Crockpot Chicken Potatoes Beans: Easy & Delicious Recipe

Crockpot chicken potatoes beans: the ultimate comfort food trifecta, ready to greet you after a long day! Imagine walking through the door to the aroma of tender chicken, creamy potatoes, and hearty beans, all simmered to perfection in a flavorful broth. This isn’t just a meal; it’s a warm hug in a bowl, and I’m so excited to share my favorite recipe with you.

While the exact origins of combining these ingredients in a slow cooker are somewhat modern, the individual components boast rich histories. Chicken and beans have been staples in countless cultures for centuries, providing essential protein and sustenance. Potatoes, originating in the Andes, quickly became a global favorite, offering a versatile and filling carbohydrate source. The beauty of this dish lies in its adaptability 鈥?a testament to resourceful home cooking.

So, why do people adore crockpot chicken potatoes beans? It’s simple: convenience, flavor, and satisfaction. The slow cooker does all the work, transforming humble ingredients into a deeply flavorful and satisfying meal. The chicken becomes incredibly tender, the potatoes melt in your mouth, and the beans add a delightful heartiness. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to feed a crowd or have leftovers for easy lunches. Get ready to experience the magic of slow cooking with this incredibly easy and delicious recipe!

this Recipe

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 lb small red potatoes, quartered
• 1 large yellow onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (15 ounce) can green beans, drained
• 1 (15 ounce) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 (15 ounce) can cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Preparing the Ingredients:

Before we get started with the actual cooking, let’s make sure all our ingredients are prepped and ready to go. This will make the whole process much smoother and more enjoyable. Trust me, a little prep work goes a long way!

1. Chicken Prep: Take your chicken breasts and give them a quick rinse under cold water. Pat them dry with paper towels. This helps them brown better and prevents them from steaming in the crockpot. You can leave the chicken breasts whole, or if they are particularly thick, you can cut them in half horizontally to ensure they cook evenly. I usually prefer to leave them whole because they shred nicely after cooking.
2. Potato Prep: Wash your red potatoes thoroughly. Since we’re using small red potatoes, quartering them is the perfect size for even cooking in the crockpot. If you’re using larger potatoes, you might want to cut them into smaller pieces.
3. Onion and Garlic Prep: Peel and chop your large yellow onion. I like a medium dice for this recipe, but feel free to adjust the size to your preference. Mince your garlic cloves. Freshly minced garlic adds so much flavor, so I highly recommend using fresh instead of pre-minced.
4. Bean Prep: Drain your canned green beans. Drain and rinse both the kidney beans and cannellini beans. Rinsing the beans helps remove excess starch and sodium, which can improve the overall flavor of the dish.

Saut茅ing the Aromatics:

This step is optional, but I highly recommend it! Saut茅ing the onion and garlic before adding them to the crockpot really enhances their flavor and adds a depth of complexity to the dish. It’s a simple step that makes a big difference.

1. Heat the Oil: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. You’ll know the oil is ready when it shimmers slightly.
2. Saut茅 the Onion: Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook until softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.
3. Add the Garlic: Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for another minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter.
4. Transfer to Crockpot: Once the onion and garlic are saut茅ed, transfer them to the bottom of your crockpot.

Layering the Ingredients in the Crockpot:

Now it’s time to assemble everything in the crockpot. Layering the ingredients in a specific order helps ensure even cooking and maximum flavor infusion.

1. Add Potatoes: Place the quartered red potatoes on top of the saut茅ed onion and garlic in the crockpot.
2. Add Beans: Sprinkle the drained green beans, kidney beans, and cannellini beans over the potatoes.
3. Add Tomatoes: Pour the can of diced tomatoes (undrained) over the beans. The liquid from the tomatoes will help keep everything moist.
4. Seasoning: Sprinkle the dried oregano, dried basil, dried thyme, and red pepper flakes (if using) over the tomatoes. Season generously with salt and pepper to taste. Don’t be afraid to be generous with the seasoning 鈥?the crockpot can mellow out the flavors during the long cooking process.
5. Add Chicken: Place the chicken breasts on top of the vegetables and beans.
6. Pour in Broth: Pour the chicken broth over everything in the crockpot. Make sure the chicken is mostly submerged in the broth. If needed, add a little more broth to cover the chicken.

Cooking Process:

Now comes the easy part 鈥?letting the crockpot do its magic! The slow cooking process allows all the flavors to meld together beautifully, resulting in a tender and flavorful dish.

1. Cook on Low: Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and the potatoes are tender. The exact cooking time will depend on your crockpot, so it’s always a good idea to check the chicken for doneness after 6 hours.
2. Cook on High (Alternative): If you’re short on time, you can cook the dish on high for 3-4 hours. However, I find that cooking on low results in a more tender and flavorful dish.

