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6 Cheap & EASY Dump and Go Crockpot Meals | TASTY 3-Ingredient Slow Cooker Recipes | Julia Pacheco

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Julia Pacheco
Julia Pacheco
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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

Ingredients

  • 4 chicken thighs
  • 4 medium potatoes, diced
  • 3 carrots, sliced
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 2 tsp dried thyme
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 2 tbsp olive oil

Instructions

  1. 1Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
  2. 2Season the chicken thighs with salt, pepper, thyme, and paprika.
  3. 3Sear the chicken thighs in the skillet for about 3-4 minutes on each side until browned.
  4. 4In the slow cooker, add the diced potatoes, sliced carrots, chopped onion, and minced garlic.
  5. 5Place the seared chicken thighs on top of the vegetables in the slow cooker.
  6. 6Pour the chicken broth over the chicken and vegetables.
  7. 7Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the chicken is cooked through and vegetables are tender.
  8. 8Once done, shred the chicken if desired and mix everything together before serving.

Equipment

slow cookerskilletcutting boardknife
veganplant-basedgluten-freenut-freesoy-free

Crockpot cooking emerged in the United States in the 1970s as a convenient way to prepare meals with minimal effort. This method allows flavors to meld beautifully over hours of slow cooking, making it ideal for busy families. Today, slow-cooked vegetables are a staple in many households, often served as a side dish or incorporated into various meals.

Ingredients

  • carrots
  • potatoes
  • bell peppers
  • onions
  • garlic
  • zucchini
  • broccoli
  • vegetable broth
  • olive oil
  • salt
  • black pepper
  • dried thyme
  • dried rosemary
  • bay leaves
  • parsley

Instructions

  1. 1Prepare the vegetables by washing and chopping them into uniform pieces.
  2. 2Add the chopped carrots, potatoes, bell peppers, onions, garlic, zucchini, and broccoli to the slow cooker.
  3. 3Pour in the vegetable broth and drizzle with olive oil.
  4. 4Season with salt, black pepper, dried thyme, dried rosemary, and bay leaves.
  5. 5Stir the mixture to combine all ingredients evenly.
  6. 6Cover the slow cooker with the lid.
  7. 7Set the slow cooker to low and cook for 6-8 hours, or high for 3-4 hours.
  8. 8Check for doneness; vegetables should be tender but not mushy.
  9. 9Remove bay leaves before serving.
  10. 10Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

Ingredient Alternatives

vegetable broth

Healthier: homemade vegetable broth

Cheaper: water with seasoning

homemade broth is lower in sodium and can be more flavorful.

olive oil

Healthier: avocado oil

Cheaper: canola oil

canola oil is often less expensive and has a neutral flavor.

Techniques

choppingsautéing

Equipment

slow cookercutting boardknifemeasuring spoons
🌶️🌶️🌶️Low

Also Known As

Slow Cooker VegetablesCrockpot Veggies

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

Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy is a comforting American dish, often enjoyed during family dinners. This dish showcases the convenience of slow cooking, allowing flavors to meld beautifully while requiring minimal hands-on time. It's a staple for busy weeknights and is often served with mashed potatoes or rice to soak up the delicious gravy.

Ingredients

  • chicken thighs
  • chicken broth
  • gravy mix
  • onion
  • garlic
  • black pepper
  • salt
  • olive oil
  • cornstarch
  • water
  • parsley
  • carrots
  • potatoes
  • celery
  • bay leaves

Instructions

  1. 1Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
  2. 2Season chicken thighs with salt and black pepper.
  3. 3Sear chicken in the skillet until browned on both sides, about 4-5 minutes per side.
  4. 4Transfer seared chicken to the slow cooker.
  5. 5In the same skillet, sauté chopped onion and garlic until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
  6. 6Add chicken broth and gravy mix to the skillet, stirring until combined.
  7. 7Pour the mixture over the chicken in the slow cooker.
  8. 8Add chopped carrots, potatoes, and celery to the slow cooker.
  9. 9Add bay leaves and additional black pepper to taste.
  10. 10Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours until chicken is tender.
  11. 11Remove chicken and vegetables from the slow cooker, keeping warm.
  12. 12Mix cornstarch with water in a small bowl until smooth.
  13. 13Stir cornstarch mixture into the gravy in the slow cooker and cook on high for 15-20 minutes until thickened.
  14. 14Serve chicken and vegetables topped with gravy, garnished with parsley.

Ingredient Alternatives

gravy mix

Healthier: homemade gravy

Cheaper: flour + broth

Homemade gravy can be healthier with less sodium.

chicken thighs

Healthier: chicken breasts

Cheaper: bone-in chicken

Chicken breasts are leaner, while bone-in chicken can be more economical.

Techniques

sautéingslow-cooking

Equipment

slow cookerskilletcutting boardknifemeasuring cupsmeasuring spoons
🌶️🌶️🌶️Lowmilkgluten

Also Known As

Chicken and GravyCrockpot Chicken and Gravy

Ingredients

  • 3 lbs beef chuck roast
  • 1 onion, sliced
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 cups beef broth
  • 1 cup water
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce
  • 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 8 hoagie rolls
  • 8 slices provolone cheese
  • Optional: fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

  1. 1Place the beef chuck roast in the slow cooker.
  2. 2Add the sliced onion and minced garlic on top of the roast.
  3. 3In a separate bowl, mix together the beef broth, water, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, and black pepper.
  4. 4Pour the broth mixture over the roast and onions in the slow cooker.
  5. 5Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4 hours, until the meat is tender and easily shredded.
  6. 6Once cooked, remove the roast from the slow cooker and shred it with two forks.
  7. 7Return the shredded beef to the slow cooker and stir to combine with the juices.
  8. 8To serve, slice the hoagie rolls and fill each with the shredded beef mixture.
  9. 9Top each sandwich with a slice of provolone cheese and place under the broiler for 2-3 minutes until the cheese is melted.
  10. 10Serve the sandwiches with a small bowl of the cooking liquid for dipping.

Equipment

slow cookermixing bowlbroiler

Ingredients

  • 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 red bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 green bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 yellow onion, sliced
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
  • 8 small flour tortillas
  • 1 cup shredded cheese (optional)
  • 1/2 cup sour cream (optional)
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)

Instructions

  1. 1In a slow cooker, combine the sliced bell peppers and onion at the bottom.
  2. 2Place the chicken breasts on top of the vegetables.
  3. 3In a small bowl, mix together the olive oil, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using).
  4. 4Pour the spice mixture over the chicken and vegetables in the slow cooker.
  5. 5Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
  6. 6Once cooked, shred the chicken using two forks and mix it with the vegetables in the slow cooker.
  7. 7Serve the chicken and vegetable mixture in warm tortillas.
  8. 8Top with shredded cheese, sour cream, and fresh cilantro if desired.

Equipment

slow cookercutting boardknifesmall bowlforks
🌶️🌶️🌶️Low

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