Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my absolute favorite go-to meal: Crock Pot Chicken with Artichokes! This dish has saved my skin on more than one occasion, especially when I have a busy day ahead. It’s super easy to prepare, and the best part? You can set it and forget it while you go about your day!
I remember the first time I made this for a Sunday family dinner. I had invited everyone over for a little get-together, and I wanted to impress them without being stuck in the kitchen the entire time. So I threw all the ingredients into my trusty crock pot and let it work its magic. The aroma wafting through my house had everyone practically bouncing off the walls in anticipation! It’s the perfect balance of flavors – the tender chicken, tangy artichokes, and sweet sun-dried tomatoes mingle together for a comforting and delightful dish. Let’s dive into the details!
What’s in Crock Pot Chicken with Artichokes?
Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: The star of the show! I love using boneless and skinless chicken breasts because they’re lean, easy to work with, and become super tender in the crockpot.
Artichoke Hearts: These delightful little morsels bring a unique flavor and texture to the dish. I always opt for canned artichoke hearts since they’re prepped and make life so easy!
Sun-Dried Tomatoes: A burst of flavor in every bite! The oil-packed variety adds richness, and they pair beautifully with the chicken and artichokes.
Onion: This adds a sweet, caramelized flavor as it cooks down and melds with the other ingredients.
Garlic: Because who doesn’t love garlic? It brings a wonderful depth of flavor that elevates the entire dish.
Chicken Broth: This is vital for keeping everything moist and adding even more flavor. I usually prefer low-sodium broth so I can control the salt level.
Fresh Parsley: This brightens up the dish and adds a lovely, fresh finish.
Olive Oil, Dried Oregano, and Dried Thyme: These are my go-to seasonings. They enhance the flavor and give your chicken a little Mediterranean flair!
Salt and Pepper: Classic seasoning staples that are necessary for bringing out all the flavors.
Is Crock Pot Chicken with Artichokes Good for You?
Oh, absolutely! This dish is not only delicious but also packed with nutrition.
Chicken: It’s a great source of lean protein, which is important for muscle repair and overall body function. Plus, it’s low in fat if you stick to skinless cuts!
Artichokes: These are a powerhouse of fiber, which helps digestion and keeps you feeling full longer.
Sun-Dried Tomatoes: They’re rich in antioxidants, and the addition of healthy fats from olive oil makes this dish heart-friendly.
However, it’s worth noting that if you’re watching your sodium intake, you might want to keep an eye on the broth and any added salt.
Ingredients List
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1 can (14 oz) artichoke hearts, drained and quartered
– 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes (oil-packed, drained and chopped)
– 1 onion, sliced
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup chicken broth
– 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 1 tsp dried oregano
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
This recipe serves about 4 people, so it’s perfect for a family dinner or leftovers for the next day. Who doesn’t love that?
How to Make Crock Pot Chicken with Artichokes?
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the olive oil, minced garlic, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix well until combined.
2. Add the chicken breasts to the bowl and coat them evenly with the marinade. Let them sit for about 15 minutes to soak in all those delicious flavors.
3. Place the sliced onions in the bottom of the crock pot. This creates a lovely base for the chicken!
4. Layer the marinated chicken breasts right on top of the onions.
5. Add the quartered artichoke hearts and chopped sun-dried tomatoes over the chicken.
6. Pour the chicken broth over all the ingredients in the crock pot, making sure everything is covered nicely.
7. Cover the crock pot and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
8. Once cooked, sprinkle fresh parsley over the top before serving to add a beautiful pop of color!
9. Serve the chicken with the artichokes and sun-dried tomatoes alongside your choice of rice or pasta to soak up the flavorful juices.
Serving Suggestions and Extra Tips
I like to serve this dish with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or a squeeze of lemon juice right before serving for a little zing.
For a heartier meal, consider tossing in some baby spinach or kale about 20 minutes before it’s done cooking – they wilt beautifully and add extra nutrients.
If you’re feeling adventurous, try this recipe with different veggies, like bell peppers or zucchini. You can also swap out the chicken for pork!
So there you have it! Try making this Crock Pot Chicken with Artichokes for your next dinner, and I promise it’ll impress. Don’t forget to let me know how it turned out. Happy cooking!
