Oh my goodness, if you’re looking for a way to make dinner a breeze, you’ve got to try this *crockpot dinner* recipe! Honestly, there’s something magical about tossing everything into the crockpot and letting it do all the work while you go about your day. I love coming home to the savory smell of chicken and herbs wafting through the house, knowing that a delicious meal is just minutes away. Plus, it’s a great way to gather the family around the table for a comforting, home-cooked meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Trust me, this is a game-changer!
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this scrumptious crockpot dinner:
- 2 pounds of chicken breast (boneless and skinless for easy shredding)
- 1 cup of diced tomatoes (canned or fresh, whatever you prefer)
- 1 onion, chopped (I like yellow or sweet onions for a milder flavor)
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced (because garlic makes everything better)
- 1 cup of chicken broth (homemade or store-bought works great)
- 1 teaspoon of oregano (dried is perfect)
- 1 teaspoon of basil (again, dried; fresh would be amazing too)
- Salt and pepper to taste (adjust to your liking)
With these simple ingredients, you’re on your way to a delightful meal that practically cooks itself!
How to Prepare a Crockpot Dinner
Getting this *crockpot dinner* ready is super simple! First, you’ll want to make sure your chicken breast is laid out nicely at the bottom of the crockpot. This helps it cook evenly. Next, toss in the diced tomatoes, chopped onion, and minced garlic right on top. Don’t forget the chicken broth—this adds so much flavor and keeps everything nice and juicy! Sprinkle in the oregano and basil, then season with salt and pepper to your preference. Now, give everything a gentle stir to combine those lovely flavors.
Once everything is in, cover your crockpot and set it to cook. If you’ve got all day, go for low heat for about 6 to 8 hours. In a hurry? High heat for 3 to 4 hours works just as well. When it’s done, shred the chicken right in the pot with two forks. It’ll be so tender and flavorful, you won’t believe it!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Start by placing the boneless, skinless chicken breasts in the bottom of your crockpot. This is key for ensuring they cook evenly.
- Next, add the diced tomatoes right on top. If you’re using canned tomatoes, don’t drain them; that juice is pure gold!
- Chop your onion and mince the garlic, then toss those in, too. The more flavor, the better!
- Pour in the chicken broth, making sure everything is nicely covered. This will help keep your chicken juicy and tender.
- Sprinkle in the oregano and basil, followed by a good pinch of salt and pepper. Feel free to adjust these to your taste!
- Give everything a gentle stir to mix it up. Don’t worry if the chicken isn’t fully submerged; it’ll cook beautifully.
- Now cover the crockpot and set it to low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. The longer, the better for those flavors to meld!
- Once the cooking time is up, shred the chicken right in the pot using two forks. It will fall apart so easily!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy preparation—just toss everything in and let the crockpot work its magic!
- Flavorful and hearty, perfect for warm family dinners.
- Healthy ingredients that fit into a gluten-free diet.
- Minimal cleanup, so you can enjoy your meal without the stress.
- Leftovers are just as delicious, making it a great meal prep option!
Tips for Success
To make sure your crockpot dinner turns out perfectly every time, here are a few handy tips! First, don’t be shy with the seasoning—taste as you go and adjust the salt and pepper to your liking. If you want to amp up the flavor even more, consider adding a splash of lemon juice or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a little kick! Also, remember that all crockpots cook a bit differently; if you find your chicken isn’t shredding easily after the suggested time, it might need a little longer. Just keep an eye on it! Lastly, for a little extra texture, throw in some veggies like bell peppers or zucchini for a colorful twist. Enjoy experimenting!
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s talk about what you’re getting with this delicious *crockpot dinner*! Each serving is estimated to have around 300 calories, with 30 grams of protein to keep you satisfied. You’ll also find about 5 grams of fat and 30 grams of carbohydrates, making it a balanced meal option. Plus, it’s gluten-free, which is a bonus for those with dietary restrictions. Remember, these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use!
FAQ Section
Can I use frozen chicken for this crockpot dinner?
Absolutely! You can use frozen chicken breasts, but be sure to cook on high for about 4-5 hours instead of low to ensure they cook through safely.
Can I add vegetables to this recipe?
Yes, you can! Feel free to toss in some chopped bell peppers, carrots, or zucchini for added nutrition and flavor. Just keep in mind that softer veggies might cook down quite a bit!
What can I serve with this dish?
I love serving this *crockpot dinner* over a bed of rice or pasta. You could also pair it with a simple salad for a well-rounded meal.
How do I know when the chicken is done?
The chicken is done when it’s tender enough to easily shred with two forks. If it’s still tough, give it a little more time in the crockpot!
Can I make this ahead of time?
Definitely! You can prep all the ingredients the night before, store them in the fridge, and then just pop them in the crockpot in the morning!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your leftovers from this delicious *crockpot dinner* is super easy! Just let the chicken and sauce cool down a bit, then transfer them to an airtight container. You can keep it in the fridge for up to 3 days, so there’s plenty of time to enjoy those tasty leftovers! When you’re ready to reheat, just pop it in the microwave until heated through, or you can warm it up on the stove over low heat. If you want to enjoy it later, this dish also freezes well for up to 2 months—just make sure to thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating. Enjoy every bite again!
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Crockpot Dinner Magic: 7 Ways to Simplify Meals
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A simple and delicious crockpot dinner recipe that saves you time and effort.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds of chicken breast
- 1 cup of diced tomatoes
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 cup of chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon of oregano
- 1 teaspoon of basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Place the chicken breast at the bottom of the crockpot.
- Add diced tomatoes, onion, garlic, chicken broth, oregano, and basil.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
- Shred the chicken before serving.
Notes
- Serve over rice or pasta.
- Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Adjust seasoning to your taste.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Crockpot
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: crockpot dinner
