Are you searching for a meal that’s incredibly easy to make, packed with nutrients, and bursting with flavor? Look no further. This slow cooker chicken and vegetables recipe is the answer to your busy weeknight dinner prayers. It’s a true “dump and go” meal that requires minimal prep but delivers maximum satisfaction. Just a few minutes of chopping and you can let the slow cooker work its magic.
We’re creating a complete, balanced meal in one pot. Tender chicken, hearty vegetables, and a savory herb sauce all meld together into a dish your whole family will love. This is the kind of comforting, wholesome food that makes any day better.
Why This is the Only Slow Cooker Chicken and Vegetables Recipe You’ll Need
Forget complicated recipes with dozens of steps. This recipe is designed for simplicity and flavor. We focus on quality ingredients and a proven technique that guarantees a delicious result every time. It’s perfect for meal prepping and makes for amazing leftovers.
Plus, it’s incredibly versatile. You can easily swap out vegetables based on what’s in season or what you have on hand. This isn’t just a recipe; it’s a blueprint for countless healthy and effortless dinners. For another fantastic one-pot meal idea, check out this One-Pan Garlic Herb Chicken and Veggies.
The Secret to Perfectly Cooked Veggies (Not Mushy!)
The biggest complaint about slow cooker meals is often mushy vegetables. We solve that with one simple trick: layering. Heartier root vegetables that need more time to cook, like potatoes and carrots, go on the bottom. The chicken sits on top of them, and its juices baste the veggies as they cook.
Dinner is served! A complete, healthy meal straight from one pot.
More delicate vegetables, like broccoli or green beans, are added in the last hour of cooking. This ensures everything is cooked to perfection—tender chicken, firm potatoes, and crisp-tender greens. It’s a small step that makes a world of difference.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe uses simple, wholesome ingredients you can find at any grocery store. The magic is in how they come together in the slow cooker.
For the Chicken and Vegetables:
Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: About 1.5 pounds. You can also use chicken thighs if you prefer.
Baby Red Potatoes: Halved or quartered. Their waxy texture holds up beautifully.
Carrots: Peeled and chopped into 1-inch pieces.
Yellow Onion: Roughly chopped for a savory base.
Broccoli Florets: Added near the end for a pop of color and nutrition.
For the Savory Herb Sauce:
Chicken Broth: Low-sodium is best to control the saltiness.
Olive Oil: Adds richness to the sauce.
Dried Herbs: A mix of thyme, rosemary, and oregano provides a classic, savory flavor.
Garlic Powder & Onion Powder: For a deep, aromatic base.
Paprika: Adds a hint of smokiness and color.
Salt and Black Pepper: To taste.
How to Make Slow Cooker Chicken and Vegetables (Step-by-Step)
Follow these simple steps for a foolproof and delicious meal. This is where the “set it and forget it” magic happens.
Step 1: Prepare the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, olive oil, thyme, rosemary, oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. This savory mixture will be the flavor foundation for the entire dish.
Step 2: Layer the Ingredients
Place the chopped potatoes, carrots, and onion in the bottom of your slow cooker. This creates a bed for the chicken and ensures the veggies that need the longest cooking time get the most heat. Place the chicken breasts on top of the vegetables.
Step 3: Pour and Cook
Pour the prepared sauce evenly over the chicken and vegetables. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The chicken should be cooked through and tender.
Perfectly cooked, tender chicken and vegetables every single time.
Step 4: Add the Broccoli
About 30-45 minutes before the cooking time is up, add the broccoli florets to the slow cooker. Gently stir them in. This keeps them from overcooking and turning mushy, ensuring a perfect, crisp-tender texture.
Pro Tips from a Seasoned Cook
A few expert tips can take your slow cooker chicken and vegetables from great to absolutely amazing.
Don’t Peek: Every time you lift the lid, you release heat and increase the cooking time. Trust the process!
Sear for Flavor: For an extra layer of flavor, you can sear the chicken breasts in a hot pan for 2-3 minutes per side before adding them to the slow cooker.
Thicken the Sauce: If you prefer a thicker sauce, remove the cooked chicken and vegetables. Make a slurry with 1 tablespoon of cornstarch and 2 tablespoons of cold water, then whisk it into the juices in the slow cooker. Turn it to high and let it thicken for 10-15 minutes.
