Harvest Delight Slow Cooker Chicken
Embrace the flavors of autumn with this hearty Harvest Delight Slow Cooker Chicken recipe. Tender chicken breasts are simmered with vibrant seasonal vegetables, including parsnips, carrots, and nutty acorn squash, all infused with garlic and a touch of honey. This fall-inspired dish cooks gradually in your crock pot, allowing the ingredients to meld together for a comforting meal that's perfect for cozy evenings or family gatherings. Serve it warm and enjoy the delightful combination of savory and sweet flavors that showcase the essence of the season.
4
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
chicken breasts
2 large or 4 small (trimmed of excess fat)
parsnips
2 (peeled and chopped)
carrots
2 (peeled and chopped)
acorn squash
1 (cut into chunks with skin removed)
chicken broth
1 (14.5 ounce) can (ready to pour)
garlic cloves
4 (coarsely minced)
salt
to taste (for seasoning)
pepper
to taste (for seasoning)
nutmeg
to taste (freshly grated preferred)
honey
drizzle (to lightly cover the squash)
Instructions
1
Begin by peeling and chopping the parsnips and carrots into bite-sized pieces.
2
Place the chopped parsnips and carrots in the bottom of the crock pot.
3
Sprinkle the minced garlic over the vegetables for added flavor.
4
Carefully lay the chicken breasts on top of the vegetables in the crock pot.
5
Pour the chicken broth over the chicken to ensure it stays moist during cooking.
6
Prepare the acorn squash by cutting it into chunks and removing the skin. Arrange the squash pieces on top of the chicken.
7
Season the contents of the crock pot with salt, pepper, and freshly grated nutmeg to your liking.
8
Drizzle a generous amount of honey over the squash to enhance the sweetness and flavor profile.
9
Cover the crock pot and set it to cook on low for 8 to 10 hours, allowing the flavors to blend beautifully.
10
Once cooked, serve hot and enjoy the comforting taste of autumn.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Harvest Delight Slow Cooker Chicken?
It is a hearty, autumn-inspired meal where chicken breasts, parsnips, carrots, and acorn squash are slow-cooked with garlic, honey, and nutmeg.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes approximately 4 servings.
What type of chicken is best for this slow cooker recipe?
The recipe calls for 2 large or 4 small chicken breasts, trimmed of excess fat.
How long should I cook the Harvest Delight Chicken?
The dish should be cooked on the low setting for 8 to 10 hours.
Which vegetables are included in this dish?
The recipe features parsnips, carrots, and acorn squash.
How should I prepare the parsnips and carrots?
You should peel and chop the parsnips and carrots into bite-sized pieces.
Do I need to peel the acorn squash?
Yes, the recipe specifies removing the skin and cutting the squash into chunks.
What seasonings are used in this recipe?
The ingredients are seasoned with salt, pepper, and freshly grated nutmeg.
Is there a sweetener used in the Harvest Delight Chicken?
Yes, honey is drizzled over the acorn squash to enhance the sweet and savory flavor profile.
What is the recommended cooking liquid?
The recipe uses one 14.5-ounce can of chicken broth.
How much garlic is needed?
You will need 4 garlic cloves, coarsely minced.
In what order should I layer the ingredients in the crock pot?
Start with parsnips and carrots, followed by garlic, then chicken breasts, chicken broth, and finally acorn squash on top.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
While the recipe specifies breasts, chicken thighs can be used as a substitute, though cooking times may vary slightly.
What if I don't have fresh nutmeg?
Freshly grated nutmeg is preferred for the best flavor, but pre-ground nutmeg can be used as a substitute.
Is this recipe considered a healthy dinner option?
Yes, it is tagged as a healthy dinner and vegetable stew, featuring lean protein and several root vegetables.
Can I substitute the honey with another sweetener?
Maple syrup is an excellent alternative that complements the autumn flavors of this dish.
Do I need to brown the chicken before putting it in the slow cooker?
No, the recipe instructions state to lay the chicken breasts directly on top of the vegetables.
What is the flavor profile of this dish?
It features a delightful combination of savory chicken and garlic with the sweet notes of honey and earthy nutmeg.
Can I add more vegetables to the recipe?
Yes, you could easily add other root vegetables like sweet potatoes or turnips to the base layer.
How should I serve the Harvest Delight Slow Cooker Chicken?
It is best served hot and can be enjoyed on its own or paired with a side like crusty bread or rice.
Is this dish suitable for meal prep?
Yes, because it is a slow cooker meal that yields 4 servings, it is excellent for preparing in advance.
What should I do if the acorn squash is too hard to cut?
You can microwave the whole squash for 1-2 minutes to soften the skin before peeling and chunking.
Can I use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth?
Yes, vegetable broth can be used as a 1:1 replacement for chicken broth.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
The primary ingredients are naturally gluten-free; however, you should always check your chicken broth label to ensure it is certified gluten-free.
Can I cook this on the high setting for a shorter time?
The recipe recommends low for 8-10 hours, but typically a slow cooker on high takes about 4-5 hours for similar results.
Does the chicken stay moist in this recipe?
Yes, pouring the chicken broth over the chicken breasts helps ensure they stay moist throughout the long cooking process.
What are the key tags for this recipe?
Key tags include slow cooker, chicken recipe, autumn flavors, healthy dinner, and comfort food.
Can I freeze leftovers of this meal?
Yes, this dish can be frozen in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
What makes this dish specifically 'autumn-themed'?
The use of seasonal produce like parsnips and acorn squash combined with warm spices like nutmeg gives it a fall essence.
Is this a good recipe for family gatherings?
Yes, its comforting nature and easy preparation make it ideal for cozy family evenings or seasonal gatherings.