The Best Crockpot Chicken Dinner for Busy Weeknights

This Crockpot Chicken Dinner is a lifesaver when you need a hearty, healthy meal with minimal effort. With just 25 minutes of prep time, this one-pot wonder delivers tender chicken thighs, perfectly cooked potatoes, and fresh green beans in a flavorful tomato sauce. It’s my go-to recipe for busy weeknights—hands-off cooking that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen.

I came across this trick on a night I didn’t have the energy to fuss over a complicated dinner. Normally, a full chicken dinner with potatoes and vegetables takes over an hour to roast in the oven. But with your slow cooker, you can set it, forget it, and let it do the work while you handle everything else. Trust me, your family will love how comforting and delicious this is!

Why This Crockpot Chicken Dinner Is a Game-Changer

• Hands-off cooking: After a quick 25-minute prep, your slow cooker does the rest.
• One pot, fewer dishes: Everything—chicken, potatoes, and green beans—cooks in one crockpot.
• Juicy, flavorful chicken: Using bone-in chicken thighs ensures moist, tender meat every time.
• Perfect for busy days: While this slow-cooks for 4.5 hours, you can focus on work, chores, or just relaxing.
• Customizable: Swap out veggies, change the sauce, or adjust to what you have on hand.

Equipment You’ll Need for This Crockpot Chicken Dinner

To make this recipe, you’ll primarily need a reliable slow cooker. Here’s what I recommend:

• Slow Cooker: A 6-quart slow cooker works perfectly for this recipe. If yours is smaller, halve the ingredients to fit.
• Sauté Pan: Use this to brown your chicken thighs for added depth of flavor before slow cooking.
• Spatula: Helpful for spreading and combining the seasoning with the sauce.

Pro tip: If your slow cooker has a “sear” or “sauté” function, you can skip the stovetop step entirely and brown the chicken right in the crockpot.

Simple Ingredients for Crockpot Chicken Dinner

This recipe uses basic ingredients, most of which you likely already have in your pantry or fridge:

• Bone-in chicken thighs: These stay juicy during the slow cooking process. Boneless or skinless works too—just add a cup of chicken broth for moisture.
• Yukon gold potatoes: They hold their shape well and have a buttery flavor. Any diced potato can be substituted if needed.
• Green beans: Fresh is best for a crisp-tender texture, but canned or frozen will do in a pinch.
• Tomato sauce: Adds richness and ties the flavors together. Don’t worry if all you have is marinara or spaghetti sauce—it works too!

Shopping shortcut: Pre-diced potatoes and pre-trimmed green beans can save you even more time!

Crockpot Chicken Dinner Recipe Details

• Servings: 4
• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 4 hours 30 minutes
• Total Time: 4 hours 55 minutes

Ingredients for Crockpot Chicken Dinner

• 2 ½ lbs bone-in chicken thighs
• 2 Tbsp. cooking oil
• 1 ½ lbs. Yukon gold potatoes, diced
• 1 lb. green beans, ends snipped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 8 oz. can tomato sauce
• 1 ½ tsp. salt
• ¼ tsp. pepper
• ½ tsp. dried thyme
• ½ tsp. dried rosemary

Step-by-Step Crockpot Chicken Dinner Instructions

1. Heat a sauté pan to medium-high on your stovetop. Add the cooking oil and swirl to coat.
2. Brown the chicken thighs on both sides (about 3-4 minutes per side). No need to cook through.
3. Layer the diced potatoes and green beans into the bottom of your slow cooker, tossing to combine.
4. Place the browned chicken thighs on top of the vegetables.
5. Add the minced garlic evenly over the ingredients.
6. Drizzle with the tomato sauce, then sprinkle with salt, pepper, thyme, and rosemary.
7. Use a spatula to spread and mix the seasonings into the sauce.
8. Cover and cook on HIGH for 4.5 hours. Do not open the lid during cooking to ensure the potatoes cook fully.
9. Serve warm and enjoy!

Jake’s Tips for the Best Crockpot Chicken Dinner

• Browning the chicken: While optional, this step adds a rich flavor you don’t want to skip.
• Cut potatoes evenly: Dicing them uniformly ensures everything cooks at the same pace.
• Adjust seasoning: Taste and add more herbs or garlic powder before serving if you like bolder flavors.
• Double the recipe: This reheats beautifully, so go ahead and make extra for meal prep.
• Storage: Leftovers stay fresh in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or a low oven.

Easy Crockpot Chicken Dinner Variations

• Add more veggies: Toss in carrots, mushrooms, or zucchini for extra nutrition.
• Switch the sauce: Try alfredo sauce or creamy mushroom soup for a whole new flavor profile.
• Spicy kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce to the tomato sauce.
• Weeknight barbecue: Swap tomato sauce for your favorite barbecue sauce.

Crockpot Chicken Dinner FAQs

Do I need to use bone-in chicken thighs?

No, but if you switch to boneless or skinless chicken, add a cup of broth to keep it moist.

Can I use frozen green beans?

Yes, frozen green beans work great. Add them straight to the crockpot—no need to thaw first.

What can I substitute for Yukon gold potatoes?

Red potatoes or russets work just as well. Just dice them small for even cooking.

Can I cook this on low instead of high?

Yes! Set your slow cooker to LOW and cook for 7-8 hours instead of 4.5 on HIGH.

Is this Crockpot Chicken Dinner good for meal prep?

Absolutely. It stores well and reheats beautifully. Make a double batch and portion for easy weekday lunches or dinners.

You’re going to love how easy and delicious this Crockpot Chicken Dinner is! What’s your favorite time-saving dinner hack? Share your tips in the comments below!