Oh, let me tell you about the magic of *dump and go crockpot dinners*! Seriously, there’s nothing quite like tossing a few ingredients into a pot and letting the slow cooker do all the work while you go about your day. It’s like having a personal chef that requires zero culinary skills! On those busy weeknights when I’m juggling work, kids, and a million other things, this is my go-to lifesaver. You just dump everything in, set it, and forget it—how easy is that? Plus, when you walk in after a long day and the smell of a delicious, home-cooked meal greets you, it feels like a warm hug. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll be hooked on the convenience and flavor!
Ingredients List
- 1 lb chicken breast: Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts for the best texture. You can leave them whole or cut them into chunks for quicker cooking.
- 2 cups vegetables: I love using a mix of diced carrots and potatoes, but feel free to get creative! Broccoli, bell peppers, or green beans work great too.
- 1 can cream of chicken soup: This adds creaminess and flavor. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can try cream of mushroom or a healthier homemade version.
- 1 cup chicken broth: This helps keep everything moist and flavorful. Low-sodium options are great if you’re watching your salt intake.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: A must for that aromatic flavor! You can also use minced fresh garlic if you prefer a stronger punch.
- 1 teaspoon paprika: This adds a lovely smoky note. Smoked paprika is my favorite for that extra depth of flavor!
How to Prepare Instructions
- First things first, grab your trusty crockpot and place the chicken breasts right at the bottom. If you cut them into chunks, they’ll cook a bit faster, but whole breasts work just as well!
- Next, layer those 2 cups of vegetables on top of the chicken. Make sure they’re evenly spread out. You want that goodness to mingle together as they cook!
- Now, it’s time for the star of the show. Open up that can of cream of chicken soup and pour it over the chicken and veggies. This is where the magic happens—trust me, it’ll create a delicious creamy sauce!
- Next, add in the 1 cup of chicken broth. This will keep everything nice and moist. If you’re using low-sodium broth, it’ll still be packed with flavor!
- Sprinkle the garlic powder and paprika evenly over the top. If you’re feeling adventurous, go ahead and add a pinch of your favorite spices for extra flair!
- Cover your crockpot with the lid, set it to cook on low, and let it do its thing for about 6 to 8 hours. The longer it cooks, the more tender the chicken will be—yum!
- Once the cooking time is up, give it a little stir to combine everything. You can shred the chicken right in the pot for that perfect pulled chicken texture!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: With just 15 minutes of prep time, you can have everything ready to go. It’s perfect for those hectic days when you’re short on time!
- Minimal Cleanup: One pot is all you need! After dinner, just a quick rinse or toss it in the dishwasher, and you’re done. No more mountains of dishes to tackle!
- Healthy Ingredients: Packed with lean protein and veggies, this meal is not only satisfying but also nutritious. You can feel good about what you’re serving your family!
- Flavorful Meals: The combination of creamy soup, tender chicken, and veggies creates a mouthwatering dish that’s bursting with flavor. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you!
- Versatile Recipe: You can easily swap in your favorite veggies or spices. Want to add some kick? Toss in some red pepper flakes or your favorite herbs!
- Perfect for Leftovers: This dish tastes even better the next day! You can enjoy it for lunch or dinner without any extra hassle.
Tips for Success
- Adjust Your Spices: Don’t be afraid to play around with the spices! If you love a bit of heat, add some cayenne pepper or chili powder. For a more herbaceous flavor, try adding dried thyme or rosemary. Taste as you go, and make it yours!
- Even Cooking: To ensure everything cooks evenly, try to cut your vegetables into similar sizes. This way, the fragile ones don’t overcook while the heartier ones are still firm. My favorite tip? Start with the tougher veggies at the bottom—they’ll get the most heat!
- Check for Doneness: After the cooking time, check that your chicken is cooked through. It should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). If it’s not quite there, just cover it back up and let it cook for an extra 30 minutes or so.
- Thickening the Sauce: If you like a thicker sauce, you can remove the lid for the last hour of cooking to let some moisture evaporate. Alternatively, mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with a bit of cold water and stir it in during the last 30 minutes for a quick thickening trick!
- Make it Ahead: If you have a busy week ahead, prep all your ingredients the night before. Just toss everything into the crockpot insert, cover it, and refrigerate. In the morning, pop it into the base and set it to cook—it’ll be ready when you are!
- Pairing Suggestions: This meal goes wonderfully with a side of fluffy rice, crusty bread, or a fresh salad. It’s all about balancing those hearty flavors with something light and refreshing!
Variations
- Swap the Protein: Not a fan of chicken? No problem! You can easily substitute with turkey, pork, or even beef. Just adjust the cooking time if needed, especially for tougher cuts like beef chuck.
