Hearty & Hassle-Free Easy Crockpot Dinner Recipe

Crafting an effortless crockpot dinner recipe promises pure culinary magic for busy households.

Slow cookers revolutionize mealtime with minimal preparation and maximum flavor.

Weeknight cooking becomes a breeze when you can toss ingredients together and walk away.

Simple yet satisfying dishes emerge from this kitchen marvel without complicated techniques.

Hearty meals materialize with barely any effort, making dinner stress disappear.

Comfort meets convenience in these one-pot wonders that deliver deliciousness every single time.

You’ll want to explore this foolproof method that turns ordinary ingredients into extraordinary meals.

FAQs

• Can I use frozen chicken in this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but add an extra 1-2 hours to the cooking time to ensure it reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F.

• What if I don't have Italian seasoning?

No problem! You can substitute with a mix of dried basil, oregano, thyme, and rosemary or use any dried herb blend you have on hand.

• Is this recipe budget-friendly?

Absolutely! This crockpot dinner uses affordable ingredients like chicken, vegetables, and pantry staples, making it an economical meal for families.

• Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, just use a gluten-free cream of mushroom soup or make your own cream sauce with cornstarch and gluten-free broth.

What Makes This Crockpot Dinner So Reliable

• Savor Southern Comfort: Dive into a classic potato salad that brings the warmth of Southern hospitality right to your table, packed with creamy texture and nostalgic flavors.
• Master Easy Preparation: This recipe requires simple chopping and mixing skills, making it perfect for home cooks of all experience levels who want a delicious side dish without complicated techniques.
• Crowd-Pleasing Potluck Star: Guaranteed to be a hit at family gatherings, picnics, and summer barbecues, this potato salad offers a crowd-favorite taste that brings people together with its traditional Southern charm.
• Customize with Ease: Adjust ingredients to suit personal preferences by adding extra crunch with more celery or creating a tangier version with additional mustard, allowing for creative culinary expression.

What Goes in This Crockpot Dinner

• Chicken: A tender and juicy meat that serves as the main protein for this hearty crockpot dinner.

• Onion, Carrots, Potatoes: A classic combination of root vegetables that adds flavor, nutrition, and heartiness to the dish.
• Garlic: A aromatic ingredient that provides depth and richness to the overall flavor profile.

• Salt, Pepper, Italian Seasoning: Essential spices that enhance the chicken's natural flavors and add a savory touch.
• Cream of Mushroom Soup: A creamy base that helps create a rich and smooth sauce for the dish.
• Chicken Broth: Adds moisture and intensifies the savory chicken flavor throughout the meal.
• Olive Oil: Provides a light, healthy fat that helps prevent sticking and adds a subtle richness.
• Fresh Parsley: An optional garnish that brings a fresh, bright note to the finished dish.

How to Cook This Simple Crockpot Dinner

Step 1: Prep the Chicken

• Salt
• Black pepper
• Italian seasoning

Ensure the chicken is evenly coated with the seasonings.

Step 2: Layer Hearty Vegetables

• Onions
• Garlic
• Carrots
• Potatoes

Distribute the vegetables evenly around and underneath the chicken.

Step 3: Create Savory Sauce

• Cream of mushroom soup
• Chicken broth

Pour the creamy mixture over the chicken and vegetables, making sure to cover most of the ingredients.

Step 4: Enhance with Oil

Drizzle olive oil across the top of the dish to add a luxurious sheen and extra flavor.

Step 5: Slow Cook to Perfection

• Low setting: 6-7 hours
• High setting: 3-4 hours

Cook until the chicken becomes fork-tender and vegetables are soft and fully cooked.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Transfer the chicken and vegetables to a serving platter. Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness.

Enjoy this comforting one-pot meal straight from the crockpot.

Helpful Notes for Easy Crockpot Dinner Prep

• Opt for boneless, skinless chicken thighs for extra moisture and richer flavor in the dish.
• Swap cream of mushroom soup with Greek yogurt or coconut milk for a lighter, healthier version.
• Boost vegetable variety by adding zucchini, bell peppers, or celery to increase nutritional value.
• Enhance herb flavor by using fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary instead of dried Italian seasoning.
• Prevent dry chicken by checking internal temperature reaches 165°F and avoiding overcooking in the crockpot.

