Are you tired of spending hours in the kitchen after a long day? Craving delicious, healthy meals without the fuss? Then you've come to the right place! Crock pots are a lifesaver for busy individuals and families, transforming even the most basic ingredients into flavorful, comforting dishes. Today, we're diving into the world of savory crock pot recipes – easy recipes that deliver big on taste and convenience. Get ready to unlock the magic of slow cooking!
Garlic Herb Roasted Chicken & Vegetables
This recipe is a perfect example of how simple ingredients can create a truly delicious and healthy meal. It's quick to prepare, cooks itself while you're busy, and is packed with flavor. This is one of the best recipes for effortless homemade cooking.
Ingredients:
- 1 whole chicken (about 3-4 pounds)
- 1 large onion, quartered
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) for 15 minutes to ensure even cooking.
- Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. In a small bowl, combine olive oil, garlic, rosemary, thyme, salt, and pepper. Rub this mixture all over the chicken.
- Place the onion, carrots, and celery in the bottom of your crock pot.
- Place the seasoned chicken on top of the vegetables.
- Cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and the juices run clear when pierced with a fork.
- Remove the chicken from the crock pot and let it rest for 10 minutes before carving. Serve with the roasted vegetables.
Cooking Tips:
- For extra flavor, add a splash of chicken broth or white wine to the bottom of the crock pot.
- Feel free to add other vegetables like potatoes, parsnips, or sweet potatoes.
- To ensure the chicken is cooked through, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. It should reach 165°F (74°C).
Variations:
- Lemon Herb Chicken: Add the zest and juice of one lemon to the herb mixture.
- Spicy Chicken: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the herb mixture.
- BBQ Chicken: Use your favorite BBQ sauce instead of the herb mixture.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Protein: 30-40g
- Fat: 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: 10-15g
This recipe offers a quick dinner idea perfect for busy weeknights, transforming your kitchen into a haven of delicious and healthy meals. Enjoy the ease and deliciousness of this savory crock pot recipe! It's one of the best recipes you'll find for easy and healthy cooking. This recipe is perfect for those looking for quick dinner ideas or simply the best recipes for a stress-free week.