Enhanced Recipesculinary collection
Home
CoursesView CuisinesWhat Can I Make?My Kitchen

5 DUMP & GO EASY CROCKPOT MEALS // WHATS FOR DINNER // HEALTHY + BUDGET FRIENDLY COOK WITH ME

Login to Save
312K views👍 10K
Beauty & The Beastons
Beauty & The Beastons
7 recipes on Enhanced Recipes
Follow Beauty & The Beastons to prioritize their recipes in your meal plans, pantry matches, and suggestions

Recipes in this Video

5 recipes

Crockpot chicken is a beloved American dish, particularly popular for its convenience and comfort. Originating from the mid-20th century when slow cookers became household staples, it embodies the spirit of home-cooked meals that require minimal effort. Families often enjoy it on busy weeknights, and it has inspired countless variations, from BBQ to creamy sauces, making it a versatile favorite.

Ingredients

  • chicken
  • onion
  • garlic
  • carrots
  • celery
  • chicken broth
  • potatoes
  • bay leaves
  • thyme
  • salt
  • black pepper
  • olive oil
  • parsley
  • lemon juice
  • cornstarch
  • water

Instructions

  1. 1Heat olive oil in the crockpot on high.
  2. 2Season chicken with salt and black pepper.
  3. 3Sear chicken in the crockpot until browned, about 3-4 minutes per side.
  4. 4Remove chicken and set aside.
  5. 5Add chopped onion, garlic, carrots, and celery to the crockpot; sauté for 5 minutes until softened.
  6. 6Return chicken to the crockpot.
  7. 7Add chicken broth, potatoes, bay leaves, and thyme.
  8. 8Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours until chicken is tender.
  9. 9Remove chicken and shred with two forks.
  10. 10Mix cornstarch with water to create a slurry; stir into the broth in the crockpot.
  11. 11Cook on high for an additional 30 minutes until thickened.
  12. 12Return shredded chicken to the pot; stir in lemon juice and chopped parsley before serving.

Ingredient Alternatives

chicken

Healthier: turkey

Cheaper: chicken thighs

Turkey is leaner, while chicken thighs are often cheaper than breasts.

chicken broth

Healthier: vegetable broth

Cheaper: water + bouillon cubes

Vegetable broth is lower in calories, while bouillon is a cost-effective substitute.

olive oil

Healthier: avocado oil

Cheaper: canola oil

Avocado oil is healthier, while canola oil is more affordable.

potatoes

Healthier: sweet potatoes

Cheaper: yams

Sweet potatoes are more nutritious, while yams are often cheaper.

Techniques

sautéingshredding

Equipment

crockpotknifecutting boardmeasuring cupsmeasuring spoons
🌶️🌶️🌶️Lowmilk

Beef stew is a classic American comfort food, often associated with family gatherings and hearty meals during colder months. It showcases the use of a slow cooker, which allows for tenderizing tougher cuts of meat while blending flavors over time. This dish is versatile, with variations found in many cultures, making it a staple in many households.

Ingredients

  • beef stew meat
  • potatoes
  • carrots
  • onions
  • beef broth
  • garlic
  • bay leaves
  • salt
  • pepper

Instructions

  1. 1Cut beef into bite-sized pieces.
  2. 2Season beef with salt and pepper.
  3. 3In a skillet, brown the beef on all sides.
  4. 4Transfer beef to the crockpot.
  5. 5Add chopped potatoes, carrots, and onions to the crockpot.
  6. 6Pour in beef broth and add garlic and bay leaves.
  7. 7Stir to combine all ingredients.
  8. 8Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4 hours.
  9. 9Check for seasoning and adjust if necessary.
  10. 10Serve hot.

Ingredient Alternatives

beef stew meat

Healthier: lean cuts of beef

Cheaper: chicken thighs

Chicken thighs are often less expensive and can be more flavorful.

beef broth

Healthier: low-sodium beef broth

Cheaper: vegetable broth

Vegetable broth can be a budget-friendly alternative.

