Budget-Friendly Crockpot Recipe
This Budget-Friendly Crockpot Recipe is easy to make, packed with flavor, and uses affordable ingredients you probably already have in your pantry. It’s a versatile and family-friendly slow cooker dish perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep.
Equipment
- Crockpot
Ingredients
- 1.5-2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs) or thighs for a richer flavor
- 1 can (10.75 oz) condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 1 envelope (1 oz) dry onion soup mix
- 1/2 cup chicken broth or water
- 1/4 cup milk optional, for extra creaminess
- to taste salt and pepper
- optional 1 cup sliced mushrooms, 1 diced onion, 1/2 cup frozen peas optional vegetables
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken by trimming excess fat. Use whole or cut in half depending on size, or add extra cooking time if frozen.
- Layer the chicken breasts in the bottom of the crockpot to prevent drying out.
- Pour the condensed cream of mushroom soup evenly over the chicken.
- Sprinkle the dry onion soup mix evenly over the soup layer.
- Add the chicken broth or water to create a flavorful sauce.
- Optionally stir ingredients gently to distribute, without moving the chicken too much.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until chicken is tender and reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Check for doneness by ensuring internal temperature is 165°F (74°C) and chicken shreds easily.
- Remove chicken and shred with forks.
- Return shredded chicken to the crockpot and stir into the sauce.
- Optionally stir in milk to make the sauce extra creamy.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste, serve hot, and enjoy!
- If using a roast, brown it on all sides before adding to the crockpot to seal in juices.
Notes
This recipe is highly adaptable. Swap ingredients to suit your taste or dietary needs. Great for meal prep and versatile with proteins and veggies.