Get ready to transform your weeknight dinner routine with this incredibly simple and flavorful Crockpot Chicken and Potatoes recipe. This is the ultimate “dump and go” meal, requiring minimal prep work for a truly satisfying, home-cooked dinner that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen. We combine tender, juicy chicken and perfectly cooked, fluffy potatoes with a savory blend of herbs and spices, all slow-cooked to perfection. It’s a complete, comforting meal in one pot that the whole family will love.
Whether you’re a busy parent, a professional with a packed schedule, or simply someone who loves the convenience of a slow cooker, this dish is designed for you. Just a few minutes of prep in the morning or afternoon is all it takes to come home to the amazing aroma of a delicious, ready-to-serve dinner. This recipe will quickly become a staple in your meal rotation.
Why This Crockpot Chicken and Potatoes Recipe is a Weeknight Hero
This isn’t just another slow cooker recipe; it’s a solution to the “what’s for dinner?” dilemma. It’s designed for maximum flavor with minimum effort, making it a true weeknight champion.
- Minimal Prep, Maximum Flavor: With just 15 minutes of prep time, you can have this meal simmering away. The slow cooker does all the work, melding the flavors of garlic, herbs, and savory chicken into every bite.
- One-Pot Wonder: Forget about a sink full of dishes. Everything cooks together in the crockpot, making cleanup an absolute breeze.
- Perfectly Tender Results: Slow cooking ensures the chicken is fall-off-the-bone tender and the potatoes are soft and flavorful, never mushy. It’s a foolproof method for a perfect meal every time.
- Customizable and Versatile: This recipe is a fantastic base. Feel free to add other vegetables or switch up the seasonings to make it your own. Check out our variations section for some great ideas!
The Simple Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity. You only need a handful of pantry staples to create a meal that’s bursting with flavor. We’re using common ingredients that are easy to find and work together beautifully.
- Chicken Thighs: We recommend bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs for the richest flavor and most tender meat. The skin helps to keep the chicken moist during the long cooking process.
- Potatoes: Yukon Gold or red potatoes are perfect as they hold their shape well in the slow cooker and have a creamy texture.
- Onion & Garlic: These form the aromatic base of our dish, providing a deep, savory flavor that can’t be beaten.
- Chicken Broth: This provides the necessary liquid for the slow cooker to work its magic, preventing anything from drying out and creating a delicious, light sauce.
- Olive Oil: Used to help the seasonings adhere to the chicken and potatoes and to encourage browning.
- Seasoning Blend: A simple yet powerful combination of dried thyme, rosemary, paprika, salt, and black pepper gives this dish its classic, comforting taste.
How to Make Crockpot Chicken and Potatoes: A Step-by-Step Guide
Making this Crockpot Chicken and Potatoes recipe is as easy as 1-2-3. Just follow these simple steps for a perfect result.
- Prep the Vegetables: Start by placing your chopped potatoes and sliced onion in the bottom of your slow cooker. Drizzle with a tablespoon of olive oil and toss to coat. This layer will create a bed for the chicken to rest on.
- Season the Chicken: In a small bowl, mix together the thyme, rosemary, paprika, salt, and pepper. Pat the chicken thighs dry with a paper towel. Rub the chicken all over with the remaining olive oil and the seasoning blend, ensuring it’s evenly coated.
- Assemble and Cook: Place the seasoned chicken thighs on top of the potatoes and onions in the crockpot. Mince the garlic and sprinkle it over the chicken. Pour the chicken broth around the sides. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
- Serve: Once cooked, the chicken should be tender and the potatoes fork-soft. You can serve directly from the crockpot. For a finishing touch, garnish with fresh parsley. If you love crispy chicken skin, see our tip below!
Tips for the Best Slow Cooker Chicken and Potatoes
Want to take your slow cooker meal from great to absolutely amazing? Here are a few expert tips to ensure perfect results every time.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pot: Use a 6-quart or larger slow cooker to ensure there is enough room for the ingredients to cook evenly without steaming.
- For Crispy Skin: The slow cooker creates tender, not crispy, skin. For that delicious crispy finish, carefully remove the cooked chicken thighs and place them on a baking sheet. Broil in the oven for 2-4 minutes, watching closely until the skin is golden brown and crisp.
