Oh, let me tell you about the joy of making easy and affordable crockpot meals! Seriously, there’s nothing better than coming home after a busy day to the comforting aroma of a delicious dinner waiting for you. This recipe is all about simplicity—just toss everything into the crockpot, set it, and forget it! With just a few ingredients, you can whip up a hearty meal that won’t break the bank. Plus, it’s perfect for those days when you’ve got a million things to do and not enough time to cook. Trust me, you’ll love how easy it is to make this delightful dish that fills your home with warmth and flavor!
Ingredients List
- 1 lb chicken thighs (skinless and boneless works best for tenderness)
- 2 cups chopped vegetables (I love using a mix of chopped carrots, potatoes, and onions, but feel free to get creative!)
- 1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 oz, don’t forget to include the juice for extra flavor)
- 1 cup chicken broth (homemade if you have it, but store-bought is perfectly fine)
- 1 tsp garlic powder (for that lovely depth of flavor)
- 1 tsp paprika (this adds a subtle smokiness that’s just divine)
- Salt and pepper to taste (always adjust to your liking!)
How to Prepare Instructions
- First, grab your trusty crockpot and place the chicken thighs right at the bottom. It’s the perfect base for this dish!
- Next, layer those chopped vegetables on top of the chicken. I like to use a colorful mix, but honestly, whatever you have on hand will work wonders!
- Now, pour in the can of diced tomatoes along with their juices and then add the chicken broth to give it that rich flavor.
- Sprinkle the garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper over everything. This is where the magic happens, trust me!
- Cover the crockpot and set it to cook on low for 6-8 hours. If you’re in a rush, the high setting works too, just cook for about 4 hours.
- When it’s done, carefully shred the chicken with two forks right in the pot and mix it all together. Oh boy, your kitchen is going to smell incredible!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s super affordable—perfect for budget-friendly meals!
- Minimal prep time means you can spend more time on what you love.
- Healthy ingredients packed with flavor, keeping your meals nutritious.
- Set it and forget it—no need to stand by the stove!
- Great for meal prepping; leftovers taste even better the next day.
- Versatile—swap in any veggies or protein you have on hand!
Tips for Success
To make the most of this recipe, don’t hesitate to swap out the chicken for other proteins like turkey or pork—just adjust the cooking time as needed. Got some leftover veggies? Toss them in! I’ve had great success with bell peppers and zucchini. Also, for a little added richness, consider adding a splash of cream or some cheese towards the end of cooking. Just be sure to check on it while it’s cooking—every crockpot is a bit different, so you might need to tweak the time slightly. Enjoy experimenting!
Variations
This recipe is so versatile, and I love how easily you can switch things up! For a fun twist, try using different proteins like beef or even chickpeas for a vegetarian option. You can also play around with your veggies—think sweet potatoes, green beans, or even corn! If you’re feeling adventurous, add some spices like cumin or curry powder for a whole new flavor profile. And don’t forget—if you want a creamier dish, stir in some cream cheese or sour cream just before serving. The possibilities are endless, and that’s what makes this recipe so exciting!
Serving Suggestions
This cozy crockpot meal pairs beautifully with a simple side salad—just toss together some greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette for a refreshing crunch. If you’re in the mood for something heartier, serve it alongside fluffy rice or warm crusty bread to soak up all that delicious sauce. You could even whip up some steamed broccoli or green beans for a pop of color and nutrition. Enjoy your meal!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing leftovers is a breeze! Just let your delicious crockpot meal cool down a bit, then transfer it to an airtight container. It’ll keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you want to save it for later, consider freezing portions in freezer-safe bags or containers—just label them with the date for easy reference. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through. Stir occasionally to make sure everything warms evenly. Enjoy every last bite!
Nutritional Information
Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown for each serving of this delightful crockpot meal: about 300 calories, 10g of fat, 25g of protein, and 30g of carbohydrates. You’ll also find 4g of sugar and 5g of fiber in there, making it a well-rounded option for dinner. Keep in mind these values can vary based on your specific ingredients and portion sizes, but they’re a great guideline to help you stay on track!
FAQ Section
Can I use frozen chicken thighs?
Yes, you can! Just add an extra hour to the cooking time if they’re frozen, and you’ll still get a delicious meal.
What if I don’t have chicken broth?
No worries! You can substitute it with water or vegetable broth. Just remember, the flavor might be a tad milder.
Can I make this recipe in advance?
Absolutely! You can prep everything the night before, store it in the fridge, and then just pop it in the crockpot in the morning. Super convenient!
How do I know when the chicken is cooked?
The chicken should shred easily with a fork when it’s done. If it’s still tough, give it a little more time to cook.
Is this recipe good for meal prep?
Definitely! It’s perfect for meal prep since it stores well and tastes even better the next day. Enjoy your easy and affordable crockpot meals!
For more tips on meal prepping, check out this family favorite recipe that makes use of the crockpot!
Additionally, if you’re interested in the health benefits of using a crockpot, you can learn more here.
Lastly, for a delicious side dish, consider making creamy garlic parmesan pasta to accompany your meal!
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Crockpot Meals Cheap: 5 Easy Recipes for Busy Nights
- Total Time: 6-8 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Calorie
Description
Easy and affordable crockpot meals for busy days.
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken thighs
- 2 cups chopped vegetables (carrots, potatoes, onions)
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Place chicken thighs at the bottom of the crockpot.
- Add chopped vegetables on top of the chicken.
- Pour diced tomatoes and chicken broth over the vegetables.
- Sprinkle garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper over the ingredients.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 4 hours.
- Shred chicken before serving and mix well.
Notes
- Use any seasonal vegetables you have.
- Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-8 hours
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Crockpot
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: crockpot meals cheap
