Creamy Slow Cooker Chicken with Vegetables
Highlighted under: Comfort Food
Enjoy a wholesome and comforting meal with this creamy slow cooker chicken and vegetables, perfect for busy weeknights.
This creamy slow cooker chicken with vegetables is an easy and delicious meal that everyone in the family will love. The slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld beautifully, creating a rich and satisfying dish.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Tender chicken simmered to perfection with fresh vegetables
- Creamy sauce that coats every bite for ultimate satisfaction
- Convenient one-pot meal that requires minimal effort
A Comforting Family Favorite
This creamy slow cooker chicken with vegetables is a dish that brings the family together. The rich, comforting flavors make it a favorite for both kids and adults alike. With its tender chicken and hearty vegetables, it’s a meal that satisfies while also being nutritious. No one can resist a warm bowl of this creamy delight, and it's sure to become a staple in your household.
One of the best parts of this recipe is its versatility. You can easily swap out vegetables based on what you have on hand or what’s in season. Whether you prefer green beans, peas, or corn, this dish can adapt to your family’s tastes. Personalizing it not only enhances the flavor but also ensures that everyone at the table is happy.
Effortless Cooking with Minimal Cleanup
Life gets busy, and that's why this slow cooker recipe is a lifesaver. Just prepare the ingredients, mix the sauce, and let the slow cooker do the work for you. There's no need to stand by the stove or worry about overcooking. Set it and forget it until dinner time, allowing you to focus on other tasks or simply relax.
Another benefit of this one-pot meal is the minimal cleanup. With everything cooked in the slow cooker, you’ll only have a few dishes to wash afterward. This convenience makes it an excellent choice for weeknight dinners, allowing you to enjoy quality time with your family without the hassle of extensive meal prep or cleanup.
Perfect for Meal Prep
This creamy slow cooker chicken is also a fantastic option for meal prep. You can easily double or triple the recipe and store leftovers in the fridge or freezer for quick lunches or dinners throughout the week. Portion it out into containers, and you’ve got a ready-to-eat meal that simply needs reheating.
By preparing this dish in advance, you’ll save time and money while ensuring you have a nutritious meal on hand. Plus, the flavors intensify as it sits, making leftovers even more delicious. It’s a win-win for anyone looking to simplify their weekly cooking routine.
Ingredients
For the Chicken and Vegetables
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 cups carrots, sliced
- 2 cups potatoes, diced
- 1 cup celery, chopped
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
For the Creamy Sauce
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- Salt and pepper to taste
Mix all ingredients well before adding to the slow cooker.
Instructions
Prepare the Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the chicken, carrots, potatoes, celery, onion, and garlic.
Make the Sauce
In a separate bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, heavy cream, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper.
Combine in Slow Cooker
Place the chicken and vegetables in the slow cooker. Pour the creamy sauce over the top.
Cook
Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
Serve
Once done, shred the chicken with two forks and stir everything together before serving.
Enjoy your creamy slow cooker chicken with a side of rice or crusty bread!
Serving Suggestions
To elevate your creamy slow cooker chicken, consider serving it over a bed of fluffy rice or creamy mashed potatoes. The sauce will soak into the grains or potatoes, making each bite even more comforting. For a lighter option, serve it with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh green salad, adding a crisp contrast to the rich flavors of the dish.
Don’t forget about garnishes! A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or a dash of paprika can add a pop of color and a hint of freshness. You can also serve it with crusty bread to soak up that delicious sauce, making every meal feel special.
Storing and Reheating
If you have leftovers, storing them is simple. Allow the chicken and vegetables to cool before transferring them to an airtight container. They can be kept in the fridge for up to three days or frozen for up to three months. Just ensure they're in a freezer-safe container to maintain quality over time.
When it’s time to enjoy your leftovers, reheating is quick and easy. You can warm them up in the microwave or on the stovetop. If reheating from frozen, it’s best to thaw them overnight in the refrigerator before heating. Add a splash of chicken broth if the sauce thickens too much during storage; this will bring back its creamy texture.
Nutritional Benefits
This dish packs a nutritional punch with lean chicken and a variety of vegetables. Chicken is a great source of protein, which is essential for muscle health and helps keep you feeling full. The vegetables provide essential vitamins and minerals, contributing to a well-rounded diet, making this meal not just delicious but also good for you.
The creamy sauce, made with heavy cream, adds richness but can also be adjusted for a lighter version. Opt for low-fat alternatives or yogurt to reduce calories while still enjoying that creamy consistency. This flexibility allows you to adapt the recipe to meet your dietary needs without sacrificing flavor.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken; just increase the cooking time by about 1 hour.
→ What vegetables can I substitute?
You can substitute with vegetables like green beans, peas, or bell peppers.
→ Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the ingredients a day in advance and store them in the refrigerator.
→ Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes, it stores well in the fridge for up to 3 days and can also be frozen for longer storage.
Creamy Slow Cooker Chicken with Vegetables
Enjoy a wholesome and comforting meal with this creamy slow cooker chicken and vegetables, perfect for busy weeknights.
Created by: Brianna Tate
Recipe Type: Comfort Food
Skill Level: Easy
Final Quantity: 4 servings
What You'll Need
For the Chicken and Vegetables
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 cups carrots, sliced
- 2 cups potatoes, diced
- 1 cup celery, chopped
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
For the Creamy Sauce
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- Salt and pepper to taste
How-To Steps
In a large bowl, combine the chicken, carrots, potatoes, celery, onion, and garlic.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, heavy cream, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper.
Place the chicken and vegetables in the slow cooker. Pour the creamy sauce over the top.
Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
Once done, shred the chicken with two forks and stir everything together before serving.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Total Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Cholesterol: 195mg
- Sodium: 85mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 32g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 4g
- Protein: 6g