Slow Cooker Garlic Herb Chicken & Vegetables – The Easiest Healthy Meal!
Are you craving a healthy, flavorful, and hassle-free dinner that practically cooks itself? Look no further! This Slow Cooker Garlic Herb Chicken & Vegetables recipe is just what you need to satisfy your hunger and delight your taste buds. With succulent chicken, fresh garlic, and a blend of aromatic herbs, it’s a perfect, nutritious meal for busy nights. Best of all, it’s made with just a few ingredients in your slow cooker, so you can set it and forget it until dinner time. 😋🍽️
Why You Should Try This Slow Cooker Garlic Herb Chicken & Vegetables Recipe 🌟
- High in Protein: This recipe is packed with lean protein from the chicken, making it a great option for muscle recovery or simply fueling your body after a busy day.
- Nutritious: With a mix of baby carrots, green beans, and potatoes, you’re getting loads of vitamins, minerals, and fiber, all in one dish. 🥔🥕
- Simple Ingredients: You don’t need fancy ingredients to make this meal. You probably already have most of them in your pantry or fridge! 🙌
- One-Pot Meal: Everything cooks in your slow cooker, which means less mess and more time to relax or do other things. Plus, less cleanup! 🧽
- Low Maintenance: Just prep your ingredients, set the slow cooker, and let it do the work. Dinner will be ready when you are! ⏲️
- Versatile: You can adjust the veggies or herbs to your personal preferences, making it customizable to your tastes! 🌱
So, if you’re ready to whip up an easy and tasty dinner, keep reading for the full recipe and helpful tips. 👇
Ingredients for Slow Cooker Garlic Herb Chicken & Vegetables 📝
Before you begin, gather all the ingredients you’ll need for this dish. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs if preferred)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced 🧄
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt 🧂
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon paprika 🌶️
- 2 cups baby carrots 🥕
- 2 cups diced potatoes (use Yukon gold or red potatoes for the best texture)
- 1 cup fresh green beans (add during the last 30 minutes of cooking)
Tips for Ingredients:
- Chicken Thighs: If you prefer a richer flavor, you can substitute chicken breasts with chicken thighs, which will add a little extra tenderness to the dish.
- Vegetable Substitutions: Feel free to swap the veggies if you prefer other root vegetables, such as sweet potatoes or parsnips. You can even add broccoli for extra nutrients.
- Fresh Herbs: While dried herbs work wonderfully in this recipe, you can use fresh herbs if you have them on hand. Just adjust the measurements—use about 3 teaspoons of fresh herbs for each teaspoon of dried herbs.
Instructions to Make Slow Cooker Garlic Herb Chicken & Vegetables 🍴
Now that you’ve gathered all your ingredients, it’s time to start cooking! Here’s a step-by-step guide to creating this amazing slow cooker meal:
1. Prepare the Chicken and Veggies
Start by placing the chicken breasts in the bottom of the slow cooker. You can leave them whole or slice them into smaller pieces depending on how you like your chicken. If you choose to slice it, it will absorb more flavor and cook faster.
Next, peel and chop the baby carrots and potatoes into bite-sized pieces. You can leave the potatoes unpeeled if you prefer the rustic texture and nutrients in the skin. Spread the carrots and potatoes evenly around the chicken.
2. Make the Garlic Herb Seasoning
In a small bowl, mix together the minced garlic, olive oil, salt, black pepper, dried oregano, dried thyme, and paprika. This is your flavorful garlic herb seasoning mix that will give the dish its savory base.
Once combined, rub the seasoning mixture all over the chicken and vegetables in the slow cooker. Don’t be shy—coat everything generously to ensure every bite is bursting with flavor! 🧄🌿
3. Add the Broth
Pour the chicken broth into the slow cooker around the chicken and veggies. The broth will keep everything moist and help steam the vegetables while the chicken cooks.
4. Set and Forget
Cover your slow cooker with the lid and set it to low for 6-7 hours. If you’re in a hurry, you can cook it on high for 3-4 hours, but for the best flavor and tenderness, low and slow is the way to go. 🕒
5. Add the Green Beans
After about 5.5 hours, add the green beans into the slow cooker. This prevents them from overcooking and turning mushy. Just toss them on top of the other ingredients and let them steam for the last 30 minutes of cooking.
6. Serve and Enjoy
Once the chicken is tender and cooked through, it’s time to serve! Shred the chicken with two forks for a more rustic look, or leave it whole for a more elegant presentation. Serve with a side of whole grains, such as brown rice or quinoa, for a complete, well-rounded meal.
Pro Tips for the Best Slow Cooker Garlic Herb Chicken & Vegetables 🏆
1. Don’t Overcrowd the Slow Cooker
While it’s tempting to pile everything in, make sure your slow cooker has enough space for everything to cook evenly. If it’s too packed, the cooking process may take longer, and the chicken won’t be as tender.
2. Let the Chicken Rest
After cooking, let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing or shredding. This helps the juices redistribute, keeping your chicken moist and tender.
3. Make It a Complete Meal
If you’re looking to add even more protein or fiber, try adding chickpeas or beans to the slow cooker about halfway through the cooking time. They’ll absorb the flavors and add an extra boost to the meal.
4. Season to Taste
Everyone’s taste preferences are different, so feel free to adjust the seasonings to suit your family’s needs. Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for some heat or extra garlic for that bold flavor!
5. Leftovers Are Perfect for Meal Prep
This dish makes excellent leftovers! You can store it in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze it for later use. Simply reheat and enjoy a quick, healthy meal!
Nutritional Information for Slow Cooker Garlic Herb Chicken & Vegetables 🍽️
This Slow Cooker Garlic Herb Chicken & Vegetables meal is a balanced, protein-packed dish that’s not only delicious but also nutritious. Here’s a rough breakdown of the calories and macronutrients per serving (based on 4 servings):
- Calories: ~350-400
- Protein: ~45g
- Carbohydrates: ~30g
- Fat: ~10g
- Fiber: ~6g
This makes it a perfect choice for anyone looking to eat healthy, high-protein meals without sacrificing flavor. 💪
Conclusion: Your New Favorite Slow Cooker Meal 🍽️💕
With minimal effort and simple ingredients, this Slow Cooker Garlic Herb Chicken & Vegetables recipe will become a regular in your weekly meal rotation. It’s nutritious, flavorful, and incredibly easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy families or meal prepping.
Let your slow cooker do the work while you enjoy a hearty, healthy meal with your loved ones. 🙌
Give this recipe a try and let us know how it turns out in the comments below! You can also share this post with friends who love easy and healthy meals! 🌟
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