- Layer Correctly: Always place the root vegetables, like potatoes and onions, at the bottom of the crockpot. They take longer to cook and benefit from being submerged in the cooking liquids.
- Don’t Peek: Resist the temptation to lift the lid while cooking. Every time you do, heat escapes and it can add 15-20 minutes to the cooking time. For another delicious and easy chicken recipe, try this creamy Boursin chicken.
Delicious Variations to Try
One of the best things about this recipe is how easy it is to adapt. Here are a few of our favorite variations to get you started.
- Creamy Chicken and Potatoes: For a richer, creamier sauce, stir in a can of condensed cream of chicken soup along with the chicken broth.
- Add More Veggies: About an hour before the end of the cooking time, feel free to add heartier vegetables like carrots, celery, or green beans. For a cheesy vegetable side dish, you might also enjoy this winter vegetable casserole.
- Lemon Herb Version: Add the zest and juice of one lemon and a tablespoon of fresh chopped dill for a bright, zesty flavor profile. It pairs beautifully with chicken.
- Spicy Kick: If you like a little heat, add a teaspoon of red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper to your seasoning blend.
What to Serve With Your Chicken and Potatoes
This Crockpot Chicken and Potatoes is a hearty meal all on its own, but it also pairs wonderfully with a few simple sides. A crisp green salad with a vinaigrette dressing can add a fresh contrast. Steamed or roasted green beans, asparagus, or broccoli also make excellent accompaniments. If you’re looking for another comforting potato dish to add to your repertoire, these garlic parmesan roasted potatoes are a must-try.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, you can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts. However, they cook faster and can dry out more easily. If using breasts, place them on top of the potatoes and cook on LOW for 4-5 hours, or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
To prevent mushy potatoes, use the right type (like Yukon Gold), cut them into larger, uniform chunks (about 1.5 to 2 inches), and ensure they form the bottom layer of the crockpot, where they can cook evenly in the liquid.
It typically takes 6-8 hours on the LOW setting or 3-4 hours on the HIGH setting. We recommend cooking on low for the most tender and flavorful results.
Waxy potatoes like Yukon Gold or red potatoes are best because they hold their shape well during the long cooking time and develop a creamy texture without becoming mushy.
Hardy root vegetables like carrots and parsnips can be added at the beginning with the potatoes. For softer vegetables like green beans, broccoli, or bell peppers, add them during the last 30-60 minutes of cooking to prevent them from overcooking.
More Delicious Recipes You’ll Love
If you enjoyed this easy slow cooker meal, you’re sure to love some of our other popular dinner recipes. From savory casseroles to quick skillet meals, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Your New Favorite Weeknight Dinner
This Crockpot Chicken and Potatoes recipe is more than just a meal; it’s a way to bring delicious, stress-free dinners back to your table. We’re confident it will become a family favorite that you’ll return to again and again. If you make this recipe, we’d love to hear about it! Leave a comment below or share a photo on Pinterest and tag us. Your feedback helps us create more of the recipes you love!
Crockpot Chicken and Potatoes Recipe
Crockpot Chicken and Potatoes: The Easiest One-Pot Meal
Ingredients
Equipment
Instructions
- Place the chopped potatoes and sliced onion in the bottom of a 6-quart or larger slow cooker. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and toss to coat.
- In a small bowl, combine the dried thyme, rosemary, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Pat the chicken thighs completely dry with a paper towel. Rub the chicken all over with the remaining tablespoon of olive oil, then rub with the seasoning mixture until evenly coated.
- Arrange the seasoned chicken thighs on top of the potatoes and onions. Sprinkle the minced garlic over the chicken.
- Pour the chicken broth into the slow cooker around the ingredients. Avoid pouring it directly over the seasoned chicken.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or on HIGH for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is cooked through (reaches an internal temperature of 165°F) and the potatoes are tender.
- Optional: For crispy skin, carefully remove the chicken from the crockpot, place it on a baking sheet, and broil for 2-4 minutes until the skin is golden and crisp.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
Tip 2: Yukon Gold or red potatoes work best as they hold their shape. Russet potatoes are more likely to fall apart during the long cooking time.
Tip 3: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
