Are you craving a delicious, comforting meal that's also incredibly easy to make? Look no further! This Chicken and Potatoes recipe, slow-cooked to perfection in your trusty crockpot, is the answer to your weeknight dinner woes. It's a perfect example of healthy meals that don't require hours slaving over a hot stove. This recipe is packed with flavor, requires minimal prep, and delivers tender, juicy chicken and perfectly cooked potatoes every single time. Get ready to experience the joy of homemade cooking at its simplest and most satisfying!
Ingredients:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 2 lbs baby potatoes, halved or quartered if large
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup dry white wine (optional, can substitute with extra broth)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
- Prep the Vegetables: Begin by washing and chopping all your vegetables. This makes the cooking process much smoother. Having everything prepped before you start is key to quick dinner ideas.
- Sear the Chicken (Optional): For extra flavor, you can sear the chicken pieces in olive oil for a few minutes on each side before adding them to the crockpot. This step isn't strictly necessary, but it adds a nice browned crust to the chicken.
- Layer in Crockpot: In your crockpot, layer the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Place the seared (or unseared) chicken pieces on top of the vegetables. Sprinkle with minced garlic.
- Add Liquid and Seasonings: Pour the chicken broth and white wine (if using) over the chicken and vegetables. Season generously with thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper.
- Cook on Low: 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.
- Serve: Once cooked, gently shred the chicken with two forks. Serve the chicken and potatoes directly from the crockpot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.
Tips for the Best Chicken and Potatoes:
- Don't overcrowd the crockpot: Ensure there's enough space for the ingredients to cook evenly. If necessary, use a larger crockpot or cook in batches.
- Adjust cooking time: Depending on your crockpot and the size of your potatoes, you might need to adjust the cooking time. Check for doneness by inserting a fork into the thickest potato; it should easily pierce through.
- Add other vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini for extra flavor and nutrients.
- Thicken the sauce: If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water and stir it into the crockpot during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Variations:
- Spicy Chicken and Potatoes: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce for a spicy kick.
- Lemon Herb Chicken and Potatoes: Add the zest and juice of one lemon along with the herbs for a bright, citrusy flavor.
- Creamy Chicken and Potatoes: Stir in a 1/2 cup of heavy cream or sour cream during the last hour of cooking for a richer, creamier dish.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Protein: 30-40g
- Fat: 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: 20-30g
This easy recipe for chicken and potatoes offers a delicious and satisfying meal perfect for busy weeknights. The slow cooking process results in incredibly tender chicken and perfectly cooked potatoes, making it a true crockpot comfort food classic. Enjoy!