Are you craving a mouthwatering meal that practically cooks itself? Get ready to transform your ordinary dinner into an extraordinary culinary experience with this foolproof Slow Cooker Chicken Breasts recipe! Imagine coming home to a kitchen filled with the most incredible aroma of tender chicken, perfectly roasted vegetables, and herbs that will have your family rushing to the dinner table. This one-pot wonder is not just a meal; it's a game-changer for busy home cooks who want maximum flavor with minimal effort.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 6 hrs
Total Time: 6 hrs 15 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts
- 4 carrots, sliced
- 4 potatoes, diced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by preparing all your ingredients. Rinse the chicken breasts under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. Season both sides of the chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper.
- Next, peel the carrots and slice them into 1-inch pieces. Peel the potatoes and cut them into evenly sized cubes, about 1-inch in size as well. This ensures they cook evenly.
- Chop the onion into small pieces. This will add flavor to the dish as it cooks down in the slow cooker.
- In the bottom of your slow cooker, place the chopped onion first. This will create a flavorful base for the chicken and vegetables.
- Layer the diced potatoes evenly over the onions, followed by the sliced carrots. This layering helps to keep the vegetables from becoming too mushy during cooking.
- Place the seasoned chicken breasts on top of the vegetables in the slow cooker.
- In a separate bowl, combine the chicken broth and thyme. Pour this mixture over the chicken and vegetables in the slow cooker, ensuring everything is well-coated.
- Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set it to cook on low for 6 hours. Avoid lifting the lid during cooking, as this can release heat and extend the cooking time.
- After 6 hours, check the chicken for doneness. It should be cooked through and tender, easily shredding with a fork. The vegetables should also be soft and flavorful.
- Once done, carefully remove the chicken breasts and vegetables from the slow cooker. You can serve them as is or shred the chicken and mix it with the vegetables for a more cohesive dish.
- Optionally, you can thicken the remaining broth in the slow cooker by mixing in a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water) and cooking on high for an additional 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Serve the chicken and vegetables warm, drizzled with the broth or gravy, and enjoy your hearty meal!
Tips
- Always pat your chicken dry before seasoning to ensure a better flavor absorption and more even cooking.
- Use fresh thyme if possible - it adds a more vibrant flavor compared to dried herbs.
- Don't overcrowd your slow cooker. Leave some space between ingredients for even heat circulation.
- For extra flavor, consider searing the chicken breasts quickly in a hot pan before adding them to the slow cooker.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for food safety.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, the cornstarch slurry method mentioned in the recipe is perfect for creating a rich, creamy texture.
- Experiment with additional herbs like rosemary or sage to customize the flavor profile.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days and taste even better the next day!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 95mg
