Looking for an easy and tasty dinner? You’ll love this Crockpot Garlic Herb Chicken and Potatoes recipe! With just a few simple steps, you can set it and forget it. Tender chicken, fluffy potatoes, and rich flavors mix perfectly while the crockpot does all the work. I'll guide you through the ingredients, cooking process, and tips to ensure a delicious meal every time. Let’s get cooking!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Flavorful Combination: The blend of garlic, herbs, and lemon creates a mouthwatering taste that elevates the simple ingredients to a new level.
- Ease of Preparation: With minimal prep time and the convenience of a crockpot, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep.
- One-Pot Wonder: Everything cooks in one pot, making cleanup a breeze while infusing the chicken and potatoes with delicious flavors.
- Comfort Food: This dish serves as a cozy, hearty meal that is sure to please the whole family, making it a go-to recipe.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1.5 lbs baby potatoes, halved
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
You will need fresh chicken and potatoes for this dish. The chicken breasts give you a tasty and tender bite. Baby potatoes add creaminess and a nice texture.
Next, seasonings make the meal pop. Garlic adds a strong flavor. Rosemary and thyme give it a fresh twist. Oregano, salt, and pepper round out the taste.
Finally, chicken broth, olive oil, and lemon juice create a rich sauce. This sauce keeps the chicken moist and boosts the flavor.
Optional Garnishes
- Fresh parsley
- Lemon wedges
Garnishes add a nice touch to your dish. Fresh parsley gives a pop of green. It also adds a fresh taste. Lemon wedges bring brightness to each bite. You can squeeze them over the chicken for extra zing. This makes your meal look and taste even better.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparation of Ingredients
To start, rinse your baby potatoes under cold water. This step cleans them well. After that, cut each potato in half. Place them in a bowl and set aside. Now, it’s time to add flavor. Mince the garlic cloves finely. Chop the fresh rosemary and thyme too. This releases all their wonderful oils and smells great.
Seasoning the Chicken
In a medium bowl, mix the minced garlic with chopped rosemary and thyme. Add dried oregano, salt, and black pepper to the bowl. Use your hands to rub this mixture onto both sides of the chicken breasts. This step ensures the chicken is flavorful and aromatic.
Layering in the Crockpot
Next, create a base in your crockpot. Place the halved baby potatoes in an even layer at the bottom. This makes a solid foundation. Then, add the seasoned chicken breasts on top of the potatoes. This helps the chicken soak up the tasty flavors as it cooks.
Making the Cooking Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, olive oil, and lemon juice. Mix these until they blend well. This sauce adds a tangy flavor to the dish. Carefully pour the sauce over the chicken and potatoes. Make sure the chicken is well coated for the best taste.
Cooking Process
Cover the crockpot with its lid. Set it to low heat and let it cook for 6 to 7 hours. If you are short on time, set it on high heat for 4 hours. The chicken should reach 165°F, and the potatoes will be tender enough to pierce with a fork.
Serving the Dish
Once cooking is done, gently remove the chicken and potatoes from the crockpot. Use tongs or a slotted spoon for this. Arrange them on a serving platter. Drizzle some of the savory cooking liquid over the top. This adds moisture and extra flavor. For a nice touch, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the dish. This adds color and aroma.
Tips & Tricks
Achieving Perfectly Seasoned Chicken
To get tasty chicken, rub the spice mix evenly. This helps the flavor spread well. You can adjust seasonings based on your taste. If you like more garlic, add an extra clove. For a stronger herb taste, increase the rosemary or thyme. This way, each bite will be packed with flavor.
Ensuring Tender Potatoes
Choosing the right potato is key. Baby potatoes work great because they cook evenly. If you use larger potatoes, cut them into smaller pieces. This ensures they cook at the same rate as the chicken. Adjust cooking time if your potato pieces are bigger or smaller. Keep an eye on them as they cook.
