There’s something incredibly comforting about a *crockpot dinner*, don’t you think? It’s like having a warm hug waiting for you after a long day! This recipe is not only easy to throw together, but it’s also packed with flavor and wholesome ingredients. Imagine coming home to the aroma of tender chicken thighs mingling with zesty tomatoes and fragrant garlic—it’s pure bliss! Plus, using the crockpot means you can set it and forget it. Just pop everything in, go about your day, and let the magic happen. I love that it’s a healthy option, too, with lean protein and plenty of veggies. Trust me, this is one recipe you’ll want to keep in your dinner rotation!
Ingredients List
Gather these simple ingredients to whip up your delicious crockpot dinner:
- 2 pounds of chicken thighs: Boneless, skinless is best for shredding later. You can also use bone-in for extra flavor, but it’ll take a bit longer to cook.
- 1 cup of diced tomatoes: Canned or fresh, just make sure they’re diced. The juice will add a nice richness to the dish.
- 1 onion, chopped: Adds a sweet and savory depth. I usually go for a yellow onion, but you can use whatever you have on hand!
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced: Fresh garlic is key here; it really elevates the flavors. You could even add more if you’re a garlic lover like me!
- 1 teaspoon of dried oregano: This herb gives a lovely Italian twist. Feel free to experiment with other herbs, too!
- 1 teaspoon of salt: Essential for bringing out all the flavors. Adjust it based on your taste or dietary needs.
- 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper: Just enough to add a bit of warmth without overpowering the dish.
- 1 cup of chicken broth: Use low-sodium if you prefer to control the saltiness. This will help keep everything moist and flavorful.
How to Prepare Instructions
Ready to create your scrumptious crockpot dinner? Let’s dive into the steps!
- Place the chicken thighs in your crockpot. Make sure they’re spread out evenly for even cooking.
- Add the diced tomatoes, chopped onion, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Don’t worry about being too precise—just toss them all in!
- Pour the chicken broth over everything. This is going to keep your chicken juicy and flavorful.
- Stir gently to combine all the ingredients. You want everything to be well mixed but be careful not to break up the chicken too much.
- Cover the crockpot with the lid and set it to cook. You can choose low for 6-8 hours or high for about 4 hours, depending on your schedule.
- When it’s done, take two forks and shred the chicken right in the crockpot. It should fall apart beautifully!
And there you have it! Serve your delicious creation with rice or crusty bread to soak up all that amazing sauce. Enjoy every bite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortless preparation: Just toss everything in the crockpot and let it do the work for you!
- Flavor-packed: The combination of chicken, tomatoes, and herbs creates a deliciously savory dish.
- Healthy ingredients: With lean protein and fresh veggies, you can feel good about what you’re eating.
- Versatile: Perfect served over rice, with bread, or even in tacos—make it your own!
- Great for leftovers: This crockpot dinner tastes even better the next day, making meal prep a breeze!
Tips for Success
To ensure your crockpot dinner turns out perfectly every time, here are some of my favorite tips. First, don’t skip the browning step if you have time! Searing the chicken thighs in a skillet before adding them to the crockpot adds an extra layer of flavor. Also, be cautious not to overfill your crockpot; it should only be about two-thirds full for even cooking. If you’re adding veggies, like bell peppers or carrots, toss them in halfway through cooking to keep them from getting mushy. And remember, every crockpot cooks a bit differently, so check for doneness a little early if you’re cooking on high. If you find the sauce too thin at the end, just remove the lid for the last 30 minutes to let it thicken up. Trust me, these little tips will elevate your dish to a whole new level!
Variations
If you’re feeling adventurous, there are so many fun ways to change up this crockpot dinner! For a veggie boost, try adding chopped bell peppers, zucchini, or even a handful of spinach right before serving. You can also switch up the spices—how about a teaspoon of cumin for a smoky flavor or some red pepper flakes for a little heat? If you’re not a fan of chicken, feel free to use turkey thighs or even a mix of beans for a hearty vegetarian option. The possibilities are endless, so don’t be afraid to get creative and make it your own!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your delicious crockpot dinner is super simple! Once it’s cooled, transfer any leftovers to an airtight container and pop it in the fridge. It’ll stay fresh for up to three days—though I doubt it’ll last that long because it’s so tasty! If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it for up to three months. Just make sure to label it with the date so you know when it was made.
When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw it in the fridge overnight if it’s frozen. To reheat, you can pop it in the microwave or simmer it on the stovetop until heated through. If it seems a bit thick, add a splash of chicken broth to loosen it up. Enjoy every last bite!
Nutritional Information
Keep in mind that nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use, so these numbers are approximate. Each serving of this delicious crockpot dinner contains about 350 calories, with 15 grams of fat and 40 grams of protein. You’ll also find 10 grams of carbohydrates and 2 grams of fiber in each serving. It’s a wholesome meal that fits nicely into a balanced diet, making it perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep! Enjoy knowing you’re fueling your body with good stuff!
FAQ Section
Can I use frozen chicken thighs?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken thighs! Just remember that cooking time may increase, so plan for about 8-10 hours on low or 5-6 hours on high. Always check that the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
What can I serve with this crockpot dinner?
This dish pairs wonderfully with rice, crusty bread, or even pasta. You can also serve it in tacos with your favorite toppings for a fun twist!
Can I add other vegetables?
Absolutely! Feel free to toss in some carrots, bell peppers, or even sweet potatoes. Just add them halfway through cooking to keep them from getting mushy.
How do I know when it’s done?
Your crockpot dinner is done when the chicken is tender and shreds easily with a fork. If it seems tough, it may need more time to cook.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble everything in the crockpot the night before and refrigerate it. Just set it to cook in the morning for a hassle-free dinner!
Crockpot Dinner: 7 Comforting Recipes for Busy Nights
- Temps Total: 6 hours 15 minutes
- Rendement: 6 servings 1x
- Alimentation: Sans Gluten
Description
A delicious and easy crockpot dinner recipe.
Ingrédients
- 2 pounds of chicken thighs
- 1 cup of diced tomatoes
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon of dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
- 1 cup of chicken broth
Instructions
- Place chicken thighs in the crockpot.
- Add diced tomatoes, onion, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Pour chicken broth over the mixture.
- Stir gently to combine.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 4 hours.
- Shred chicken with two forks before serving.
Notes
- Serve with rice or bread.
- Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to three days.
- Temps De Préparation: 15 minutes
- Temps De Cuisson: 6 hours
- Catégorie: Dinner
- Méthode: Crockpot
- Cuisine: American
La Nutrition
- Taille D'Une Portion: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sucre: 3g
- De Sodium: 600mg
- La graisse: 15g
- Graisses Saturées: 4g
- Les Graisses Insaturées: 8g
- Les Gras Trans: 0g
- Les hydrates de carbone: 10g
- La fibre: 2g
- La protéine: 40g
- Le taux de cholestérol: 150mg
Mots-clés: crockpot dinner
