Are you ready to transform your weeknight dinners into a stress-free and delicious experience? Discover the magic of "Easy Cheap Crockpot Meals" that not only save you time but also tantalize your taste buds! With just a handful of ingredients, including juicy chicken thighs and hearty black beans, this recipe promises to deliver a comforting meal that the whole family will love. Imagine coming home to the rich aromas of a perfectly cooked dish that practically makes itself while you go about your day. Dive into this simple yet satisfying recipe and uncover how easy it is to create a flavorful feast without breaking the bank!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 6 hrs
Total Time: 6 hrs 15 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- Chicken thighs (2 lbs)
- Black beans (1 can, drained)
- Corn (1 can, drained)
- Bell pepper (1, chopped)
- Onion (1, chopped)
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced)
- Chili powder (1 tbsp)
- Salt (to taste)
- Pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 2 lbs of chicken thighs, 1 can of black beans (drained), 1 can of corn (drained), 1 chopped bell pepper, 1 chopped onion, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 tablespoon of chili powder, and salt and pepper to taste.
- Prepare your vegetables by chopping the onion and bell pepper into bite-sized pieces. Mince the garlic cloves finely.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped onion, bell pepper, minced garlic, drained black beans, and drained corn. Stir well to mix all the ingredients evenly.
- In the bottom of your crockpot, place the chicken thighs. Season them with salt, pepper, and chili powder, ensuring they are well coated on all sides.
- Pour the vegetable and bean mixture over the seasoned chicken thighs in the crockpot, spreading it out evenly.
- Cover the crockpot with its lid and set it to cook on low for 6 hours. This slow cooking method allows the flavors to meld and the chicken to become tender.
- After 6 hours, check the chicken for doneness. It should be fully cooked and easily shred with a fork. If needed, you can cook it for an additional hour.
- Once cooked, use two forks to shred the chicken thighs directly in the crockpot, mixing it with the other ingredients.
- Serve the dish warm, either on its own or over rice or tortillas for a complete meal. Garnish with fresh herbs, avocado, or cheese if desired.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Tips
- Prep Ahead: To save even more time, consider prepping your ingredients the night before. Chop the vegetables and store them in the fridge, so they're ready to go when you start cooking.
- Customize Your Flavors: Feel free to add your favorite spices or herbs to the mix. A pinch of cumin or some diced jalapeños can add an extra kick to your dish!
- Check for Doneness: Cooking times can vary based on your specific crockpot model. Always check the chicken for doneness after 6 hours. It should be tender and easily shred with a fork.
- Serve Creatively: This dish is versatile! Serve it over rice, in tortillas, or even as a filling for tacos. Top with fresh herbs, avocado, or cheese for an extra layer of flavor.
- Store Smart: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This meal also freezes well—just make sure to cool it completely before freezing!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 22g
Protein: 28g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 120mg
