Imagine coming home to a kitchen filled with the most incredible aroma, a delicious meal waiting for you with practically zero prep time. This frozen chicken crock pot recipe is about to become your new weeknight dinner superhero! Whether you're a busy professional, a tired parent, or simply someone who loves amazing food without the hassle, this recipe will transform your cooking game forever. Get ready to discover the simplest, most foolproof way to turn frozen chicken into a restaurant-quality feast that will have everyone asking, "How did you do this?"
Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: 6 hrs
Total Time: 6 hrs 5 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 4 frozen chicken breasts
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 packet ranch seasoning
- 1 cup diced vegetables (carrots, potatoes, etc.)
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 4 frozen chicken breasts, 1 cup of chicken broth, 1 packet of ranch seasoning, and 1 cup of diced vegetables such as carrots and potatoes.
- Prepare your crock pot by ensuring it is clean and ready for use. Plug it in and set it to the low heat setting.
- Place the frozen chicken breasts directly into the crock pot. There is no need to thaw them beforehand, as they will cook thoroughly in the slow cooker.
- Pour 1 cup of chicken broth over the frozen chicken breasts. This will help keep the chicken moist and add flavor to the dish.
- Sprinkle the entire packet of ranch seasoning evenly over the chicken breasts. This will infuse the chicken with a delicious ranch flavor as it cooks.
- Add 1 cup of diced vegetables to the crock pot. You can use a mix of your favorites, such as carrots, potatoes, bell peppers, or any other vegetables you prefer.
- Stir gently to combine all the ingredients, ensuring that the chicken breasts are coated with the ranch seasoning and the broth is distributed evenly among the vegetables.
- Cover the crock pot with its lid and let it cook on the low heat setting for approximately 6 hours. Avoid lifting the lid during cooking, as this will release heat and extend the cooking time.
- After 6 hours, check the internal temperature of the chicken breasts using a meat thermometer. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of at least 165°F (75°C) to be considered safe to eat.
- If the chicken is fully cooked, carefully remove the chicken breasts from the crock pot using tongs and place them on a cutting board. Shred the chicken using two forks or slice it as desired.
- Return the shredded chicken to the crock pot and mix it with the vegetables and broth to combine. Allow it to sit for a few minutes to absorb the flavors.
- Serve the ranch chicken and vegetables warm, either on their own or over rice, pasta, or in a tortilla for a delicious meal.
- Enjoy your easy and flavorful frozen chicken in the crock pot!
Tips
- Always use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F for food safety.
- For extra flavor, try different seasoning packets like Italian or taco seasoning.
- Don't lift the lid during cooking - each peek can add 15-20 minutes to your total cook time.
- Choose vegetables that cook well in slow cookers, like carrots, potatoes, and bell peppers.
- If you prefer thicker sauce, mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with cold water and stir in during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- Frozen chicken works perfectly in this recipe - no thawing required!
- For meal prep, this dish can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 8g
Protein: 30g
Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 90mg