Techniques

browningslow-cooking

Equipment

crockpotskilletcutting boardknife
🌶️🌶️🌶️Low

Also Known As

Slow Cooker Beef StewBeef Stew

Ingredients

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 packet ranch seasoning mix
  • 2 cups baby potatoes, halved
  • 2 cups green beans, trimmed
  • 3 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper

Instructions

  1. 1Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. 2In a large bowl, combine the ranch seasoning mix, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
  3. 3Add the chicken breasts to the bowl and coat them evenly with the seasoning mixture.
  4. 4In a separate bowl, toss the halved baby potatoes and trimmed green beans with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
  5. 5In a large baking dish, arrange the seasoned chicken breasts in the center and surround them with the potatoes and green beans.
  6. 6Drizzle any remaining seasoning mixture over the vegetables.
  7. 7Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the potatoes are tender.
  8. 8Remove from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Equipment

large bowlbaking dishmeasuring spoonsknifecutting board

Ingredients

  • 2 lbs chicken thighs
  • 1 cup apple cider
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 1 onion, sliced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar

Instructions

  1. 1Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
  2. 2Season the chicken thighs with salt, pepper, paprika, and thyme.
  3. 3Add the chicken thighs to the skillet and brown on both sides, about 5 minutes per side.
  4. 4Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
  5. 5In the same skillet, add sliced onion and minced garlic, sauté until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
  6. 6Pour in the apple cider and chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.
  7. 7Return the chicken to the skillet, cover, and reduce heat to low.
  8. 8Simmer for 30-40 minutes, or until the chicken is tender and easily shredded.
  9. 9Remove the chicken from the skillet and shred it using two forks.
  10. 10Stir in apple cider vinegar to the sauce, then return the shredded chicken to the skillet and mix well.

Equipment

large skilletmeasuring cupsmeasuring spoonsforks

Chili has deep roots in American cuisine, particularly in the Southwest. It is often associated with Texan culture and is a staple at gatherings and competitions. Traditionally made with meat and beans, chili varies widely in ingredients and preparation methods across regions. Today, it is enjoyed throughout the U.S. and has inspired numerous variations, including vegetarian and vegan versions that cater to diverse dietary preferences.

Ingredients

  • ground beef
  • kidney beans
  • black beans
  • diced tomatoes
  • onion
  • garlic
  • bell pepper
  • chili powder
  • cumin
  • oregano
  • beef broth
  • salt
  • black pepper
  • jalapeno
  • olive oil
  • corn
  • cheddar cheese

Instructions

  1. 1Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
  2. 2Add chopped onion and bell pepper; sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
  3. 3Stir in minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
  4. 4Add ground beef to skillet; cook until browned, breaking it apart, about 7-10 minutes.
  5. 5Drain excess fat from the skillet and transfer mixture to a crockpot.
  6. 6Add kidney beans, black beans, diced tomatoes, chili powder, cumin, oregano, beef broth, salt, and black pepper to the crockpot.
  7. 7Stir well to combine all ingredients.
  8. 8Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
  9. 9If using, add corn and jalapeno during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
  10. 10Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary before serving.
  11. 11Serve hot, topped with shredded cheddar cheese if desired.

Ingredient Alternatives

ground beef

Healthier: ground turkey

Cheaper: ground chicken

Ground turkey is lower in fat, while ground chicken is often less expensive.

cheddar cheese

Healthier: nutritional yeast

Cheaper: monterey jack cheese

Nutritional yeast is dairy-free and adds a cheesy flavor.

Techniques

sautéingbrowningmixing

Equipment

large skilletcrockpotcutting boardknifespatula
🌶️🌶️🌶️Mediummilksoy

Also Known As

Slow Cooker ChiliChili Con Carne

More Crockpot Chicken Videos

(8 videos)

Similar American Videos

(24 videos)

Similar Dishes From Other Cuisines

(23 videos)