This slow cooker chicken and potatoes recipe is a wholesome and hearty meal that's perfect for those busy weekdays. The use of simple and flavorful ingredients creates a comforting dish that both adults and kids will love.
The ingredients for this recipe are commonly found in most homes. However, if you don't have Italian seasoning at hand, it's a blend of herbs that you can pick up from your local supermarket. It typically includes ingredients like oregano, basil, rosemary, and thyme.
Ingredients for Slow Cooker Chicken and Potatoes
Chicken breasts: Lean protein that will be tender and juicy.
Potatoes: Adds heartiness to the meal. You can use any type.
Oil: Used for coating the chicken and potatoes before cooking.
Italian seasoning: Gives the dish its signature Italian flavor.
Garlic powder: Adds a savory depth to the dish.
Salt and pepper: Enhances the overall flavor of the meal.
Fresh herbs: Used as a garnish to add color and freshness.
One reader, Elroy Will says:
This slow cooker chicken and potatoes recipe is a game-changer! The chicken is so tender and flavorful, and the potatoes are perfectly cooked. It's incredibly easy to prepare, and the aroma while it's cooking is mouthwatering. This recipe has become a family favorite in our household!
Cooking Techniques to Master
How to prepare the chicken and potatoes: Combine the chicken and potatoes in a large bowl, drizzle with oil, and season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Toss to coat well.
How to cook in a slow cooker: Transfer the seasoned chicken and potatoes to the slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours until the chicken is cooked through and the potatoes are fork-tender.
How to garnish with fresh herbs: Sprinkle the cooked dish with fresh herbs such as oregano and thyme before serving.
How To Make Slow Cooker Chicken and Potatoes
This slow cooker chicken dish is made extra tasteful with hearty Italian seasoning, and cooked alongside tender potatoes, for a belly-filling dinner meal!
Serves:
Ingredients
- 4chicken breasts,(6 chicken thighs), boneless skinless
- 3cupspotatoes,chopped to about 1½- inch pieces
- 3tbspoil
- 1tbspItalian seasoning blend
- 1tspgarlic powder
- salt and pepper,to taste
- fresh herbs,for garnish, optional
Instructions
-
In a large bowl, combine the chicken and potatoes. Drizzle with oil and stir to coat.
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Sprinkle the salt, pepper, garlic powder and Italian seasoning over the chicken and potatoes, then toss to coat well.
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Transfer to the slow cooker*, cover and cook on Low for 4 to 6 hours until the chicken is cooked through and potatoes are fork tender.
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Garnish with fresh herbs like oregano and thyme, serve hot, and enjoy!
Recipe Notes
*Optionally, cook the chicken and potatoes in a large skillet pan over medium high heat for 2 to 3 minutes to brown before transferring to slow cooker to cook all the way through.
Nutrition
- Calories: 515.77kcal
- Fat: 26.85g
- Saturated Fat: 5.48g
- Trans Fat: 0.22g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 13.32g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 6.45g
- Carbohydrates: 28.06g
- Fiber: 3.99g
- Sugar: 1.24g
- Protein: 39.70g
- Cholesterol: 111.36mg
- Sodium: 791.40mg
- Calcium: 60.03mg
- Potassium: 1061.18mg
- Iron: 3.65mg
- Vitamin A: 57.46µg
- Vitamin C: 34.36mg
One Simple Trick for Tender, Flavorful Results
When browning the chicken and potatoes in a skillet before transferring them to the slow cooker, make sure not to overcrowd the pan. Overcrowding can cause the ingredients to steam rather than brown, which can affect the final flavor of the dish. Also, using a high heat will help to sear the outside of the chicken, locking in the juices and ensuring a moist and flavorful result.
Time-Saving Tips for Busy Cooks
Prep ahead: Chop vegetables and marinate the chicken the night before to save time on the day of cooking.
Use pre-cut ingredients: Opt for pre-cut vegetables and pre-trimmed chicken to minimize prep time.
Multi-task: While the chicken and potatoes are cooking, use the time to prepare a side salad or set the table.
