As the school year starts gearing up, nothing helps more with those busy nights than some simple dinner recipes. With four children, I remember the first week of school being nothing but paper-signing, orientations, sports practices and just getting the family settled into a new routine. Of course, the simpler solution when things get busy-crazy, is to grab a pizza or go through the drive-thru to make dinner a breeze. But, new routines can lend itself to new habits…healthy and positive habits. That is where my Easy Crock Pot Chicken recipe comes in. From this super easy recipe, that is already packed with lots of flavor, you can make quesadillas, soups, and casseroles, or any of your favorite chicken recipes. You will have three dinners solved with just one recipe. New school year, new habits and plans. Sounds great to me!
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ cup chicken broth
- Pat chicken dry. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Heat a large skillet on medium high heat, add 1 tablespoon olive oil. Place chicken in skillet and brown for 3-4 minutes on each side. Set aside.
- Place chicken in a crock pot (slow cooker) and top with onion, garlic, spices and chicken broth.
- Set on low for 8 hours or high for 6 hours.
- When chicken is done, remove chicken pieces and place on a cutting board or in a large bowl.
- Shred with a fork.
- Place shredded chicken in Ziploc bags or freezer safe containers. Use chicken for recipes in 2-3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Pour liquid from crock pot through a strainer. Use onion and garlic bits in other recipes.
- Place liquid in a container and use in 2-3 days for recipes or freeze for up to 3 months.
Browning the chicken first adds a nice sear and locks in the juices of the chicken. After the chicken is done in the crock pot, it shreds so easily and the extra chicken broth added, keeps it super moist.
You can make up to 3 or 4 recipes from this batch of chicken. I love making all different kinds of quesadillas, wraps, and sandwiches which are perfect for lunch boxes or work. Then you can prepare some make-ahead recipes like casseroles, soups or other chicken dishes from the remaining chicken. One of my favorite recipes using this chicken is my Barbeque Chicken Quesadillas made with smoked Gouda cheese, homemade BBQ sauce, and a tangy coleslaw. Super easy recipes for super busy nights. Now, breath a sign of relief and know that at least 3 dinners are covered for the next week!
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