Cooking should be a rewarding and hassle-free experience, and that’s precisely what you get with crockpot meals. If you’re looking for an easy, delicious way to prepare chicken, look no further than this delightful recipe. Inspired by Maria-Theresia Silber’s curated collection on Pinterest, this “Crock Pot Tuesday” easy chicken crockpot recipe will become your go-to for simple weeknight dinners. Grab your ingredients and let’s dive into the world of crockpot cooking!
Why We Love This Easy Chicken Crockpot Recipe
One of the standout qualities of any chicken crockpot recipe is convenience. You can toss the ingredients into your crockpot in the morning, set it, and forget it until dinner. The slow cooking process ensures your chicken is tender, juicy, and full of flavor. This recipe is not only easy but also versatile, allowing you to enjoy it in multiple ways throughout the week. Plus, it’s perfect for busy families or anyone wanting to simplify their cooking routine.
Imagine coming home to the delicious aroma of a hearty chicken meal. It’s incredibly satisfying! This dish can be transformed into wraps, served over rice, or enjoyed on its own. Whatever your preference, you are in for a treat.
Ingredients for Easy Chicken Crockpot Recipe
To create your mouthwatering crockpot chicken, gather the following ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup of your favorite BBQ sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- Salt to taste
- Optional: Fresh herbs for garnishing (like parsley or cilantro)
These carefully selected ingredients balance flavors and create a tantalizing dish that’s sure to please your palate.
How to Make Easy Chicken Crockpot Recipe
Let’s walk through the steps to create your delicious chicken meal in the crockpot:
- Prepare the Chicken: Start by rinsing your chicken breasts under cold water. Pat them dry with a paper towel, which helps sear the chicken nicely when exposed to heat.
- Season Your Chicken: In a bowl, combine the paprika, black pepper, oregano, and a pinch of salt. Coat each chicken breast thoroughly with this seasoning mix. This ensures each bite is flavorful.
- Sauté the Aromatics: In a skillet over medium heat, add olive oil. Once hot, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté them until they become fragrant and translucent, around 3 to 5 minutes. This step enhances the depth of flavor.
- Assemble in the Crockpot: Place the seasoned chicken breasts at the bottom of your crockpot. Pour the sautéed onion and garlic mixture on top of the chicken. Then, add the chicken broth and BBQ sauce, ensuring the chicken is well-covered.
- Slow Cook the Chicken: Cover the crockpot and set it to cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. If you’re out all day, definitely opt for the low setting to ensure the chicken remains juicy.
- Shred the Chicken: Once cooked, use two forks to shred the chicken directly in the crockpot. The meat should fall apart easily. Mix it well with the sauce to ensure every piece is coated.
- Taste and Adjust: Before serving, taste your chicken mixture. Adjust seasonings or add more BBQ sauce if desired.
- Ready to Serve: Your slow-cooked chicken is now ready to be enjoyed in various ways!
How to Serve Easy Chicken Crockpot Recipe
When it comes to serving your delicious crockpot chicken, the options are virtually limitless. You can:
- Serve with Rice: Spoon the shredded chicken over white or brown rice for a hearty meal.
- Make Tacos or Wraps: In tortillas or soft wraps, add your chicken mixture, and then top with your favorite toppings like shredded cheese, avocado, or fresh salsa.
- Create a Salad Base: For a lighter option, serve the chicken over fresh greens with a drizzle of dressing.
- On a Sandwich: Use it as a filling for sandwiches or sliders for a casual meal.
No matter how you choose to serve it, this chicken recipe guarantees satisfaction and smiles around the table.
Expert Tips for Perfect Easy Chicken Crockpot Recipe
To elevate your chicken crockpot experience, consider these expert tips:
- Choose Quality Chicken: Opt for fresh, high-quality chicken breasts. They will make a notable difference in taste and texture.
- Don’t Overcrowd Your Crockpot: Make sure your chicken has enough space. A crowded pot can lead to uneven cooking.
- Use Low-Sodium Broth: For a healthier meal, always go for low-sodium chicken broth. This frying gives you control over the overall saltiness.