Invest in a slow cooker: A slow cooker can be a time-saving kitchen appliance for busy days. Simply set it and forget it until dinner time.
One-pot meals: Look for recipes that allow you to cook everything in one pot or slow cooker to minimize cleanup time.
Cook in bulk: Make a larger batch and store the leftovers for quick and easy meals throughout the week.
Follow a recipe: Stick to a tried and tested recipe to avoid wasting time on trial and error.
Substitute Ingredients For Slow Cooker Chicken and Potatoes Recipe
boneless skinless chicken breasts - Substitute with boneless skinless turkey breasts: Turkey breasts can be used as a lean and healthy alternative to chicken breasts, providing a similar texture and flavor when cooked in a slow cooker.
potatoes - Substitute with sweet potatoes: Sweet potatoes add a hint of sweetness and a different texture to the dish, making it a delicious alternative to regular potatoes. They also provide additional nutrients and fiber.
oil - Substitute with butter: Butter can add a rich and creamy flavor to the dish, enhancing the overall taste and texture of the chicken and potatoes.
Italian seasoning blend - Substitute with herbes de Provence: Herbes de Provence offers a fragrant and aromatic blend of herbs, including thyme, rosemary, and lavender, which can add a unique and sophisticated flavor profile to the dish.
garlic powder - Substitute with minced fresh garlic: Using fresh minced garlic can provide a more intense and robust garlic flavor compared to garlic powder, enhancing the overall taste of the dish.
salt and pepper - Substitute with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper: Using kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper can elevate the seasoning of the dish, providing a more pronounced and balanced flavor.
Serving Suggestions for Maximum Flavor
Elevate the plating: Arrange the chicken and potatoes in a visually appealing manner, ensuring that each component is showcased beautifully on the plate.
Incorporate color contrast: Introduce vibrant elements such as fresh herbs or a drizzle of vibrant sauce to add visual interest and contrast to the dish.
Focus on precision: Pay attention to the placement of each element on the plate, ensuring that the presentation is meticulous and refined.
Utilize negative space: Embrace the use of negative space on the plate to create a sense of balance and elegance in the presentation.
Highlight the ingredients: Showcase the natural beauty of the dish by allowing the textures and colors of the chicken and potatoes to take center stage.
Emphasize symmetry: Create a sense of harmony by arranging the components symmetrically on the plate, adding a touch of sophistication to the presentation.
Incorporate a finishing touch: Add a final flourish, such as a delicate sprinkle of microgreens or edible flowers, to elevate the overall visual appeal of the dish.
Essential Kitchen Tools You'll Need
Slow cooker: A slow cooker is a countertop electrical cooking appliance used for simmering at a lower temperature than other cooking methods. It's perfect for slow-cooking meats and vegetables to tender perfection.
Large bowl: A large bowl is essential for mixing and tossing ingredients together, ensuring that the chicken and potatoes are evenly coated with the seasonings and oil.
Skillet pan: A skillet pan is used for browning the chicken and potatoes before transferring them to the slow cooker. It helps to develop a rich flavor and color on the ingredients.
Proper Storage and Freezing Guidelines
- Let the chicken and potatoes cool completely before storing them in an airtight container or freezer bag. This will prevent condensation from forming and keep the food fresh for longer.
- If you plan to consume the leftovers within 3-4 days, store them in the refrigerator. The chicken and potatoes will maintain their quality and taste for this duration.
- For longer storage, freeze the chicken and potatoes for up to 2-3 months. To do this, transfer the cooled food into freezer-safe containers or bags, removing as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.
- When you're ready to enjoy the frozen chicken and potatoes, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator. This method ensures that the food thaws evenly and minimizes the risk of bacterial growth.
- To reheat, place the thawed chicken and potatoes in a baking dish and cover with foil. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. Alternatively, you can reheat them in the microwave, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.
- If you find that the potatoes have become slightly watery after thawing, you can drain the excess liquid or add a little bit of butter or cream to help restore their creamy texture.
- Remember to label your storage containers or bags with the date of preparation so you can keep track of how long the chicken and potatoes have been stored. This will help you ensure that you consume them within the recommended time frame for optimal quality and safety.
