Slow Cooker 5-Ingredient Chicken and Potatoes

Ingredients:

The Protein

• 3 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts

The Starch

• 4–5 medium russet or gold potatoes, cubed into bite-size pieces

The Fat

• 1/4 cup olive oil or melted butter

The Seasoning

• 1 packet (1 ounce) dry Italian dressing mix or onion soup mix

The Garnish

• Freshly cracked black pepper
• Pinch of salt

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Potatoes
   Place the cubed potatoes in the bottom of a 6-quart slow cooker.
2. Add the Chicken
   Lay the chicken breasts directly on top of the potatoes.
3. Season
   Drizzle the olive oil or melted butter evenly over the chicken and potatoes. Sprinkle with the seasoning packet, salt, and black pepper.
4. Slow Cook
   Cover and cook on Low for 6–7 hours or on High for 3–4 hours. The chicken should be fully cooked and the potatoes fork-tender.
5. Serve
   Serve the chicken whole or lightly shredded alongside a generous scoop of the seasoned potatoes.

Variations

• Cheesy Topping
  Sprinkle 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese over the top during the last 15 minutes of cooking.
• Lemon Herb
  Substitute lemon pepper seasoning for the Italian mix and add fresh lemon slices on top of the chicken.
• Veggie Boost
  Add 1 cup baby carrots or green beans with the potatoes for a complete one-pot meal.

Serving and Storage

Serving
Pairs well with a crisp side salad or steamed broccoli to balance the hearty potatoes.

Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.

Reheating
Reheat in the microwave or in a covered dish in the oven at 175°C to prevent the chicken from drying out.

Benefits

• Minimal Cleanup
  Only one slow cooker is needed, making cleanup quick and easy.
• Budget-Friendly
  Uses affordable, everyday ingredients like chicken and potatoes.
• High Protein
  Provides lean protein paired with complex carbohydrates for a balanced meal.

The Rise of the One-Pot Slow Cooker Meal

The popularity of five-ingredient slow cooker meals grew in the late 20th century as families looked for ways to balance busy schedules with homemade dinners. The slow cooker, widely known as the Crock-Pot since the 1970s, transformed home cooking by allowing meals to cook slowly and evenly with little hands-on effort.

This chicken and potatoes recipe is a modern twist on the traditional Sunday roast. Cooking the potatoes beneath the chicken allows them to absorb flavorful juices and seasoning, creating rich depth without extra ingredients. Today, recipes like this remain popular for their simplicity, affordability, and comforting appeal—proof that great meals do not need to be complicated.