Crockpot Chicken and Carrots (Effortless Dinner!)
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This Crockpot Chicken and Carrots recipe is the ultimate set-it-and-forget-it meal for busy weeknights. Tender, juicy chicken breasts and sweet, flavorful carrots are slow-cooked to perfection in a savory herb-infused broth. It’s a healthy, wholesome, and incredibly easy dinner that fills your home with comforting aromas while you go about your day. Just a few minutes of prep yields a complete, delicious meal the whole family will love.
There are days when the thought of cooking a complicated dinner is just too much. On those evenings, I turn to my most trusted kitchen appliance: the slow cooker. This crockpot chicken and carrots recipe was born from a need for something simple, healthy, and deeply satisfying without any fuss. It’s the kind of meal that feels like a warm hug, with perfectly tender chicken and sweet carrots that melt in your mouth.
Imagine coming home after a long day to the incredible aroma of savory herbs and slow-cooked goodness. This dish delivers that experience with minimal effort. The magic happens over several hours as the flavors meld together, creating a rich, delicious sauce that perfectly coats every bite. It’s a foundational recipe that proves wholesome, home-cooked meals don’t have to be a chore.
Why You’ll Love This Crockpot Chicken and Carrots
This recipe is a weeknight superstar for so many reasons. It’s designed for convenience, flavor, and nutrition, making it a go-to for families everywhere.
- Minimal Prep, Maximum Flavor: With just 10 minutes of active prep time, this is a true “dump and go” recipe. The slow cooker does all the heavy lifting, infusing the chicken and carrots with deep, savory flavor.
- Healthy and Wholesome: Packed with lean protein from the chicken and essential vitamins from the carrots, this is a guilt-free meal. It’s naturally gluten-free and low in fat, making it perfect for a healthy lifestyle.
- Incredibly Tender Results: Slow cooking breaks down the fibers in the chicken, making it exceptionally juicy and tender. The carrots become sweet and soft, absorbing all the delicious flavors from the broth.
- Versatile and Family-Friendly: The simple, classic flavors are a hit with both kids and adults. It’s also easily customizable—feel free to add potatoes, celery, or other favorite vegetables.
Ingredients for Crockpot Chicken and Carrots
The beauty of this recipe is in its simplicity. You only need a handful of pantry staples to create a delicious and satisfying meal.
The Main Components
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: About 1.5 pounds of chicken breast provides the lean protein base. You can also substitute boneless, skinless chicken thighs for an even juicier result, though they have a slightly higher fat content.
- Carrots: The co-star of the dish! About 1.5 pounds of carrots, peeled and cut into 2-inch chunks. Using thicker chunks prevents them from getting mushy during the long cook time.
- Yellow Onion: One medium onion, chopped, builds the aromatic foundation of the dish, adding a subtle sweetness and depth.
The Savory Sauce
- Low-Sodium Chicken Broth: This is the cooking liquid that steams the ingredients and creates the base for the sauce. Using low-sodium broth allows you to control the saltiness of the final dish.
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic cloves provide a pungent, savory kick that pairs beautifully with chicken and herbs.
- Dried Herbs: A combination of dried thyme and rosemary gives the dish its classic, comforting aroma and flavor. You can use fresh herbs if you have them on hand—just triple the amount.
- Brown Sugar or Honey (Optional): Just a teaspoon helps to enhance the natural sweetness of the carrots and balances the savory flavors.
- Salt and Black Pepper: Essential for seasoning the chicken and bringing all the flavors together.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Place chopped onion and carrot chunks in an even layer at the bottom of your 6-quart slow cooker.
Pat the chicken breasts dry and season both sides generously with salt, pepper, dried thyme, and rosemary.
Arrange the seasoned chicken breasts in a single layer on top of the vegetables in the slow cooker.
In a small bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, minced garlic, and optional brown sugar until combined.
Crockpot Chicken and Carrots (Effortless Dinner!)