Reheating Tips for Delicious Leftovers
To reheat leftover slow cooker chicken and potatoes, start by transferring the desired portion into a microwave-safe dish. Cover the dish with a damp paper towel to help retain moisture during the reheating process. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through, until the chicken and potatoes are heated through.
For a crispy texture, you can reheat the leftover chicken and potatoes in a skillet. Heat a tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the leftovers to the skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, for 3-4 minutes or until the potatoes are crispy and the chicken is heated through. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste, if needed.
If you prefer to use the oven, preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the leftover slow cooker chicken and potatoes to a baking dish and cover it with aluminum foil. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the dish is heated through. Remove the foil for the last 5 minutes of baking to allow the potatoes to crisp up slightly.
For a quick and easy lunch option, transform your leftover slow cooker chicken and potatoes into a delicious wrap. Shred the chicken and place it on a large tortilla along with the potatoes. Add your favorite toppings, such as shredded cheese, diced tomatoes, or lettuce. Wrap it up tightly and heat it in a panini press or skillet until the tortilla is crispy and the filling is warm.
Interesting Trivia About Slow Cooker Meals
Slow cooker chicken and potatoes is a versatile dish that can be customized with various herbs and spices to suit different tastes.
Budget-Friendly Slow Cooker Chicken and Potatoes
This slow cooker chicken and potatoes recipe is highly cost-effective for a household. The ingredients, such as chicken breasts, potatoes, and Italian seasoning, are affordable and readily available. The slow cooking method also ensures that the meat is tender and flavorful, making it a great value for money. I would rate this recipe a solid 8/10 for its affordability and delicious outcome. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $15, making it a budget-friendly and satisfying meal option.
Is This Dish Healthy or Not So Much?
This slow cooker chicken and potatoes recipe is a relatively healthy dish, but there are a few aspects that could be improved to make it even more nutritious:
- The recipe relies on oil for cooking, which adds extra calories and fat. While some fat is necessary for a balanced diet, using healthier cooking methods like baking, grilling, or sautéing with minimal oil can reduce the overall fat content.
- Potatoes are a good source of carbohydrates and fiber, but they are also relatively high in calories. Substituting some of the potatoes with lower-calorie vegetables like carrots, bell peppers, or zucchini can increase the nutrient density of the dish while reducing the calorie count.
- The recipe doesn't include any leafy greens or other non-starchy vegetables, which are essential for providing a wide range of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
To make this recipe even healthier, consider the following suggestions:
- Replace half of the potatoes with an equal amount of carrots, bell peppers, or zucchini to increase the variety of vegetables and reduce the overall calorie content
- Add a few handfuls of spinach or kale during the last 30 minutes of cooking to incorporate leafy greens and boost the nutrient profile
- Use skinless chicken thighs instead of breasts for more flavor and moisture, while still keeping the dish relatively lean
- Experiment with different herb and spice combinations to add depth and complexity to the dish without relying on salt or oil for flavor
- Serve the chicken and vegetables over a bed of quinoa, brown rice, or cauliflower rice for a complete and balanced meal
Why Our Editor Loves This Comforting Meal
This slow cooker chicken and potatoes recipe is a simple and delicious dish that's perfect for a cozy family dinner. The combination of tender chicken and flavorful potatoes, seasoned with Italian herbs and garlic, creates a comforting and satisfying meal. The slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld together, resulting in a dish that's rich and aromatic. The addition of fresh herbs as a garnish adds a pop of freshness and color. Overall, this recipe is a winner for its ease of preparation and delightful taste.
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Why trust this Slow Cooker Chicken and Potatoes Recipe:
This slow cooker chicken and potatoes recipe is a trustworthy choice for a hearty and flavorful meal. The combination of boneless skinless chicken breasts and chopped potatoes creates a satisfying and balanced dish. The use of Italian seasoning blend and garlic powder infuses the ingredients with rich and aromatic flavors. The slow cooking process allows the chicken to become tender and juicy while ensuring the potatoes are perfectly cooked. This recipe's simplicity and reliance on classic herbs make it a reliable and delicious option for any home cook.
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