Enjoy Easy Slow Cooker Chicken and Potatoes for Dinner Tonight!

Prepare to experience the ultimate in easy, hands-off weeknight dinners with this Slow Cooker Chicken and Potatoes with Green Beans. This one-pot wonder combines tender chicken, buttery potatoes, and crisp green beans for a comforting and flavorful meal that practically cooks itself. Simply toss the ingredients in your slow cooker, press start, and let the magic happen!

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The Benefits of Slow Cooking

The beauty of slow cooking lies in its ability to transform even the most basic ingredients into a mouthwatering masterpiece. By gently simmering the chicken, potatoes, and green beans over several hours, the flavors have ample time to meld and the textures become melt-in-your-mouth soft. This hands-off cooking method not only makes weeknight meal prep a breeze but also infuses your home with the irresistible aroma of a home-cooked feast.

Ingredients for Slow Cooker Chicken and Potatoes

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs for more flavor)
• 1½ lbs baby potatoes, halved (Yukon gold or red work great)
• 12 oz fresh green beans, trimmed (frozen will also work)
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
• 1 tsp onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Juice of 1 lemon (plus lemon wedges for serving)
• 2 tbsp butter, cut into small chunks
• ½ cup low-sodium chicken broth

This delightful dish is packed with nutrient-dense ingredients that provide a well-rounded and satisfying meal. The chicken is a lean protein source, while the potatoes and green beans offer a variety of essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber. The lemon juice adds a refreshing brightness, and the blend of herbs and spices creates a flavor-packed base that’s sure to please even the pickiest of eaters.

How to Make Slow Cooker Chicken and Potatoes

Season the Chicken

In a small bowl, mix together the olive oil, garlic, Italian seasoning, onion powder, salt, pepper, and lemon juice. Rub this flavorful mixture all over the chicken breasts, ensuring they are evenly coated.

Layer in the Slow Cooker

Place the halved baby potatoes in the bottom of your slow cooker. Top with the seasoned chicken breasts. Pour the chicken broth around the edges and scatter the butter chunks over the top.

Cook to Perfection

Cover the slow cooker and cook on the LOW setting for 6-7 hours or the HIGH setting for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is tender and the potatoes are fork-tender.

Add the Green Beans

About 30 minutes before the cooking time is up, gently place the trimmed green beans on top of the chicken and potatoes. Cover and continue cooking until the green beans are tender and bright green.

Serve and Enjoy

Transfer the chicken, potatoes, and green beans to a serving platter or individual plates. Drizzle the flavorful, buttery broth over the top, and serve with fresh lemon wedges for an extra burst of citrusy freshness.

Variations and Substitutions

The beauty of this Slow Cooker Chicken and Potatoes recipe is its versatility. Here are a few ideas for customizing it to your taste:

• Protein: Swap out the chicken for pork tenderloin or turkey breasts for a different protein option.
• Vegetables: Mix up the veggies by adding carrots, broccoli, or cauliflower alongside or in place of the green beans.
• Seasonings: Experiment with different herb and spice blends, such as cajun, lemon-pepper, or garlic-herb.
• Dietary Needs: For a low-carb version, use cauliflower florets instead of potatoes. Gluten-free diners can enjoy this dish as-is.

Serving Suggestions

This Slow Cooker Chicken and Potatoes makes for a complete and satisfying meal on its own, but you can also pair it with a variety of delicious side dishes. Consider serving it with a fresh green salad, crusty bread, or a simple steamed vegetable medley. For a heartier meal, try serving it over a bed of rice or pasta. And don’t forget the importance of garnishes – a sprinkle of fresh parsley, shredded cheese, or crispy bacon bits can take this dish to the next level.

Nutritional Information

One serving of this Slow Cooker Chicken and Potatoes with Green Beans provides approximately:

• Calories: 395
• Protein: 38g
• Fat: 15g
• Carbohydrates: 33g
• Fiber: 5g

This dish is a well-balanced meal that offers a hearty dose of protein from the chicken, complex carbohydrates from the potatoes, and fiber and vitamins from the green beans. It’s a great option for those following a high-protein, low-carb, or gluten-free diet.

FAQs

Is it okay to put raw chicken in a slow cooker?

Yes, it is perfectly safe to put raw chicken in a slow cooker. The long, low-heat cooking process will thoroughly cook the chicken, ensuring it reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F. Just be sure to follow food safety guidelines by avoiding cross-contamination and refrigerating any leftovers promptly.

Can you cook raw chicken and potatoes in the same dish?

Absolutely! In this recipe, the raw chicken and potatoes are layered together in the slow cooker. The long cooking time allows the chicken to cook through while the potatoes become tender and infused with the flavorful juices.

Can you add green beans to a slow cooker?

Yes, you can definitely add green beans to a slow cooker recipe. In this case, the green beans are added towards the end of the cooking time to prevent them from becoming overcooked and mushy. The short additional cooking time allows the green beans to retain their texture and vibrant color.

Do you put potatoes in the slow cooker at the same time as meat?

For this recipe, the potatoes are placed in the slow cooker first, before the chicken. This ensures the potatoes have enough time to become tender and fully cooked through alongside the chicken. Some recipes may call for adding the potatoes midway through the cooking time, but in this case, the one-pot layering method works perfectly.

More Related Recipes You Might Enjoy

• Slow Cooker Garlic Herb Chicken and Vegetables
• One-Pot Lemon Herb Chicken with Rice
• Slow Cooker Beef Stew with Potatoes and Carrots

Conclusion

When it comes to easy, hands-off weeknight dinners, this Slow Cooker Chicken and Potatoes with Green Beans recipe is a true game-changer. With its mouthwatering flavors, tender textures, and virtually effortless preparation, it’s no wonder this dish has become a family favorite. Give it a try, and get ready to enjoy a delicious, stress-free meal that’s sure to please even the pickiest of eaters.

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