Equipment
- 6-quart slow cooker, chef's knife, cutting board, small mixing bowl, measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients
Instructions
- 1
Place the chopped onion and carrot chunks in an even layer at the bottom of a 6-quart slow cooker. This creates a bed for the chicken to rest on and ensures the vegetables cook evenly.
- 2
Pat the chicken breasts dry with a paper towel and season both sides generously with salt, pepper, dried thyme, and dried rosemary.
- 3
Place the seasoned chicken breasts on top of the carrots and onions in the slow cooker.
- 4
In a small bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, minced garlic, and optional brown sugar until combined.
- 5
Pour the broth mixture evenly over the chicken and vegetables in the slow cooker.
- 6
Cover and cook on LOW for 5-6 hours or on HIGH for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and the carrots are tender. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C).
- 7
Once cooked, you can serve the chicken breasts whole or shred them with two forks directly in the crockpot and stir to combine with the sauce and vegetables.
- 8
Serve the crockpot chicken and carrots warm, garnished with fresh parsley if desired. This dish pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes or rice.
Notes
Chicken Thighs: You can easily substitute boneless, skinless chicken thighs for the breasts. They will be even more tender and flavorful.
Add Potatoes: For a more complete one-pot meal, add 1 pound of Yukon Gold or red potatoes, cut into 1.5-inch cubes, along with the carrots.
Thicker Sauce: If you prefer a gravy, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water to make a slurry. Stir it into the crockpot during the last 30 minutes of cooking on HIGH until thickened.
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors will meld and be even better the next day!
Pro Tips for Perfect Crockpot Chicken and Carrots
While this recipe is incredibly straightforward, a few expert tips will guarantee flawless results every time and allow you to customize it to your liking.
- Layer for Success: Always place the firmest vegetables, like carrots and onions, on the bottom of the slow cooker. They need more direct contact with the heat to soften properly. Placing the chicken on top allows it to gently steam and stay moist.
- Don’t Peek!: Resist the urge to lift the slow cooker lid while it’s cooking. Every time you do, heat escapes, and it can add 15-20 minutes to the total cooking time. Trust the process!
- Optional Browning Step: For an extra layer of flavor, you can sear the seasoned chicken breasts in a hot skillet with a little olive oil for 2-3 minutes per side before adding them to the crockpot. This isn’t necessary but creates a richer, deeper flavor profile.
- Thicken the Sauce: If you prefer a thicker, gravy-like sauce, it’s easy to do. About 30 minutes before serving, whisk together 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water to create a slurry. Stir it into the crockpot, turn the heat to HIGH, and let it cook until thickened.
Serving Suggestions & Variations
This crockpot chicken and carrots recipe is a wonderful blank canvas. Here are some of our favorite ways to serve and adapt it:
Serving Ideas:
- With Mashed Potatoes: The classic pairing! Serve the chicken and carrots over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes, allowing them to soak up the delicious sauce.
- Over Rice or Quinoa: For a lighter option, serve with fluffy white or brown rice, or protein-packed quinoa.
- Shredded for Sandwiches: Once cooked, shred the chicken with two forks. Pile it onto crusty rolls with some of the carrots and a drizzle of the sauce for hearty sandwiches.
Flavor Variations:
- Add More Veggies: Feel free to add 1-2 cups of cubed potatoes, celery, or sweet potatoes along with the carrots.
- Lemon Herb Version: Brighten things up by adding the zest and juice of one lemon to the broth mixture before cooking. Garnish with fresh parsley.
- Balsamic Glaze: Add 2 tablespoons of balsamic vinegar to the broth for a tangy, slightly sweet flavor dimension.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
This recipe is perfect for meal prep, and leftovers are just as delicious the next day.
To Store: Allow the chicken and carrots to cool completely. Store them together with the sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
To Reheat: You can gently reheat individual portions in the microwave until warmed through. For best results, reheat on the stovetop in a small saucepan over medium-low heat until simmering. This helps the chicken stay moist.
To Freeze: This dish freezes wonderfully. Once cooled, place the chicken, carrots, and sauce in a freezer-safe bag or container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
