Hey there! If you’re like me and love saving a buck while still serving up delicious meals, then you’re going to adore these cheap crockpot recipes. Honestly, my crockpot has been my kitchen lifesaver on busy days! I remember the first time I tossed a bunch of ingredients in, set the timer, and then went about my day. The aroma wafting through the house when I returned was just heavenly! Plus, the ease of letting everything simmer together means fewer dishes and more time to relax. Trust me, you’ll want to keep this recipe in your rotation!
Ingredients List
- 1 lb chicken breast – boneless and skinless for easy shredding
- 2 cups vegetable broth – this adds flavor and moisture
- 1 cup chopped carrots – fresh or frozen, they add a lovely sweetness
- 1 cup chopped potatoes – I usually go for russet or Yukon gold for creaminess
- 1 onion, diced – it brings a nice base flavor to the dish
- 2 cloves garlic, minced – because garlic makes everything better!
- 1 tsp salt – adjust to your liking, of course
- 1 tsp pepper – freshly cracked if you can; it’s worth it!
- 1 tsp thyme – dried or fresh, it gives a wonderful earthy note
How to Prepare Cheap Crockpot Recipes
Preparing this cheap crockpot recipe couldn’t be easier! Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a hearty meal waiting for you at the end of the day.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First things first, grab your crockpot and place the 1 lb of chicken breast right at the bottom. It’s the star of the show!
- Next, pour in 2 cups of vegetable broth. This will keep everything nice and moist while adding tons of flavor.
- Now, toss in the 1 cup of chopped carrots, 1 cup of chopped potatoes, diced onion, and minced garlic. Just dump them all in and give a gentle stir to mix everything together.
- Sprinkle 1 tsp of salt, 1 tsp of pepper, and 1 tsp of thyme over the top. Adjust the seasoning if you like, but don’t worry if it seems a bit light; you can always tweak it later!
- Cover your crockpot with the lid, set it to low, and let it work its magic for about 6-8 hours. Go about your day and let that aroma build up!
- When you’re ready to eat, carefully remove the chicken from the pot. Use two forks to shred it, then return it to the pot and stir everything together. Serve it hot and enjoy!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Super easy to prepare—just toss everything in the crockpot!
- Budget-friendly ingredients make it a smart choice for families.
- Perfect for busy days; set it and forget it while you handle life.
- Rich, comforting flavors that everyone will enjoy.
- Minimal cleanup means more time for what you love!
Tips for Success
To make this recipe truly shine, here are a few pro tips! First, don’t hesitate to adjust the seasoning to your taste. If you love a bit more flavor, add extra herbs or spices! You can also double the recipe easily if you’re feeding a crowd or want leftovers for the week—just make sure your crockpot can handle it! If you have leftover veggies in the fridge, toss them in too; this recipe is very forgiving. And remember, for a little kick, a splash of hot sauce just before serving can elevate it even more. Happy cooking!
Nutritional Information
Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown for one serving of this delicious, cheap crockpot recipe:
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 5g
- Protein: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fiber: 6g
Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients you use. Enjoy your hearty meal guilt-free!
FAQ Section
Got questions about these cheap crockpot recipes? I’ve got you covered!
Can I use frozen chicken in the crockpot?
Absolutely! Just toss it in frozen and increase the cooking time by a couple of hours. It’ll still turn out tender and juicy.
What other veggies work well?
You can use almost any vegetable! Bell peppers, zucchini, or even corn can add great flavor and texture.
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Just reheat gently in the microwave!
Can I make this recipe in advance?
Definitely! Prep everything the night before, cover it in the fridge, and just pop it in the crockpot in the morning.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes! It’s perfect for meal prep. Just divide into containers for easy grab-and-go lunches or dinners throughout the week.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
To store leftovers, let the dish cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It’ll keep well in the fridge for up to 4 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat in the microwave until warmed through. Stir and enjoy that comforting flavor all over again!
Serving Suggestions
This comforting crockpot dish pairs wonderfully with a simple side salad for a fresh crunch, or some crusty bread to soak up all that delicious broth. If you’re feeling a bit fancy, a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of fresh herbs on top can really elevate the meal. Enjoy!
Print
Cheap Crockpot Recipes: 5 Budget-Friendly Delights
- Total Time: 7 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
Easy and budget-friendly crockpot recipes for everyday meals.
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup chopped carrots
- 1 cup chopped potatoes
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp pepper
- 1 tsp thyme
Instructions
- Place chicken in the crockpot.
- Add broth, vegetables, and spices.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours.
- Shred chicken before serving.
- Serve hot.
Notes
- Adjust seasoning to taste.
- This recipe can be doubled for larger servings.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 hours
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Crockpot
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: cheap crockpot recipes