- Change Up the Vegetables: Use whatever vegetables you have on hand! Zucchini, sweet potatoes, or even frozen mixed veggies work beautifully. Just remember, softer veggies like zucchini should be added in the last couple of hours so they don’t mush up!
- Different Soups: Instead of cream of chicken soup, try cream of celery, cream of mushroom, or even a cheesy soup for a different flavor profile. Each option will lend a unique twist to your dish!
- Herbs and Spices: Experiment with fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, or parsley for a fresh flavor boost. You could also add some Italian seasoning or taco seasoning for a completely different vibe!
- Make it Spicy: If you like a little heat, throw in some diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce. You could also use spicy sausage for a kick and a bit of extra flavor!
- Throw in Some Beans: For added protein and fiber, toss in a can of drained beans—like black beans or cannellini beans—during the last hour of cooking. They’ll soak up all those delicious flavors!
- Make it a Stew: If you’re in the mood for a heartier meal, add some diced potatoes and extra broth to create a cozy stew that’s perfect for chilly evenings.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing leftovers from your *dump and go crockpot dinners* is super easy! Just let the dish cool down a bit, then transfer it to an airtight container. You can keep it in the fridge for up to 3-4 days—perfect for easy lunch or dinner options later in the week!
If you want to save it for even longer, you can freeze the leftovers! Just make sure to split them into individual servings for quick grab-and-go meals. They’ll stay fresh in the freezer for about 2-3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, just thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.
For reheating, I recommend using the stovetop or microwave. If you’re using the stovetop, just heat it on low in a saucepan, stirring occasionally until it’s warmed through. This helps retain that creamy texture. If you’re using the microwave, pop it in a microwave-safe bowl, cover it to keep moisture in, and heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between, until it’s hot.
Oh, and don’t forget to taste it before serving! Sometimes, a little extra seasoning or a splash of broth can bring it back to life. Trust me, these leftovers are just as comforting as the first round!
Nutritional Information
Before we dive into the numbers, keep in mind that nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use. It’s always a good idea to check your labels and adjust according to your personal needs!
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
- Sodium: 800mg
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 2g
- Protein: 30g
This hearty meal packs a punch with lean protein and plenty of veggies, making it a great choice for a wholesome dinner without breaking the calorie bank. Enjoy every satisfying bite knowing you’re fueling your body well!
FAQs
Can I adjust the cooking time?
Absolutely! Cooking times can vary based on your crockpot model and how you like your chicken. If you prefer it more tender, you might want to lean towards the 8-hour mark. But if you’re short on time, cooking on high for about 4 hours works too!
What can I serve with this dish?
This meal pairs beautifully with fluffy rice, crusty bread, or a fresh salad. You could even serve it over mashed potatoes for a cozy twist! Just think about what flavors you love, and go for it!
Can I use frozen chicken breasts?
Yes, you can! Just make sure to increase the cooking time a bit. Frozen chicken may take an extra hour or so to cook through, so keep an eye on it and check for that 165°F (74°C) internal temperature for safety!
What if I don’t have cream of chicken soup?
No worries! You can substitute it with any cream soup like cream of mushroom or even a homemade white sauce. If you want to keep it lighter, mixing sour cream or Greek yogurt with some broth can work too—just adjust the amount to keep it creamy!
Can I add more vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to toss in any veggies you love. Just keep in mind that softer vegetables like zucchini should go in later in the cooking process to avoid becoming mushy. Aim for a colorful variety to pack in those nutrients!
Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?
For a vegetarian version, swap out the chicken for hearty vegetables like mushrooms or eggplant, and replace the chicken broth with vegetable broth. You can also add some beans for protein—it’s delicious!
Can I double the recipe?
You sure can! Just make sure your crockpot is large enough to accommodate the extra ingredients. You might need to adjust the cooking time slightly, so keep an eye on it and check that chicken temperature!
How do I store leftovers?
Let the dish cool before transferring it to an airtight container. It’ll keep in the fridge for 3-4 days. You can also freeze it for 2-3 months—just thaw it overnight in the fridge for a quick and easy meal later!
Dump and Go Crockpot Dinners: 7 Easy Flavorful Recipes
- Total Time: 6-8 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Quick and easy dump and go crockpot dinners.
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast
- 2 cups vegetables (carrots, potatoes)
- 1 can cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
Instructions
- Place chicken in the crockpot.
- Add vegetables on top of the chicken.
- Pour cream of chicken soup and chicken broth over the ingredients.
- Sprinkle garlic powder and paprika.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours.
Notes
- Adjust cooking time based on your crockpot model.
- Feel free to add your favorite spices.
- This meal pairs well with rice or bread.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-8 hours
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Crockpot
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: dump and go crockpot dinners
