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!
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!
Notes
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.
Pro Tips & Variations: Don't overcook chicken as it can become dry; check internal temp for 165°F (74°C). Add red pepper flakes for heat; thicken sauce with a cornstarch slurry or stir in sour cream/cream cheese for creaminess. Using frozen chicken adds about an hour to cooking time.