baked chicken in crockpot for busy moms craving easy family dinners
In the hustle and bustle of daily life, finding time to prepare a wholesome family dinner can be a daunting challenge for busy moms. Thankfully, the crockpot comes to the rescue with its promise of easy, flavorful meals that can cook while you go about your day. One of the best recipes to try is baked chicken in a crockpot. This dish is not only simple to prepare, but it also delivers tender, juicy chicken that your entire family will love.
This recipe is perfect for those days when you’re swamped with chores, school activities, or work commitments. You can set it up in the morning and return home to a delicious, home-cooked meal without the stress of meal prep. With just a few ingredients, you can create a comforting dinner that will have everyone coming back for seconds. Let’s dive into this easy, family-friendly recipe!
Recipe Details
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 6 hours
Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 4-6 servings
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup baby carrots
- 1 cup diced potatoes (about 2 medium potatoes)
- 1 cup green beans, trimmed
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Begin by preparing your chicken. Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels and season both sides generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and dried thyme.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, add the olive oil. Once hot, sear the chicken breasts for about 3-4 minutes on each side until they are golden brown. This step is optional but adds an extra layer of flavor.
- While the chicken is searing, prepare the vegetables. Wash and cut the potatoes into bite-sized pieces, trim the green beans, and rinse the baby carrots.
- In the bottom of the crockpot, pour in the chicken broth. This will keep the chicken moist and add flavor.
- Layer the prepared vegetables evenly over the broth. Start with the potatoes, followed by the carrots, and top it off with the green beans.
- Once the chicken is seared, place the chicken breasts on top of the vegetables in the crockpot.
- Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6 hours or on high for 3 hours. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Once cooked, remove the chicken and vegetables from the crockpot and set them on a serving platter. You can optionally thicken the broth in the crockpot by whisking in a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water) and cooking on high for 15 minutes.
- Garnish the chicken with fresh parsley before serving. Enjoy this easy family dinner with your loved ones!
Why Use a Crockpot?
The crockpot is a busy mom’s best friend. It allows for a hands-off approach to cooking, perfect for those days when time is scarce. Simply prep your ingredients, set the timer, and let the crockpot do the work while you focus on other tasks.
Crockpots also help in retaining moisture in foods, which results in tender, juicy meals. This is particularly important for chicken, which can easily become dry if not cooked correctly. The slow cooking process also deepens flavors, making your dishes more delicious.
Customizing Your Baked Chicken
This baked chicken recipe is versatile and can be customized to fit your family’s tastes. Consider adding different vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or even sweet potatoes. You can also switch up the seasoning based on your preferences. For a spicy kick, try adding some cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes.
If your family loves sauces, you can mix up a quick sauce using barbecue sauce or teriyaki sauce and pour it over the chicken before cooking. This will create an even richer flavor profile that will delight everyone around the dinner table.
Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs wonderfully with a side salad or some crusty bread to soak up the flavorful broth. You can also serve it over rice or quinoa to make it a heartier meal. The leftovers, if there are any, make for a great lunch the next day!
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftovers, they can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place the chicken and vegetables in a microwave-safe dish and heat until warmed through.
For longer storage, consider freezing the cooked chicken and vegetables. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen chicken breasts in the crockpot?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts, but you will need to cook them on high for about 4 hours instead of low for 6 hours. Ensure that the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F before serving.
What can I substitute for chicken broth?
If you don’t have chicken broth, you can use vegetable broth, water, or even a mixture of water and a bouillon cube. This will still provide moisture and flavor to your dish.
Can I cook other types of meat in the crockpot using this recipe?
Absolutely! This recipe can be adapted for pork chops, beef, or even turkey breasts. Just adjust the cooking time as needed based on the type of meat you are using.
What if I don’t have a crockpot?
If you don’t have a crockpot, you can adapt this recipe for the oven. Simply follow the same preparation steps and place everything in a baking dish. Cover with foil and bake at 350°F for about 1.5 hours or until the chicken is fully cooked.
In conclusion, this baked chicken in a crockpot is an easy solution for busy moms craving delicious family dinners. With minimal effort and a few simple ingredients, you can create a meal that everyone will love. Remember to customize it to suit your family’s tastes and enjoy the ease of crockpot cooking!