Fun Variations to Try
This recipe is a fantastic starting point. Feel free to customize it to your liking!
Add a Little Heat: A pinch of red pepper flakes in the sauce will add a nice warmth.
Make it Creamy: Stir in a splash of heavy cream or a block of cream cheese during the last 30 minutes for a richer sauce. If you enjoy creamy crockpot meals, you’ll love this Crockpot Chicken Alfredo.
Switch up the Veggies: Sweet potatoes, bell peppers, green beans, or mushrooms are all excellent additions. Just remember to layer them based on cooking time.
What to Serve with Your Chicken and Veggies
This is a true one-pot meal, so you don’t need much else! However, it’s wonderful served over a bed of fluffy quinoa or brown rice to soak up the delicious sauce. A simple side salad with a vinaigrette dressing would also be a refreshing complement.
For those who love hearty, protein-packed meals, exploring other options like these high-protein, low-carb meals can offer even more dinner inspiration.
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
This recipe is perfect for leftovers. Store any extra in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
To reheat, you can microwave individual portions or gently warm it in a saucepan over medium-low heat until heated through. The flavors often taste even better the next day!
The key is to layer them correctly. Place hard, root vegetables like potatoes and carrots at the bottom, under the chicken. Add more delicate vegetables like broccoli or green beans during the last 30-45 minutes of cooking.
Yes, it is perfectly safe to put raw chicken in a slow cooker. The slow, steady cooking process ensures it will cook through completely and become very tender. Just ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
While it’s possible, it’s not recommended. Using frozen chicken can keep the food in the temperature ‘danger zone’ (40°F – 140°F) for too long, posing a food safety risk. For best and safest results, thaw your chicken completely before cooking.
Root vegetables are fantastic because they hold their shape and texture well. Carrots, potatoes, sweet potatoes, and onions are great choices to add at the beginning. Sturdier green vegetables like broccoli, green beans, and bell peppers are best when added towards the end of the cooking time.
Typically, this dish cooks on the LOW setting for 6 to 8 hours or on the HIGH setting for 3 to 4 hours. Cooking on low is generally recommended for the most tender and juicy results.
Your New Favorite Weeknight Dinner
This slow cooker chicken and vegetables recipe is more than just food; it’s a solution for busy lives. It’s a healthy, delicious, and incredibly easy meal that brings comfort and satisfaction to your dinner table. Give it a try, and watch it become a regular in your meal rotation.
We’d love to see your creations! If you make this recipe, share a photo and tag us on Pinterest. Your feedback helps our community of home cooks grow!
The easiest and most delicious Slow Cooker Chicken and Vegetables you'll ever make!
Slow Cooker Chicken and Vegetables Recipe
FL Recipes
Slow Cooker Chicken and Vegetables: The Easiest, Tastiest One-Pot Meal
This slow cooker chicken and vegetables recipe is the ultimate one-pot meal! Tender chicken, hearty vegetables, and a savory herb sauce come together for an easy, healthy, and delicious dinner perfect for busy weeknights.
In a small bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, olive oil, thyme, rosemary, oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Place the chopped potatoes, carrots, and onion in the bottom of a 6-quart slow cooker. Place the chicken breasts on top of the vegetables.
Pour the prepared sauce mixture evenly over the chicken and vegetables. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
About 30-45 minutes before the cooking time is complete, stir in the broccoli florets. Cover and continue to cook until the broccoli is tender-crisp and the chicken is fully cooked.
Serve warm, spooning extra sauce from the slow cooker over the top.
Nutrition
Calories: 395kcalProtein: 44gFat: 12gFiber: 6g
Notes
Tip 1: For extra flavor, sear the chicken in a hot, oiled skillet for 2-3 minutes per side before adding to the slow cooker. Tip 2: To thicken the sauce, remove cooked chicken and veggies. Whisk a slurry of 1 tbsp cornstarch and 2 tbsp cold water into the pot juices, then cook on high for 15 minutes.
Keyword crockpot chicken and vegetables,healthy chicken recipe,slow cooker chicken
Hi, I’m Emily Carter, and welcome to FL Recipes! I share simple, healthy recipes that make cooking easy, fun, and delicious for everyone. more about me »
