Slow Cooker Chicken and Potatoes

Busy weekdays have always made dinner a challenge in my house so this slow cooker chicken and potatoes with green beans is my go-to answer for a hearty no-fuss meal everyone loves. Simply layer your ingredients and let the slow cooker work its magic for a comforting dinner with minimal hands-on effort.

I first tossed together this meal on a day when time was short and the result was so perfectly cozy my family immediately requested it as a regular. With tender chicken buttery potatoes and mellow green beans this meal feels like a warm hug each time.

Gather Your Ingredients

• Boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs: Chicken stays moist and absorbs flavors well Look for cuts labeled organic or free-range for extra tenderness
• Baby potatoes (Yukon gold or red): These hold their shape and get extra creamy Pick potatoes with firm skins and no green spots
• Fresh green beans: These bring color and a gentle snap Fresh beans deliver the best texture but frozen make things fuss-free
• Olive oil: Adds richness and helps seasoning stick to the chicken Go for extra virgin for fullest flavor
• Minced garlic: Brightens the profile Freshly minced cloves bring more punch than pre-chopped
• Italian seasoning: Adds herby Mediterranean depth Choose a blend with real dried herbs like oregano basil and thyme
• Onion powder: Gives subtle sweetness Helps round out the seasoning if you use the freshest you can find
• Kosher salt and black pepper: Brings all the flavors together Use coarse salt and freshly cracked pepper for best impact
• Fresh lemon juice: Cuts richness and wakes everything up Use ripe lemons for juiciest tang
• Chicken broth: Adds moisture and creates a savory base Choose a low sodium variety so you can control seasoning
• Unsalted butter: Gives the sauce silkiness Adds a bit of extra comfort look for creamy high-quality butters

How to Make It

Season the Chicken:

Rub chicken all over with olive oil garlic Italian seasoning onion powder salt pepper and lemon juice Take a moment to work the seasoning into every nook For even deeper flavor if you have time let the chicken sit and marinate for fifteen minutes

Layer Potatoes and Chicken:

Toss halved baby potatoes in a sprinkle of salt and pepper and lay them out on the slow cooker bottom The potatoes get golden and absorb cooking juices Place your seasoned chicken right over the top

Make it Moist and Flavorful:

Pour chicken broth all around the chicken and potatoes Use just enough to reach a third of the way up Layer chunks of butter over everything It will melt in and help the sauce turn lush

Slow Cook to Perfection:

Cover the slow cooker and set to LOW for six to seven hours or HIGH for three to four hours The long low heat makes chicken fork-tender and potatoes velvety

Add Green Beans:

About thirty minutes before the end lift the lid and scatter green beans on top Let them steam under the cover so they stay crisp and vibrant green

There is something about the way the potatoes soak up every bit of buttery broth in the slow cooker that reminds me of Sunday dinners at my grandmother’s When the green beans come out still bright with just a bit of bite it brings back memories of picking beans fresh from the garden

Flavor Boosters

For an extra punch try adding a handful of cherry tomatoes in the last hour of cooking As for green beans frozen are nearly as fresh tasting and are a great freezer staple

Serving Suggestions

This recipe shines by itself but is extra good with a crusty bread on the side to mop up buttery juices For an extra pop serve with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or grated parmesan cheese A squeeze of lemon over the finished dish brings everything together

Creative Twists

Root vegetables like carrots or parsnips can be added in the colder months In spring try adding asparagus with the green beans For a cozy touch in fall swap half the potatoes for cubed butternut squash

This set-it-and-forget-it dinner has become a regular in my house for good reason. With little prep you get a family meal everyone will request again and again.

Common Questions About This Recipe

→ What cuts of chicken work best?

Boneless skinless chicken breasts are ideal for even cooking, but thighs can be used for a richer flavor and more moisture.

→ Can frozen green beans be used?

Yes, frozen green beans work well and should be added towards the end of cooking to keep their texture and color bright.

→ How do I keep the potatoes from becoming mushy?

Using baby potatoes halved is best; layering them below the chicken helps control cooking time, and cooking on low heat preserves their shape.

→ Is marinating the chicken necessary?

Marinating for 15 minutes is recommended for deeper flavor but not required. The slow cooking method will still develop rich taste.

→ Can this be prepared ahead of time?

You can season and assemble all ingredients ahead, then refrigerate before slow cooking to save time on busy days.