delicious meal that's also incredibly easy to prepare? Look no further! This chicken and potato crock pot recipe is the perfect solution for busy weeknights or relaxed weekend dinners. Imagine tender, juicy chicken bathed in a creamy, flavorful sauce, served alongside perfectly cooked potatoes. Sounds amazing, right? This simple recipe requires minimal prep time and lets your slow cooker do all the hard work, leaving you with a healthy and satisfying meal the whole family will love. It’s a perfect example of easy recipes and healthy meals combined.
Ingredients:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 2 lbs small red potatoes, halved or quartered (depending on size)
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
Step 1: Preparing the Ingredients
Start by prepping your vegetables. Chop the onion and carrots, and halve or quarter the potatoes depending on their size. Ensure all the vegetables are roughly the same size to ensure even cooking. Cutting your chicken into smaller pieces will also help it cook faster and more evenly.
Step 2: Sautéing the Aromatics (Optional but Recommended)
For an extra layer of flavor, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté the onions and carrots for about 5 minutes, until softened. This step is optional, but it significantly enhances the overall taste of the dish.
Step 3: Assembling in the Crock Pot
Transfer the sautéed vegetables (or just the raw vegetables if skipping the sauté step) to your slow cooker. Add the chicken pieces, potatoes, chicken broth, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Stir gently to combine.
Step 4: Slow Cooking to Perfection
Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and the potatoes are tender. The cooking time will depend on your slow cooker and the size of your chicken pieces and potatoes. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Step 5: Creating the Creamy Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the heavy cream and flour until smooth. Once the chicken and potatoes are cooked, remove about 1 cup of the cooking liquid from the slow cooker and stir it into the cream mixture. This creates a delicious, creamy sauce that will thicken as it simmers.
Step 6: Finishing the Dish
Pour the cream mixture back into the slow cooker. Stir gently to combine and cook for another 15-20 minutes on low, allowing the sauce to thicken. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Tips for the Best Chicken and Potato Crock Pot Recipe:
- Bone-in Chicken: For an even richer flavor, you can use bone-in chicken thighs or drumsticks. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
- Other Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like celery, bell peppers, or green beans.
- Herbs and Spices: Experiment with different herbs and spices to customize the flavor. Garlic powder, paprika, or oregano would all be delicious additions.
- Thicker Sauce: If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can increase the amount of flour.
Variations:
- Creamy Tomato Chicken and Potatoes: Add a can of diced tomatoes and a tablespoon of tomato paste for a zestier twist.
- Cheesy Chicken and Potatoes: Stir in a cup of shredded cheddar cheese during the last 15 minutes of cooking.
- Spicy Chicken and Potatoes: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce for a kick.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Protein: 30-35g
- Fat: 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: 20-25g
This recipe is a fantastic example of delicious dishes that are both easy to make and satisfying to eat. It's perfect for meal prepping, making it a great option for busy weeknights or a comforting weekend meal. Enjoy!