The Easiest Crockpot Dinner Recipe You’ll Ever Make!
Busy weeknights got you down? Dreading the dinner rush? I feel you! That’s why I’m so excited to share this incredibly simple and delicious Easy Crockpot Dinner Recipe. It’s a total game-changer for those nights when you just don’t have the energy to spend hours in the kitchen. This recipe is family-friendly, packed with flavor, and requires almost zero effort. Just toss everything into your crockpot, and let it work its magic. Get ready for a seriously satisfying meal with minimal cleanup!
Why You’ll Love This Easy Crockpot Dinner Recipe
- Effortless Prep: Seriously, it takes less than 10 minutes to throw everything in the crockpot.
- Ultimate Comfort Food: Warm, hearty, and totally satisfying.
- Family-Friendly: Even the pickiest eaters will love this dish.
- Minimal Cleanup: One pot = easy cleanup!
- Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a big batch and enjoy leftovers all week long.
- Budget-Friendly: Uses affordable ingredients you probably already have in your pantry.
Ingredients for Easy Crockpot Dinner Recipe
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts (can substitute with chicken thighs for richer flavor.)
- 1 (24 oz) jar marinara sauce
- 1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (or any cheese you like!)
- Cooked pasta, for serving (any shape you prefer)
- Optional: Fresh basil, for garnish
How to Make Easy Crockpot Dinner Recipe
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prep the Crockpot: Lightly grease your crockpot with cooking spray (this makes cleanup even easier!).
- Add Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of the crockpot. Make sure they are in a single layer. For chicken crockpot recipes easy to make, you don’t even need to cut up the chicken!
- Add Sauce and Veggies: Pour the marinara sauce and diced tomatoes over the chicken. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic.
- Season: Sprinkle the Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper over everything.
- Cook: Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and easily shreds with a fork.
- Shred Chicken: Once the chicken is cooked, use two forks to shred it directly in the crockpot. The chicken should fall apart easily. If it’s not shredding easily, it’s not cooked enough; let it cook longer.
- Add Cheese: Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese over the shredded chicken and let it melt for a few minutes.
- Serve: Serve the chicken over your favorite cooked pasta and garnish with fresh basil, if desired.
Pro Tips & Variations
- Don’t overcook the chicken: Overcooked chicken can become dry and stringy. Check for doneness around the 6-hour mark on low.
- Add veggies: Throw in some bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms for extra nutrients and flavor.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little kick. Looking for keto crockpot recipes? Omit pasta and serve over cauliflower rice.
- Use different sauces: Experiment with different pasta sauces for interesting flavor combinations.
- Make it a dump recipe: Truly lazy? Just dump all ingredients (except cheese and pasta) into the crockpot – no need to chop the onion if you don’t want to!
Serving Suggestions
This easy crockpot dinner recipe is incredibly versatile! Here are a few ideas for serving:
- Garlic Bread: A classic pairing!
- Side Salad: A simple green salad with vinaigrette is always a good choice.
- Roasted Vegetables: Broccoli, asparagus, or carrots would be delicious.
- Steamed Green Beans: A quick and easy side dish.
Storage & Reheating
Storage: Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze it for up to 2-3 months. Let thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating: Reheat the chicken in the microwave, on the stovetop, or in the crockpot (on low) until heated through. If reheating from frozen, you’ll need to increase the cooking time.
FAQ about Easy Crockpot Dinner Recipe
Q: Can I use frozen chicken breasts?
A: While it’s best to use thawed chicken for optimal results, you can cook from frozen if necessary. Just add an extra hour or two to the cooking time. Make sure the internal temperature reaches 165°F before shredding. This is a common issue with chicken breast crockpot recipes, so be patient!
Q: Can I make this recipe with ground beef?
A: Absolutely! Brown the ground beef in a skillet before adding it to the crockpot. This is perfect if you’re looking for ground beef crockpot recipes.
Q: Can I add cream cheese to this recipe?
A: Yes! Adding 4 ounces of cream cheese during the last 30 minutes of cooking will make the sauce extra creamy. This is a great way to add extra richness to your crockpot recipes.
Q: What if my sauce is too watery?
A: Remove the lid during the last hour of cooking to allow some of the liquid to evaporate. You can also add a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water) during the last 30 minutes to thicken it.
Q: Is this recipe good for meal prep?
A: Absolutely! This Easy Crockpot Dinner Recipe is perfect for cheap crockpot recipes and meal prepping due to its affordability and lengthy fridge/freezer life.
Final Thoughts on Easy Crockpot Dinner Recipe
This Easy Crockpot Dinner Recipe is a lifesaver on busy nights. It’s a delicious, family-friendly meal that requires minimal effort. I hope you enjoy it as much as my family does! Be sure to save this recipe to Pinterest for easy access, leave a comment below to let me know what you think, and subscribe to my blog for more easy and delicious recipes. Happy cooking!
Easy Crockpot Dinner Recipe
Equipment
- Crockpot
- Cooking Spray
- Forks
Ingredients
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts can substitute with chicken thighs for richer flavor
- 24 oz jar marinara sauce
- 15 oz can diced tomatoes undrained
- 1 onion chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese or any cheese you like
- cooked pasta for serving, any shape you prefer
- fresh basil optional, for garnish
Instructions
- Lightly grease your crockpot with cooking spray (this makes cleanup even easier!).
- Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of the crockpot in a single layer. No need to cut the chicken.
- Pour the marinara sauce and diced tomatoes over the chicken. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic.
- Sprinkle the Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper over everything.
- Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, until chicken is cooked through and shreds easily with a fork.
- Use two forks to shred the chicken directly in the crockpot.
- Sprinkle mozzarella cheese over the shredded chicken and let it melt for a few minutes.
- Serve the chicken over your favorite cooked pasta and garnish with fresh basil if desired.
