Crock Pot Chicken

Crock Pot Chicken Recipe - Easy and Delicious

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 7-10 hours | Servings: 4-6

Introduction

Crock Pot Chicken is a classic and comforting dish that is perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends. This recipe is easy to prepare and requires minimal effort, making it a great option for those who are short on time but still want a delicious and nutritious meal.

History

The concept of cooking food slowly over low heat in a crock pot has been around for centuries. The slow cooking method allows the flavors of the ingredients to meld together, resulting in a rich and flavorful dish. Crock Pot Chicken is a popular recipe that has been passed down through generations, with each family adding their own twist to make it their own.

Ingredients

1 chicken, or cut up [1]
2 carrots, sliced thinly
2 medium onions, sliced thinly
2 celery stalks, chopped
1.5 tsp salt
0.5 tsp black pepper
16 oz (454 g) chicken broth, or use bouillon in 2 cup water
1 tsp basil, crushed
2.5 tbsp italian seasonings mixture

How to prepare

In a slow cooker, pour in half of the chicken broth.
Arrange half of the carrots, celery, and onions at the bottom.
Place the chicken in the slow cooker with the back side down.
Add the remaining broth, vegetables, salt, pepper, basil, and Italian seasonings (if desired).
Cover the slow cooker.
Cook on low heat for 7 to 10 hours.

Variations

Add in some diced tomatoes or bell peppers for a pop of color and flavor.
Swap out the Italian seasonings for a different spice blend, such as Cajun or Mexican.

References

↑ Make sure it will fit in your crock pot.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

To add extra flavor to the dish, consider adding in some garlic, thyme, or rosemary.

- For a thicker sauce, mix in a tablespoon of cornstarch with water and add it to the crock pot during the last hour of cooking.

- Make sure to season the chicken well with salt and pepper before adding it to the slow cooker to ensure it is flavorful.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Crock Pot Chicken over cooked rice or quinoa for a complete meal.

- Pair it with a side salad or steamed vegetables for added nutrition.

Cooking Techniques

Slow cooking the chicken allows it to become tender and juicy, making it a perfect option for busy days when you don't have time to watch over a stove.

Ingredient Substitutions

Feel free to use chicken thighs or drumsticks instead of a whole chicken for a different flavor and texture.

Make Ahead Tips

This dish can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days before cooking.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the Crock Pot Chicken with fresh herbs, such as parsley or basil, for a pop of color and freshness.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair this dish with a glass of white wine or a light beer for a delicious and satisfying meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stove until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

250 per serving

Carbohydrates

10g per serving

Fats

5g per serving

Proteins

25g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

This dish is rich in vitamin A, vitamin C, and iron.

Alergens

This recipe contains no common allergens such as nuts, dairy, or gluten.

Summary

This Crock Pot Chicken recipe is a well-balanced meal that is high in protein and low in carbohydrates and fats. It is also packed with essential vitamins and minerals, making it a nutritious option for a family dinner.

Summary

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was drawn to it like a moth to a flame. It was a cold winter day and I was browsing through an old cookbook that I had inherited from my own grandmother. As I turned the pages, I came across a recipe for Crock Pot Chicken that instantly caught my eye.

The ingredients were simple - chicken, potatoes, carrots, onions, and a few seasonings. The method seemed easy enough - just throw everything into a crock pot and let it cook low and slow for hours until the chicken was tender and the vegetables were soft and flavorful. It sounded like the perfect comfort food for a chilly day.

I decided to give the recipe a try and gathered all the ingredients together. As I chopped the vegetables and seasoned the chicken, I couldn't help but think about my own grandmother and how she had passed down her love of cooking to me. She had taught me so much over the years, from how to knead bread dough to how to make the perfect pie crust. I felt her presence in the kitchen with me as I prepared the Crock Pot Chicken.

As the chicken cooked away in the crock pot, the savory aroma filled the kitchen and made my mouth water. I couldn't wait to taste the finished dish. Finally, after hours of anticipation, it was time to serve up the Crock Pot Chicken.

I ladled out generous portions onto plates and sat down at the table with my family. As we dug into the tender chicken and flavorful vegetables, everyone's faces lit up with delight. The dish was a hit, and I knew that it would become a regular in our meal rotation.

From that day on, Crock Pot Chicken became a staple in our household. It was the perfect meal for busy days when I didn't have time to stand over a stove, yet still wanted to serve a delicious and satisfying dinner. And every time I made it, I thought of my grandmother and how she had inspired me to experiment in the kitchen and create my own culinary traditions.

Over the years, I shared the recipe for Crock Pot Chicken with friends and family, who all raved about its simplicity and flavor. They, in turn, passed it on to others, creating a ripple effect of delicious meals inspired by a simple recipe found in an old cookbook.

As I write this now, I am reminded of the power of food to bring people together and create lasting memories. The recipe for Crock Pot Chicken may have come from a book, but the joy and connection it has brought to my family and friends is truly priceless.

So, the next time you're looking for a comforting and easy meal to make, give Crock Pot Chicken a try. Who knows, it may just become a beloved recipe in your own family for years to come. And remember, the best recipes are the ones that are shared with love and passed down through generations. Bon appétit!