Best Chicken and Veggie Slow Cooker Recipe for Easy Meals

There’s nothing quite like coming home to a warm, hearty meal that practically cooks itself while you go about your day. This best chicken and veggie slow cooker recipe is a game-changer for busy weeknights or lazy weekends.

Packed with tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and a medley of flavorful herbs and spices, this dish is not only incredibly easy to prepare but also wholesome and satisfying. Whether you’re cooking for your family or meal prepping for the week ahead, this recipe guarantees a comforting, nutritious dinner with minimal effort.

Plus, the slow cooker does the hard work, infusing every bite with rich, robust flavors.

If you’re looking to add more delicious, fuss-free recipes to your repertoire, you might also enjoy exploring our Awesome Vegetarian Slow Cooker Recipes for Easy Meals for inspiration on plant-based options that complement your protein-packed dishes.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This slow cooker chicken and veggie recipe is a perfect blend of convenience, nutrition, and taste. The slow cooker ensures that the chicken is juicy and tender, while the vegetables soak up all the savory juices, creating a dish bursting with flavor.

It’s a one-pot wonder that requires minimal prep and cleanup, making it ideal for busy lifestyles.

Additionally, this recipe is flexible—you can swap in your favorite vegetables or adjust the seasoning to suit your taste. It’s a balanced meal with lean protein and a variety of colorful veggies, perfect for anyone aiming for a healthier diet without sacrificing flavor.

Plus, it freezes and reheats beautifully, making it a fantastic option for meal prep.

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
• 3 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
• 2 medium zucchinis, sliced into rounds
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup baby potatoes, halved
• 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
• 2 teaspoons dried Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Equipment

• Slow cooker (at least 6-quart capacity)
• Cutting board and sharp knife
• Measuring spoons
• Mixing bowl for seasoning the chicken
• Wooden spoon or spatula for stirring
• Serving utensils

Instructions

1. Prepare the chicken: In a mixing bowl, combine the chicken breasts with olive oil, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Toss well to coat all pieces evenly.
2. Layer the vegetables: Place the carrots, baby potatoes, onion, red bell pepper, and garlic at the bottom of the slow cooker. This creates a flavorful bed for the chicken to rest on and prevents it from sticking.
3. Add the chicken: Lay the seasoned chicken breasts on top of the vegetables.
4. Pour liquids: Pour in the chicken broth and diced tomatoes (with their juice) over the chicken and veggies. This liquid will keep everything moist and tender while cooking.
5. Cook low and slow: Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the vegetables should be fork-tender.
6. Check seasoning and serve: Taste the broth and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.

Tips & Variations

Pro tip: For an extra burst of flavor, sear the chicken breasts in a hot skillet with a little olive oil before adding them to the slow cooker. This step adds a lovely caramelized crust but is optional if you’re short on time.

You can easily customize this recipe based on the veggies you have on hand. Try adding green beans, mushrooms, or sweet potatoes for different textures and flavors.

If you prefer a creamier sauce, stir in ½ cup of coconut milk or cream cheese in the last 30 minutes of cooking.

For a spicier twist, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce. If you want to keep it gluten-free and paleo-friendly, just make sure your chicken broth is gluten-free and avoid any processed seasoning blends.

Looking for more ideas on seasoning blends? Check out our Chilli Powder Recipe Vegan: Easy Homemade Spice Blend for inspiration on how to spice up your slow cooker meals.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

This chicken and veggie slow cooker dish is versatile and pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Serve it over fluffy steamed rice or creamy mashed potatoes to soak up the delicious juices.

Quinoa or couscous also make excellent bases if you want a lighter option packed with extra protein and fiber.

For a fresh contrast, consider a side salad with a zesty lemon vinaigrette or steamed green beans tossed in garlic and olive oil. If you want to keep your meal low-carb, cauliflower rice or roasted Brussels sprouts are fantastic choices.

For more easy, nutritious side dishes, explore our collection of Amazing Vegan Pasta Recipes for Easy Delicious Meals which can offer creative plant-based accompaniments for your chicken-based mains.

Conclusion

This best chicken and veggie slow cooker recipe is the ultimate go-to meal for those who crave simplicity without compromising on flavor or nutrition. With minimal prep time and the magic of slow cooking, you’ll enjoy juicy chicken and perfectly tender vegetables infused with herbs and spices that warm the soul.

Whether for a busy weeknight dinner or a meal prep option, this recipe is flexible, wholesome, and satisfying.

Don’t hesitate to experiment with different vegetables and seasonings to keep it fresh and exciting every time you make it. And if you’re looking to expand your culinary horizons, be sure to check out other delicious, easy recipes on our site like Best Vegetarian Recipes No Dairy for Delicious Meals and Chicken and Roasted Veg Recipes for Easy Healthy Meals.

Happy cooking!

{“@context”: “https://schema.org/”, “@type”: “Recipe”, “name”: “Best Chicken and Veggie Slow Cooker Recipe”, “image”: [], “author”: {“@type”: “Organization”, “name”: “GluttonLv”}, “description”: “A delicious and easy slow cooker meal packed with tender chicken and fresh vegetables. Perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner with minimal prep.”, “prepTime”: “PT15M”, “cookTime”: “PT6H”, “totalTime”: “PT6H15M”, “recipeYield”: “4 servings”, “recipeIngredient”: [“4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts”, “2 cups baby carrots”, “2 cups chopped broccoli florets”, “1 cup diced bell peppers”, “1 medium onion, sliced”, “3 cloves garlic, minced”, “1 cup low-sodium chicken broth”, “2 tablespoons olive oil”, “1 teaspoon dried thyme”, “1 teaspoon paprika”, “Salt and pepper to taste”], “recipeInstructions”: [{“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Place chicken breasts at the bottom of the slow cooker.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add carrots, broccoli, bell peppers, and onion on top of the chicken.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Sprinkle garlic, thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper over the ingredients.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Pour chicken broth and olive oil evenly over everything.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Cover and cook on low for 6 hours.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Check seasoning and serve warm.”}], “nutrition”: {“calories”: “320”, “proteinContent”: “35g”, “fatContent”: “10g”, “carbohydrateContent”: “15g”}}