There’s something so comforting about coming home to a warm, hearty meal after a long day, and that’s exactly what you get with this slow cooker chicken and potatoes recipe. It’s like a big, cozy hug on a plate! What I love most about this dish is how incredibly simple it is—perfect for beginners who might feel a little intimidated in the kitchen. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep time, you can set it and forget it while your slow cooker works its magic. Trust me, once you taste the tender chicken paired with fluffy potatoes, you’ll be hooked! So grab your slow cooker, and let’s dive into this easy and delicious recipe that’s sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients List
- 4 chicken thighs (skin-on or skinless, your choice!)
- 4 medium potatoes, diced into bite-sized pieces
- 1 onion, chopped (sweet or yellow works great)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (fresh, please—it’s worth it!)
- 1 cup chicken broth (low-sodium if you prefer less salt)
- 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper (black is best for flavor)
- 1 teaspoon paprika (adds a lovely warmth)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for that extra richness)
How to Prepare Instructions
Making this slow cooker chicken and potatoes dish is as easy as pie! Let’s break it down step-by-step so you can follow along without any stress. Ready? Here we go!
Step-by-Step Cooking Process
- First things first, wash the potatoes thoroughly. Then, dice them into bite-sized pieces—this helps them cook evenly.
- Next, chop the onion and mince the garlic. I love the aroma of garlic; it just makes everything better!
- Now, grab your slow cooker and add the diced potatoes, chopped onion, and minced garlic. Give them a little stir to mix it up.
- It’s time for the chicken! Place the chicken thighs right on top of those lovely veggies. This way, the juices from the chicken will soak into the potatoes as they cook.
- Drizzle the olive oil over the chicken thighs, letting it coat them nicely.
- Now, sprinkle the salt, pepper, and paprika all over everything. This is where the flavor magic happens!
- Lastly, pour in the chicken broth. It’ll help keep everything moist and delicious.
- Cover your slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Just let it do its thing, and don’t peek too often—resist the urge!
- When the time’s up, check that the chicken is cooked through and the potatoes are tender before serving. You want it all to be perfectly melt-in-your-mouth!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Super easy prep—perfect for beginners!
- Hands-off cooking, so you can focus on other things.
- Tender, juicy chicken paired with fluffy, flavorful potatoes.
- One-pot meal means less cleanup afterward—yay!
- Customizable with your favorite spices and veggies.
- Great for meal prepping or feeding a family.
- Comfort food that warms your heart and fills your belly.
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s talk about the nutritional side of this slow cooker chicken and potatoes masterpiece! Each serving is packed with goodness, providing around 350 calories, which makes it a satisfying meal without the guilt. You’ll find about 15 grams of fat, with 3 grams being saturated fat. It also offers a hearty 25 grams of protein, perfect for keeping you full and energized. Plus, there are approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates and 3 grams of fiber to help with digestion. Remember, these values are estimates and can vary based on your specific ingredients, but it’s a great starting point for a wholesome meal!
Tips for Success
To make your slow cooker chicken and potatoes even better, here are a few pro tips! First, don’t hesitate to adjust the seasoning—if you love a bit of heat, add some cayenne pepper or chili flakes! For a fresher taste, toss in some chopped herbs like thyme or rosemary right before serving. Also, if you prefer a thicker sauce, you can mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with a little water and stir it in during the last 30 minutes of cooking. And remember, if you’re using frozen chicken, increase the cooking time a bit to ensure it’s cooked through. Happy cooking!
Variations
If you’re feeling a little adventurous, there are so many ways to switch up this slow cooker chicken and potatoes recipe! For starters, try adding other veggies like carrots, green beans, or bell peppers for a colorful twist. You could even toss in a cup of frozen peas during the last hour of cooking for a pop of freshness. If you want to change the flavor profile, experiment with different spices—cumin or Italian seasoning can add a delightful twist! And for a creamy version, stir in a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of sour cream right before serving. The possibilities are endless!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Leftovers from your slow cooker chicken and potatoes are a wonderful treat for the next day! To store, simply let the dish cool to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container. It’ll keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, just reheat it gently in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat. If the sauce has thickened, you can add a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen it up. This way, you’ll have a delicious, comforting meal ready to go without any fuss!
FAQ Section
Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Absolutely! Chicken breast will work just fine in this slow cooker chicken and potatoes recipe. Just keep in mind that breasts can dry out a bit more easily, so be sure not to overcook them.
Can I add other vegetables?
Yes, feel free to get creative! Carrots, green beans, or even sweet potatoes would complement the dish nicely. Just make sure to cut them into similar size pieces for even cooking.
What if I forget to thaw my chicken?
No worries! You can use frozen chicken, but you’ll need to increase the cooking time by about an hour on low or 30 minutes on high. Just ensure it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Definitely! You can prep everything the night before and store it in the fridge. In the morning, just pop it into the slow cooker and let it cook while you go about your day.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, it is! Just make sure to use gluten-free chicken broth, and you’re good to go. Enjoy this comforting meal without any worries!
Slow Cooker Chicken and Potatoes: 7 Simple Steps!
- Total Time: 6-8 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A simple and delicious slow cooker chicken and potatoes recipe for beginners.
Ingredients
- 4 chicken thighs
- 4 medium potatoes, diced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Wash and dice the potatoes.
- Chop the onion and mince the garlic.
- In a slow cooker, add the diced potatoes, onion, and garlic.
- Place the chicken thighs on top of the vegetables.
- Drizzle olive oil over the chicken.
- Sprinkle salt, pepper, and paprika over everything.
- Pour chicken broth into the slow cooker.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
- Check that the chicken is cooked through and the potatoes are tender before serving.
Notes
- Adjust the seasoning to your taste.
- For extra flavor, add herbs like thyme or rosemary.
- Use chicken breast if you prefer a leaner option.
- Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-8 hours
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: slow cooker chicken and potatoes, easy chicken recipe, beginner slow cooker recipe
