Are you tired of the nightly dinnertime struggle? Do picky eaters rule your kitchen? Then you've come to the right place! Crockpot cooking is a lifesaver for busy parents, offering a simple solution for healthy and delicious meals that even the fussiest kids will devour. These easy crockpot recipes are perfect for quick weeknight dinners, and they're so simple, even the kids can help with the preparation! Forget complicated recipes and stressful mealtimes – let's dive into some amazing crockpot magic.
Creamy Chicken and Veggie Stew
This hearty and flavorful stew is packed with nutritious vegetables and tender chicken, making it a wholesome and delicious meal the whole family will enjoy. It's an excellent source of protein and essential vitamins, perfect for growing kids. This recipe is easily adaptable to your children's preferences – add or substitute vegetables as needed!
Ingredients:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1 cup frozen corn
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tbsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions:
- Place the chicken, onion, carrots, and celery in your slow cooker.
- Pour in the chicken broth, then stir in the thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
- Stir in the frozen peas and corn during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- Remove the chicken from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks.
- Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker.
- Stir in the heavy cream and heat through (do not boil).
- Serve hot with crusty bread or rice.
Cooking Tips:
- For extra flavor, add a bay leaf during the cooking process. Remove it before serving.
- If you prefer a thicker stew, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water to create a slurry. Stir this into the stew during the last 15 minutes of cooking.
- Feel free to add other vegetables like potatoes, green beans, or zucchini.
Variations:
- Spicy Chicken Stew: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce for a little kick.
- Chicken and Wild Rice Stew: Substitute 1 cup of uncooked wild rice for half of the chicken broth. Adjust cooking time accordingly.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 350
- Protein: 30g
- Fat: 15g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
Simple Pulled Pork Sliders
Pulled pork is a crowd-pleaser, and this slow cooker recipe makes it incredibly easy! Serve it on mini slider buns for a fun and kid-friendly meal. The slow cooking process renders the pork incredibly tender, perfect for little ones (and big ones too!).
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs pork shoulder
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
- 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- Mini slider buns
- Your favorite slider toppings (coleslaw, pickles, etc.)
Instructions:
- Place the pork shoulder in your slow cooker.
- In a bowl, whisk together the BBQ sauce, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Pour the sauce over the pork shoulder.
- Cook on low for 8-10 hours, or on high for 4-5 hours, until the pork is easily shredded.
- Shred the pork using two forks.
- Serve on mini slider buns with your favorite toppings.
This recipe is a great example of how easy homemade cooking can be, perfect for those busy weeknights. Enjoy!