- Experiment with Add-Ins: Feel free to include vegetables such as bell peppers or carrots about halfway through cooking to make the dish even more nutritious.
- Adjust Cooking Time as Needed: Depending on your crockpot brand and model, cooking times might vary, so keep an eye on your chicken during its first cook.
By following these expert tips, you’ll not only reap the rewards of a scrumptious meal but will also gain confidence in your crockpot cooking skills.
How to Store Easy Chicken Crockpot Recipe
If you happen to have leftovers (which is unlikely given how delicious this recipe is!), storing them correctly is essential:
- Cool Down: Before storing, let your chicken cool to room temperature.
- Use Airtight Containers: Transfer the chicken and sauce into airtight containers. This will prevent air from spoiling its freshness.
- Refrigerate or Freeze: Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Ensure you label your containers with dates for easy reference.
- Reheating: When ready to enjoy your leftovers, reheat them in the microwave or on the stovetop, ensuring that the chicken is heated all the way through before serving.
Crockpot chicken retains its delicious flavor even after storage, making it a fantastic meal prep option.
Variations of Easy Chicken Crockpot Recipe
The beauty of crockpot chicken is in its versatility. Here are some variations you can try to keep things exciting:
- Spicy Kick: Add a couple of chopped jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce to your chicken broth for a spicy twist.
- Asian Influence: Swap the BBQ sauce out for teriyaki sauce, and add some chopped green onions and sesame seeds for an Asian flair.
- Italian Herbed Chicken: Incorporate Italian seasoning instead of BBQ sauce and serve it with pasta. You can also fold in spinach or sun-dried tomatoes for added flavor.
- Creamy Chicken: Stir in cream cheese or shredded cheese towards the end of the cooking process for a creamy sauce.
- Curry Flavor: Mix in a tablespoon of curry powder with your seasonings for an aromatic Indian-inspired dish.
Experimenting with these variations will keep your meals exciting and help you discover new favorites!
FAQ
What types of chicken are best for a crockpot recipe?
Using boneless, skinless chicken breasts is ideal, but you can also use thighs if you prefer darker meat. Both options work wonderfully in slow cooking!
How long does it take to cook chicken in a crockpot?
Typically, chicken will take about 6-8 hours on low and 3-4 hours on high. Adjust your cooking time based on your specific crockpot model.
Can I cook this chicken without adding BBQ sauce?
Absolutely! You can use broth, herbs, and spices to flavor your chicken if you prefer a healthier or different flavor option.
Is it safe to leave the chicken in the crockpot overnight?
It’s not recommended to leave food in the crockpot unattended for extended periods. Always follow recommended cooking times to ensure food safety.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the components in advance. Season the chicken, and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to cook.
Easy Chicken Crockpot
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs) Choose high-quality chicken for better taste.
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth Opt for low-sodium for a healthier meal.
- 1 cup BBQ sauce Use your favorite BBQ sauce.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil For sautéing aromatics.
- 1 medium onion, chopped Enhances flavor.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced For added flavor.
- 1 teaspoon paprika For seasoning.
- 1 teaspoon black pepper For seasoning.
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano For seasoning.
- to taste Salt Adjust according to preference.
- Fresh herbs for garnishing (optional) Like parsley or cilantro.
Instructions
Preparation
- Rinse the chicken breasts under cold water and pat them dry with a paper towel.
- In a bowl, combine paprika, black pepper, oregano, and a pinch of salt. Coat each chicken breast thoroughly with this seasoning mix.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until fragrant and translucent, about 3 to 5 minutes.
Cooking
- Place the seasoned chicken breasts at the bottom of the crockpot. Top with the sautéed onion and garlic mixture.
- Pour in the chicken broth and BBQ sauce, ensuring the chicken is well-covered.
- Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
- Once cooked, use two forks to shred the chicken directly in the crockpot and mix it well with the sauce.
- Taste and adjust seasonings or add more BBQ sauce if desired.
Serving
- Serve over rice, in tacos or wraps, as a salad base, or use as a sandwich filling.
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