Easy Dump and Go Crockpot Dinners for Busy Families (Print Version)
Easy dump and go crockpot dinners that save time and stress. Just throw ingredients in your slow cooker for delicious family meals.
# Recipe Info:
Prep Time: 10 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 6 Hours minutes
Total Time: 16 minutes
Servings: 6 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: American
Dietary: Gluten-Free Option
# Ingredients:
→ Main Proteins
01 -
2 lbs chicken thighs, bone-in skin-on
02 -
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
03 -
1 large yellow onion, chopped
→ Vegetables & Base
04 -
2 bell peppers, any color, chopped
05 -
3 cloves garlic, minced
06 -
1 cup chicken broth
→ Seasonings & Spices
07 -
1 tbsp Italian seasoning
08 -
2 tsp garlic powder
09 -
1 tsp salt
10 -
1/2 tsp black pepper
→ Optional Extras
11 -
1 tsp red pepper flakes
12 -
2 tbsp fresh basil, chopped
13 -
1 tbsp cornstarch for thickening
# Instructions:
01 -
Season those chicken thighs with salt and pepper—don't be shy about it. I pat them dry first because wet chicken makes everything watery. Sometimes I brown them in a skillet for extra flavor, but honestly? Most days I skip this step and dump them straight in.
02 -
Toss your chopped onions and peppers right on top of the chicken. I don't even worry about perfect cuts—chunky vegetables add character! The onions will basically melt into the sauce anyway.
03 -
Pour that entire can of diced tomatoes over everything—juice and all. Sprinkle the garlic powder and Italian seasoning like you're casting a delicious spell. Give it a gentle stir, but don't overthink it.
04 -
Set your crockpot to low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. I prefer low because it's more forgiving if you're stuck in traffic. Don't lift the lid to peek! Every peek adds 15 minutes to cooking time.
05 -
Your chicken should shred easily with a fork when it's done. If it's not quite there, give it another 30 minutes. The vegetables should be soft but not mushy—unless you like them mushy, then you do you!
06 -
Taste and adjust seasoning—sometimes I add more salt or a splash of hot sauce. If the sauce is too thin, mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with cold water and stir it in during the last 30 minutes.
# Notes:
01 -
Line your crockpot with slow cooker liners for zero cleanup—total game changer for busy nights.
02 -
Leftovers actually taste better the next day when flavors have melded together in the fridge.
03 -
Frozen vegetables work great when you're feeling lazy—just don't thaw them first.
04 -
Double the recipe and freeze half in portions for future easy dump and go crockpot dinners.
# Equipment Needed:
01 -
6-quart crockpot or slow cooker
02 -
cutting board
03 -
sharp knife
# Nutrition (Per Serving):
Calories: 285
Total Fat: 12g
Total Carbohydrate: 8g
Protein: 35g