The Easiest Crockpot Chicken Dinner Recipe You’ll Ever Make!
Tired of spending hours in the kitchen after a long day? This easy crockpot dinner recipe is your answer! Imagine coming home to the aroma of a delicious, home-cooked meal without any fuss. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, picky eaters, and anyone who wants a flavorful and simple dinner. With just a few ingredients and minimal prep, you’ll have a mouthwatering meal ready to go. Get ready to enjoy the most tender and flavorful chicken you’ve ever tasted!
Why You’ll Love This Easy Crockpot Dinner Recipe
- Effortless: Just dump the ingredients in and let the crockpot do the work.
- Flavorful: The slow cooking process infuses the chicken with incredible flavor.
- Versatile: Customize the recipe with your favorite veggies and spices.
- Family-Friendly: Even picky eaters will love this tender and delicious chicken.
- Minimal Clean-up: One-pot meal means less dishes to wash!
- Healthy Option: Packed with protein and easily adaptable for a low-carb or keto diet.
Ingredients for Easy Crockpot Dinner Recipe
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or chicken thighs for even more flavor)
- 1 packet (1 oz) dry Italian dressing mix
- 1 can (10.75 oz) cream of chicken soup (or cream of mushroom or celery for variation)
- ½ cup chicken broth (or water)
- Optional: 1 cup chopped vegetables (broccoli, carrots, potatoes, onions, etc.)
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Make Easy Crockpot Dinner Recipe
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prep the Crockpot: Lightly grease your crockpot with cooking spray or use a crockpot liner for easy cleanup.
- Add Chicken: Place the chicken breasts (or thighs) in the bottom of the crockpot. If you’re layering veggies, put vegetables on the bottom.
- Combine Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together the Italian dressing mix, cream of chicken soup, and chicken broth.
- Pour Sauce: Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken, making sure to coat it evenly. If you are adding veggies, you can stir them in at this point and make sure those also get coated.
- Slow 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 cooked, shred the chicken directly in the crockpot using two forks.
- Season to Taste: Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve: Serve hot and enjoy!
Pro Tips & Variations
For extra flavor, brown the chicken in a skillet before adding it to the crockpot. This adds a nice sear and enhances the taste. Don’t overcook the chicken, or it will become dry. Consider using a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. If the sauce is too thick, add a little more chicken broth to reach your desired consistency. This method works great for chicken crockpot recipes. For faster cleanup, always use a crockpot liner!
Variations:
- Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
- Cheesy: Stir in shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or parmesan) during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- Healthy: Use low-sodium cream of chicken soup and add extra vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach. Consider using healthy crockpot recipes that require fresh ingredients.
- Keto: Replace the cream of chicken soup with cream cheese or heavy cream for a keto-friendly version (try to sneak in some keto crockpot recipes)!
Serving Suggestions
This easy crockpot dinner recipe is incredibly versatile and pairs well with a variety of sides.
- Mashed Potatoes: A classic pairing that soaks up the delicious sauce.
- Rice: Serve over white or brown rice for a complete meal.
- Steamed Vegetables: Broccoli, green beans, or asparagus are healthy and flavorful options.
- Salad: A fresh salad adds a light and refreshing contrast.
- Dinner Rolls: Perfect for soaking up the extra sauce!
Storage & Reheating
Storage:
- Fridge: Store leftover shredded chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze the shredded chicken in an airtight container for up to 2-3 months. For best results, divide into individual portions.
Reheating:
- Microwave: Reheat in the microwave on medium power until heated through. Add a splash of chicken broth if needed to prevent drying out.
- Stovetop: Reheat in a saucepan over medium heat until heated through, adding a little chicken broth as needed.
- Crockpot: Reheat in the crockpot on low for 1-2 hours, stirring occasionally.
FAQ about Easy Crockpot Dinner Recipe
Q: Can I use frozen chicken in this crockpot recipe?
A: While it’s best to use thawed chicken for optimal results, you can use frozen chicken in a pinch. Just increase the cooking time by 1-2 hours. Be sure to use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Check that the crockpot chicken recipes you make are fully cooked inside.
Q: Can I add other vegetables to this recipe?
A: Absolutely! Feel free to add any vegetables you like. Hearty vegetables like potatoes, carrots, and onions should be added at the beginning of the cooking process, while softer vegetables like broccoli and spinach can be added during the last hour. You can even consider summer vegetables for summer crockpot recipes.
Q: Is this recipe gluten-free?
A: This recipe is naturally gluten-free, but be sure to check the labels of your Italian dressing mix and cream of chicken soup to ensure they are gluten-free. There are gluten free cream of chicken or mushroom soup recipes available online, which will certainly make this recipe healthier.
Q: Can I make this recipe with beef instead of chicken?
A: Yes! You can easily substitute beef chuck roast for the chicken. Follow the same instructions, but increase the cooking time as needed to ensure the beef is tender and easily shreds. This is a great alternative that would be a truly easy crockpot dinner recipe for you and your family!
Q: How can I make this a high protein crockpot recipe?
A: Chicken breast is the best, and leanest way, to make great high protein crockpot recipes. The more chicken and less vegetables the better!
Final Thoughts on Easy Crockpot Dinner Recipe
This easy crockpot dinner recipe is a game-changer for busy weeknights. It’s simple, flavorful, and customizable, making it a winner for the whole family. We hope you give this recipe a try and discover just how easy and delicious a crockpot meal can be! Don’t forget to save this recipe to your Pinterest boards for future inspiration, and if you try it, please leave a comment below to let us know what you think. Subscribe to our blog for more easy and delicious recipes!
The Easiest Crockpot Chicken Dinner Recipe You’ll Ever Make!
Equipment
- Crockpot
- Mixing bowl
- Forks
Ingredients
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or chicken thighs for even more flavor)
- 1 packet (1 oz) dry Italian dressing mix
- 1 can (10.75 oz) cream of chicken soup (or cream of mushroom or celery for variation)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth (or water)
- 1 cup chopped vegetables (optional: broccoli, carrots, potatoes, onions, etc.)
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prep the Crockpot: Lightly grease your crockpot with cooking spray or use a crockpot liner for easy cleanup.
- Add Chicken: Place the chicken breasts (or thighs) in the bottom of the crockpot. If you’re layering veggies, put vegetables on the bottom.
- Combine Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together the Italian dressing mix, cream of chicken soup, and chicken broth.
- Pour Sauce: Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken, making sure to coat it evenly. If you are adding veggies, you can stir them in at this point and make sure those also get coated.
- Slow 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 cooked, shred the chicken directly in the crockpot using two forks.
- Season to Taste: Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve: Serve hot and enjoy!
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