Shredding the Chicken and Combining:

Once the chicken is cooked through, it’s time to shred it and combine it with the rest of the ingredients. This is where the magic really happens!

1. Remove Chicken: Carefully remove the chicken breasts from the crockpot and place them on a cutting board.
2. Shred Chicken: Using two forks, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
3. Return Chicken to Crockpot: Return the shredded chicken to the crockpot.
4. Stir to Combine: Stir everything together in the crockpot to ensure the shredded chicken is evenly distributed and coated in the sauce.
5. Taste and Adjust Seasoning: Taste the dish and adjust the seasoning as needed. You may want to add more salt, pepper, or herbs to suit your taste.

Serving and Garnishing:

Now that your Crockpot Chicken, Potatoes, and Beans are ready, it’s time to serve and enjoy! A few simple garnishes can elevate the dish and make it even more appealing.

1. Serve Hot: Serve the dish hot, straight from the crockpot.
2. Garnish: Garnish with fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness. You can also add a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt for extra creaminess.
3. Optional Toppings: Other optional toppings include shredded cheese, hot sauce, or a squeeze of lemon juice.
4. Serving Suggestions: This dish is delicious on its own, but you can also serve it with a side of crusty bread for soaking up the flavorful sauce. It also pairs well with a simple green salad.

Tips and Variations:

Here are a few tips and variations to help you customize this recipe to your liking:

• Vegetable Variations: Feel free to add other vegetables to the crockpot, such as carrots, celery, bell peppers, or zucchini. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
• Spice Level: Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to control the spice level. If you prefer a milder dish, omit the red pepper flakes altogether.
• Bean Variations: You can substitute other types of beans for the kidney beans and cannellini beans, such as black beans, pinto beans, or great northern beans.
• Chicken Thighs: For a richer flavor, you can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts. Chicken thighs tend to be more forgiving in the crockpot and stay moist even when cooked for a longer period of time.
• Smoked Sausage: Add sliced smoked sausage to the crockpot for a smoky flavor boost.
• Creamy Version: For a creamier version of this dish, stir in a can of cream of chicken soup or a dollop of cream cheese during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
• Make it Ahead: You can assemble the ingredients in the crockpot the night before and store it in the refrigerator. In the morning, simply plug in the crockpot and let it cook.
• Freezing Instructions: This dish freezes well. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Enjoy!

I hope you enjoy this delicious and easy Crockpot Chicken, Potatoes, and Beans recipe!

Conclusion:

So, there you have it! This Crockpot Chicken, Potatoes, and Beans recipe is truly a game-changer for busy weeknights or lazy weekends. I know, I know, there are a million crockpot recipes out there, but trust me on this one. The combination of tender, juicy chicken, perfectly cooked potatoes, and hearty beans, all simmered in a flavorful broth, is simply irresistible. It鈥檚 the kind of meal that warms you from the inside out and leaves you feeling completely satisfied.

Why This Recipe is a Must-Try

Honestly, what’s not to love? It’s incredibly easy to prepare 鈥?just toss everything into the crockpot and let it do its magic. It’s budget-friendly, using simple, readily available ingredients. And most importantly, it’s absolutely delicious! The slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld together beautifully, creating a depth of taste that you just can’t achieve with faster cooking methods. Plus, the leftovers (if there are any!) are even better the next day. This recipe is a true one-pot wonder, minimizing cleanup and maximizing flavor. I’ve made this for potlucks, family gatherings, and even just a quiet night in, and it’s always a hit. It’s a comforting, wholesome meal that everyone will enjoy.

Serving Suggestions and Variations

While this recipe is fantastic as is, there are plenty of ways to customize it to your liking. For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce. If you’re a fan of creamy dishes, stir in a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt just before serving. You could also add other vegetables like carrots, celery, or corn for extra nutrients and flavor. For a heartier meal, consider adding some smoked sausage or bacon. Serving-wise, this Crockpot Chicken, Potatoes, and Beans is delicious on its own, but it also pairs well with a side of crusty bread for soaking up the flavorful broth. A simple green salad or some steamed vegetables would also make a great accompaniment. And don’t forget the toppings! A sprinkle of fresh parsley, a squeeze of lemon juice, or a dollop of guacamole can really elevate the dish.

Let’s Get Cooking!

I truly believe that this recipe will become a staple in your kitchen. It’s simple, satisfying, and endlessly adaptable. So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, dust off your crockpot, and get ready to enjoy a truly delicious and effortless meal. I’m confident that you’ll love it as much as I do. And most importantly, I want to hear about your experience! Did you make any modifications? What did your family think? Share your photos and stories in the comments below. I can’t wait to see your creations and hear how this Crockpot Chicken, Potatoes, and Beans recipe has become a part of your culinary repertoire. Happy cooking!