Crockpot Zesty Italian Chicken with Potatoes and Green Beans
Ingredients:
- 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 4 cups red potatoes, diced
- 2 cups fresh green beans, trimmed
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons seasoned meat tenderizer
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 packet zesty Italian dressing mix
- 1/2 packet regular Italian dressing mix
Instructions:
- Prepare the Crockpot: Place the sliced onions and minced garlic at the bottom of the crockpot to create a flavorful bed.
- Season the Chicken and Vegetables: Rub the seasoned meat tenderizer and garlic powder evenly over the chicken breasts, diced red potatoes, and fresh green beans.
- Layer the Ingredients: Place the seasoned chicken breasts on top of the bed of onions and garlic in the crockpot. Add the diced red potatoes and green beans around the chicken.
- Drizzle with Oil and Butter: Drizzle the olive oil and melted butter over the chicken, potatoes, and green beans to add richness and moisture.
- Sprinkle with Italian Dressing Mixes: Evenly sprinkle half a packet of zesty Italian dressing mix and half a packet of regular Italian dressing mix over the entire contents of the crockpot. This will infuse the dish with a delicious Italian flavor.
- Cook: Cover the crockpot with the lid and cook on high for 4 hours or on low for 6 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through, and the vegetables are tender.
- Serve: Once cooked, carefully remove the chicken breasts and slice them. Serve the zesty Italian chicken on a plate with the potatoes and green beans. Spoon some of the flavorful juices from the crockpot over the dish for added flavor.
Enjoy this easy and delicious Crockpot Zesty Italian Chicken with Potatoes and Green Beans for a hearty and satisfying meal!
- Properly Seasoning: Ensure that you evenly season the chicken breasts, red potatoes, and green beans with the seasoned meat tenderizer and garlic powder. This ensures that every bite is flavorful.
- Layering for Flavor: The bed of onions and fresh garlic at the bottom of the crockpot serves as a flavor base. Make sure to layer the chicken on top of them, allowing the flavors to infuse throughout the cooking process.
- Balancing Moisture: Drizzling olive oil and melted butter over the ingredients adds moisture and richness to the dish. This is crucial for keeping the chicken tender and preventing the vegetables from drying out during the long cooking time.
- Italian Dressing Mixes: The combination of zesty and regular Italian dressing mixes adds a burst of Italian flavor to the dish. Be sure to sprinkle them evenly to ensure a well-balanced taste.
- Choosing the Right Chicken: Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts for even cooking and a leaner result. You can also consider using chicken thighs for a slightly different texture and flavor.
- Vegetable Freshness: Opt for fresh green beans and red potatoes to ensure the vegetables hold their texture and don’t become mushy during the slow cooking process.
- Cooking Time: Follow the recommended cooking times (4 hours on high or 6 hours on low) to achieve perfectly cooked chicken and tender vegetables. Overcooking can result in dry chicken or overly soft vegetables.
- Serving Presentation: When serving, spoon some of the flavorful juices from the crockpot over the plated dish. This adds an extra layer of richness and ensures that none of the delicious flavors go to waste.
- Adjusting Seasonings: Taste the final dish before serving and adjust the seasonings if needed. You can add a pinch of salt or more Italian dressing mix to suit your taste preferences.
- Garnish and Extras: Consider garnishing the finished dish with fresh herbs like parsley or basil for a pop of color and added freshness. Additionally, you can serve the meal with a side of crusty bread or a simple green salad to complete the dining experience.
