Craving a hearty, flavorful meal that's also incredibly easy to prepare? Look no further than this easy chicken and potatoes crock pot recipe! This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, effortless weekend cooking, or impressing guests with minimal effort. Forget complicated recipes and long cooking times; this dish delivers maximum flavor with minimal fuss. Get ready to enjoy tender, juicy chicken and perfectly cooked potatoes in a rich, savory sauce – all thanks to the magic of your slow cooker! This is one of those best recipes that’s both delicious and incredibly simple.
Ingredients:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 2 lbs small red 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 tablespoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
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Prep the Ingredients: Begin by washing and chopping all your vegetables. This is a great way to get the kids involved in the cooking process too! Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking.
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Sear the Chicken (Optional but Recommended): For extra flavor, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken pieces for 2-3 minutes per side until lightly browned. This step isn't strictly necessary but adds a wonderful depth of flavor to the finished dish.
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Layer in the Crock Pot: Add the seared (or unseared) chicken to your slow cooker. Layer the potatoes, onions, carrots, and celery on top. Sprinkle the minced garlic evenly over the vegetables.
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Season and Simmer: Pour the chicken broth and white wine (if using) over the chicken and vegetables. Sprinkle with thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Gently stir to combine, ensuring everything is coated in the liquid.
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Slow Cook 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 longer it cooks, the more the flavors will meld.
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Serve and Enjoy!: Once cooked, serve hot. This delicious and healthy meal is perfect on its own or with a side of crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
Cooking Tips for Perfect Results:
- Don't overcrowd the crock pot: Ensure there's enough space for the ingredients to cook evenly. If necessary, cook in batches.
- Adjust seasoning to taste: Feel free to add more herbs, spices, or a pinch of red pepper flakes for extra heat.
- Thicken the sauce (optional): If you prefer a thicker sauce, remove about a cup of the cooking liquid before serving and whisk in a tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with a little cold water. Return the mixture to the crock pot and stir until thickened.
Variations:
- Add other vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or green beans.
- Use different herbs: Experiment with other herbs like oregano, parsley, or sage.
- Make it creamy: Stir in a dollop of sour cream or crème fraîche before serving.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some chopped jalapeños for a spicier kick.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This recipe provides a healthy and balanced meal. Nutritional values will vary slightly depending on the specific ingredients used and portion size. A general estimate per serving is approximately:
- Calories: 350-400
- Protein: 30-35g
- Fat: 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: 25-30g
This easy chicken and potatoes crock pot recipe is a fantastic addition to your repertoire of quick dinner ideas and homemade cooking. It's a satisfying and healthy meal that's perfect for any day of the week. Enjoy!