Flavor Twists for This Crockpot Dinner Idea

• Herb Garden Sensation: Replace Italian seasoning with fresh rosemary, thyme, and sage for a garden-fresh flavor profile that elevates the classic chicken recipe.
• Spicy Southwest Kick: Swap Italian seasoning for chili powder, cumin, and paprika, then add bell peppers and jalapeños for a zesty southwestern-inspired meal.
• Mediterranean Fusion: Use Greek seasoning, add kalamata olives, and include diced tomatoes to transform the dish with Mediterranean flavors and textures.
• Asian-Inspired Comfort: Substitute Italian seasoning with ginger, soy sauce, and a touch of sesame oil, then include sliced water chestnuts and green onions for an Asian-inspired crockpot dinner.

Best Way to Present This Crockpot Dinner

• Rustic Family Comfort Platter: Shred the tender chicken and mix with vegetables, creating a hearty one-pot meal that feels like a warm hug from grandma's kitchen.
• Chicken and Veggie Loaded Sandwiches: Pile the juicy shredded chicken and soft vegetables between crusty bread slices, adding a fresh parsley sprinkle for extra flavor.
• Mediterranean-Inspired Chicken Bowl: Layer the chicken and vegetables over fluffy rice or quinoa, drizzling the creamy sauce for a wholesome, satisfying meal that brings international flair to your dinner table.
• Quick Meal Prep Containers: Portion the chicken and vegetables into individual containers for easy grab-and-go lunches, perfect for busy weekdays and maintaining healthy eating habits.

How to Store Crockpot Dinner Leftovers

• Transfer leftover chicken and vegetables to an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Store in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, ensuring the meal stays fresh and safe to eat.
• Portion the cooled crockpot dinner into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air, seal tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. Label with the date and contents for easy tracking.
• Gently warm in the microwave or oven, adding a splash of chicken broth to prevent drying out. Stir occasionally to distribute heat evenly and maintain the dish's moisture and flavor.

Easy Crockpot Dinner Recipe

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4.7 from 31 reviews

• Total Time: 7 hours 20 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Hearty crockpot chicken stew combines classic comfort with simple preparation. Home cooks can savor warm, satisfying flavors with minimal kitchen effort.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb (454 g) boneless chicken breasts or thighs
• 2 cups (300 g) diced potatoes
• 2 cups (280 g) baby carrots
• 1 can (10.5 oz or 298 ml) cream of mushroom soup
• 1 cup (240 ml) chicken broth
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp (5 ml) Italian seasoning
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Layer chicken pieces at the bottom of the slow cooker, generously seasoning with aromatic herbs and ground spices for deep flavor infusion.
2. Uniformly distribute diced onions, minced garlic, roughly chopped carrots, and quartered potatoes around and over the chicken.
3. Whisk cream of mushroom soup with rich chicken broth until smooth, creating a silky, creamy sauce that will gently envelop all ingredients.
4. Delicately drizzle extra virgin olive oil across the surface to enhance moisture and add a subtle richness.
5. Secure the crockpot lid and slow cook at 200°F: select low setting for 6-7 hours or high setting for 3-4 hours, ensuring chicken becomes fork-tender and vegetables reach perfect doneness.
6. Once cooking completes, allow dish to rest for 10 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and settle.
7. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a vibrant touch and serve piping hot directly from the slow cooker.

Notes

• Prep chicken ahead by patting it dry to ensure better seasoning absorption and crispier exterior.
• Customize vegetable mix based on seasonal availability or personal preference, keeping similar cooking times.
• Reduce sodium by using low-sodium chicken broth and monitoring salt levels during seasoning.
• For gluten-free adaptation, replace cream of mushroom soup with homemade cream sauce using cornstarch and milk alternatives.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 7 hours (on Low) or 4 hours (on High)
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 320 kcal
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 650 mg
• Fat: 8 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 26 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 32 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg