Crockpot Chicken Recipe
Crockpot Chicken Recipe
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Crockpot Chicken Recipe
This simple and flavorful crockpot chicken recipe is a must try for busy weeknights. The slow cooker allows you to cook tender, juicy chicken with minimal effort. With just a few ingredients, you can create a savory dish that’s perfect for serving over rice, pasta, or in sandwiches. Let your crockpot do all the work with this easy chicken recipe.
Description
If you’re in need of a hands off, easy to make chicken dish, this crockpot chicken recipe is perfect for you. This recipe features chicken breasts or thighs that cook slowly in a savory, flavorful sauce made from pantry staples. The result is tender, juicy chicken with a subtle, savory flavor that everyone in the family will love.
Cooking chicken in a crockpot has numerous benefits. The slow cooking process allows the meat to absorb the flavors of the seasonings and sauce while retaining its moisture. Whether you’re looking to serve it over rice, in tacos, or in a hearty salad, this crockpot chicken can be used in a variety of ways.
This Crockpot Chicken Recipe is incredibly versatile. You can use chicken breasts or thighs, depending on what you have available or prefer. You can also adjust the spices to suit your taste whether you like it mild or with a little kick. Additionally, this recipe is a great option for meal prepping as the leftovers store well in the fridge for up to a few days. Plus, you can freeze it for future meals, making it a time saver for busy weeks.
What makes this crockpot chicken recipe truly special is how easily you can customize it to fit your dietary needs or preferences. Whether you’re following a low carb diet, want to add more vegetables, or need to make it gluten-free, this recipe is adaptable to a variety of lifestyles.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup low sodium chicken broth
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (optional)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika (optional for extra flavor)
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
Instructions
- Prep the Ingredients:
- Start by dicing the onion and mincing the garlic. Set aside.
- Brown the Chicken (Optional):
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium high heat. Sear the chicken breasts or thighs on both sides for 2-3 minutes each until golden brown. This step is optional, but it helps lock in the flavors and adds extra richness.
- Place Ingredients in the Crockpot:
- Transfer the chicken to the bottom of the crockpot. Add the diced onion, minced garlic, and any optional ingredients like diced tomatoes.
- Season the Chicken:
- Sprinkle the chicken with dried oregano, basil, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, paprika, and red pepper flakes. Pour the chicken broth over the top.
- Cook the Chicken:
- Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours, or until the chicken is tender and easily shreds with a fork. If you’re short on time, you can cook it on high for 2-3 hours.
- Shred and Serve:
- Once the chicken is cooked through and tender, remove it from the crockpot and shred it with two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the crockpot and mix it with the juices and seasonings.
- Serve:
- Serve the shredded crockpot chicken on rice, in wraps, or on a salad. You can also pair it with your favorite side dishes.
you may like : Beef Stroganoff Recipe
Crockpot Chicken Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 tablespoon olive oil optional
- 1 medium onion diced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 cup low sodium chicken broth
- 1 can 14.5 oz diced tomatoes (optional)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt adjust to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika optional for extra flavor
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional, for heat
Instructions
- Prep the Ingredients:
- Start by dicing the onion and mincing the garlic. Set aside.
- Brown the Chicken (Optional):
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium high heat. Sear the chicken breasts or thighs on both sides for 2-3 minutes each until golden brown. This step is optional, but it helps lock in the flavors and adds extra richness.
- Place Ingredients in the Crockpot:
- Transfer the chicken to the bottom of the crockpot. Add the diced onion, minced garlic, and any optional ingredients like diced tomatoes.
- Season the Chicken:
- Sprinkle the chicken with dried oregano, basil, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, paprika, and red pepper flakes. Pour the chicken broth over the top.
- Cook the Chicken:
- Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours, or until the chicken is tender and easily shreds with a fork. If you’re short on time, you can cook it on high for 2-3 hours.
- Shred and Serve:
- Once the chicken is cooked through and tender, remove it from the crockpot and shred it with two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the crockpot and mix it with the juices and seasonings.
- Serve:
- Serve the shredded crockpot chicken on rice, in wraps, or on a salad. You can also pair it with your favorite side dishes.
Notes
- Chicken Thighs vs. Chicken Breasts: While chicken breasts are leaner, chicken thighs will provide more flavor and tenderness, especially when cooked slowly in the crockpot. You can use either based on your preference.
- Freezing Tips: If you plan to make a double batch, this crockpot chicken recipe freezes wonderfully. Once cooked and shredded, allow the chicken to cool before transferring it to a freezer safe container. Store in the freezer for up to 3 months.
- Adjust the Spice Level: For those who enjoy a bit of heat, add more red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce. You can also substitute the spices to suit your preferences smoked paprika, cumin, or even a bit of lime juice can make a great addition.
- Make It a Complete Meal: Add vegetables to the crockpot such as carrots, bell peppers, or zucchini for a complete one pot meal. These can be added in the last 2 hours of cooking for a perfectly balanced dish.
- Serving Suggestions: This crockpot chicken is incredibly versatile! Serve it over steamed rice, mashed potatoes, or use it in tacos, wraps, or salads. It’s also a great filling for sandwiches or quesadillas.