Enhancing the Flavor
A splash of white wine can add depth to the dish. It gives a nice tang that pairs well with the chicken and potatoes. You can also throw in extra veggies like carrots or bell peppers. This adds color and nutrition. Just remember to adjust the cooking time if you add more items. Enjoy the tasty twists you can create!
Pro Tips
- Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh herbs like rosemary and thyme will elevate the flavor profile of your dish compared to dried herbs. Whenever possible, opt for fresh to enhance aroma and taste.
- Customize the Potatoes: Feel free to swap baby potatoes for other varieties such as Yukon gold or red potatoes for different textures and flavors. Just ensure they are cut to a similar size for even cooking.
- Check Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. This guarantees the chicken is safe to eat while remaining juicy and tender.
- Leftover Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of chicken broth to keep it moist.
Variations
Different Protein Options
You can switch proteins to change the dish. Using chicken thighs instead of breasts adds more flavor. Thighs are juicier and stay tender during cooking. They also soak up the herbs and garlic well. For a vegetarian option, try using chickpeas or firm tofu. Both options work great with the same seasonings. Just make sure to adjust cooking times for these proteins.
Flavor Profile Adjustments
If you want some heat, add spices like red pepper flakes. They give a nice kick without overpowering the dish. You can also play with the herbs. Instead of rosemary and thyme, try basil or oregano for a new taste. Mixing different herbs can create a unique flavor each time you cook.
Alternative Cooking Methods
Don’t have a crockpot? You can use an Instant Pot instead. Just cook on high pressure for about 15 minutes. This method saves time and still gives you tender chicken. If you prefer oven-baking, place everything in a baking dish. Cover it with foil and bake at 375°F for about 45 minutes. Both methods yield delicious results while keeping the essence of the dish.
Storage Info
Refrigerating Leftovers
Store your leftovers in airtight containers. Glass or BPA-free plastic containers work well. This helps keep your dish fresh. In the fridge, it stays good for 3 to 4 days. Always let it cool before sealing to avoid steam build-up.
Freezing for Future Meals
To freeze, let the dish cool completely. Then, divide it into meal-sized portions. Use freezer-safe bags or containers for best results. Squeeze out any air to prevent freezer burn. It can last up to 3 months in the freezer.
Reheating Instructions
You can reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop. For the microwave, place in a safe dish and cover with a lid. Heat in short bursts, stirring often. On the stovetop, heat gently over low heat. This helps keep the texture and flavor intact. Always check the temperature, aiming for 165°F before serving.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken in this recipe. Just make sure to cook it longer. If the chicken is frozen, set the crockpot to high and cook for about 5 to 6 hours. This helps ensure the chicken cooks through and stays juicy.
What should I serve with Crockpot Garlic Herb Chicken & Potatoes?
This dish pairs well with simple sides. Here are some ideas:
- Steamed green beans
- A fresh garden salad
- Crusty bread for dipping
- Roasted vegetables for extra flavor
How do I know when the chicken is cooked through?
The chicken is safe to eat when it reaches 165°F. Use a kitchen thermometer to check the thickest part of the chicken. The juices should run clear without any pink tint. If you do not have a thermometer, cut into the chicken to check for doneness.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prep this dish the night before. Just season the chicken and layer it with the potatoes in the crockpot. Cover it and store it in the fridge. In the morning, just plug in the crockpot and set the time you want to cook.
What type of crockpot is best for this recipe?
A 6-quart crockpot works great for this recipe. It holds enough chicken and potatoes while allowing even cooking. If your crockpot has a programmable timer, that’s a bonus! It helps you set the cooking time without worrying.
This post covered how to make Crockpot Garlic Herb Chicken with Potatoes. You learned about key ingredients, like chicken, potatoes, and seasonings. Following the step-by-step instructions lets you create a tasty meal with ease. I shared tips to perfect your seasoning and variations to keep it fresh. Finally, we discussed storage and reheating to enjoy leftovers later. Remember, cooking should be fun and simple. Enjoy your flavorful dish, and feel free to experiment!
