The Ultimate Best Easy Crockpot Dinner: Set It and Forget It!
Tired of spending hours in the kitchen after a long day? Craving a delicious, home-cooked meal without all the fuss? Then you’ve come to the right place! This **Best Easy Crockpot Dinner** recipe is a game-changer for busy weeknights. It’s family-friendly, requires minimal prep, and delivers maximum flavor every single time. Get ready to enjoy a mouthwatering dinner that practically cooks itself!
Why You’ll Love This Best Easy Crockpot Dinner
- Effortless: Just dump the ingredients in your crockpot and let it work its magic.
- Flavorful: A perfect blend of seasonings and slow cooking creates incredibly tender and delicious results.
- Versatile: Easily adaptable to your family’s preferences with different meats, veggies, and spices.
- Budget-Friendly: A affordable way to feed the whole family.
- Meal Prep Heaven: Leftovers are fantastic for lunches or another easy dinner later in the week.
Ingredients for Best Easy Crockpot Dinner
- 2-3 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or chicken thighs)
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 can (10.75 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 packet Italian dressing mix
- 1/2 cup chicken broth (or water)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: 1 cup chopped vegetables (carrots, celery, potatoes)
Substitutions: For a **keto crockpot recipe**, omit the cream of chicken soup and use heavy cream or cream cheese instead. For a vegetarian option, try using tofu or lentils in place of the chicken.
How to Make Best Easy Crockpot Dinner
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prep the Crockpot: Lightly grease your crockpot with cooking spray or use a liner for easy cleanup.
- Layer Ingredients: Place the chopped onion and garlic at the bottom of the crockpot. This will protect the meat from burning. If using, add your chopped vegetables (carrots, celery, potatoes) on top of the onions and garlic.
- Add the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts (or chicken thighs) on top of the layered vegetables.
- Pour in the Goodness: Pour the diced tomatoes (undrained), cream of chicken soup, Italian dressing mix, and chicken broth over the chicken.
- Season: Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remember that the Italian dressing mix already contains salt, so start conservatively.
- Slow Cook: Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The chicken is done when it’s easily shredded with a fork.
- Shred and Serve: Once cooked, shred the chicken directly in the crockpot using two forks. Stir everything together well to combine the shredded chicken with the sauce. Serve hot and enjoy!
Pro Tips & Variations
- Don’t overcook: Overcooked chicken can become dry. Check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer; it should reach 165°F (74°C).
- Add a kick: For a spicier dish, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
- Thicken the sauce: If the sauce is too thin, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water and stir it into the crockpot during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- Creamy variation: Stir in 1/2 cup of sour cream or cream cheese during the last 30 minutes of cooking for a creamier sauce.
Try making a **crockpot chicken breast recipe easy** by using frozen chicken breasts – just add about an hour to the cooking time!
Serving Suggestions
This **Best Easy Crockpot Dinner** is incredibly versatile and pairs well with a variety of side dishes.
- Mashed Potatoes: A classic Comfort food pairing that’s perfect for soaking up the delicious sauce.
- Rice or Quinoa: A healthy and filling grain option you can serve with your slow cooker chicken.
- Steamed Vegetables: Broccoli, green beans, or asparagus for a light and healthy side.
- Garlic Bread: The perfect savory side to complement the flavors of the chicken.
Storage & Reheating
Storage: Store any leftover **best crockpot dinner** in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, freeze in freezer-safe containers for up to 2-3 months.
Reheating: Reheat in the microwave, on the stovetop, or back in the crockpot. Add a splash of chicken broth or water if needed to prevent drying out. For larger portions, slow reheating in the crockpot on low is ideal.
FAQ about Best Easy Crockpot Dinner
Q: Can I use frozen chicken in this recipe?
A: Yes, you can. Just be sure to add an extra hour or two to the cooking time, or until the chicken is cooked through and easily shredded. Using frozen chicken is a great way to make an **easy crockpot chicken recipe**.
Q: Can I make this a keto-friendly recipe?
A: Absolutely! To make this a true **keto crockpot recipe**, omit the cream of chicken soup, and add some cream cheese and some Italian seasoning. Substitute with heavy cream or a keto-friendly cream soup alternative.
Q: What other vegetables can I add?
A: Feel free to experiment! Bell peppers, zucchini, mushrooms, and corn are all great additions. Depending on the vegetable, you may need to add them later in the cooking process to prevent them from becoming too mushy. Try different combinations for making various **crockpot recipes healthy**.
Q: Can I use a different cut of beef in this recipe?
A: Absolutely! A **beef crockpot recipe** can be made using chuck roast or stew meat in place of chicken! Be sure to increase the cooking time by a few hours to allow the beef to get nice and tender.
Final Thoughts on Best Easy Crockpot Dinner
This **Best Easy Crockpot Dinner** is truly a lifesaver on busy weeknights. It’s a flavorful, versatile, and incredibly simple recipe that the whole family will love. Don’t forget to save this recipe to your Pinterest board for easy access. Leave a comment below and let us know what you think! And be sure to subscribe to our newsletter for more delicious and easy recipes!
The Ultimate Best Easy Crockpot Dinner: Set It and Forget It!
Equipment
- Crockpot / Slow Cooker
- Cooking spray or crockpot liner
Ingredients
- 2-3 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or chicken thighs)
- 1 large onion chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes undrained
- 1 can (10.75 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 packet Italian dressing mix
- 1/2 cup chicken broth (or water)
- to taste salt
- to taste pepper
- 1 cup chopped vegetables optional: carrots, celery, potatoes
Instructions
- Prep the Crockpot: Lightly grease your crockpot with cooking spray or use a liner for easy cleanup.
- Layer Ingredients: Place the chopped onion and garlic at the bottom of the crockpot. This will protect the meat from burning. If using, add your chopped vegetables (carrots, celery, potatoes) on top of the onions and garlic.
- Add the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts (or chicken thighs) on top of the layered vegetables.
- Pour in the Goodness: Pour the diced tomatoes (undrained), cream of chicken soup, Italian dressing mix, and chicken broth over the chicken.
- Season: Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remember that the Italian dressing mix already contains salt, so start conservatively.
- Slow Cook: Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The chicken is done when it’s easily shredded with a fork.
- Shred and Serve: Once cooked, shred the chicken directly in the crockpot using two forks. Stir everything together well to combine the shredded chicken with the sauce. Serve hot and enjoy!
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