Sometimes I just throw things in the crock pot to see if they turn out. This was one of those recipes – and it turned out just fine. Except for one thing…it’s ugly. U-G-L-Y, it ain’t got no alibi, it’s ugly.
Have you ever noticed that some crock pot meals are just nasty looking? Yeah sure, they taste utterly delicious, but they look like something your dog dragged in. This is one of those recipes. So, don’t let the ugly pictures turn you off.
Of course, it might also have something to do with the fact that I’m not a professional photographer like my friend Tia – I just don’t have that talent…but I do really enjoy cooking and eating. Is eating a talent?
I just threw the veggies I had on hand into the crock. The good thing with this recipe is, most of these are things you’d keep on hand – they’re normal things. Not something like eggplant, tomatillos, or asparagus. Not that I don’t love all of those…I just don’t keep them around all the time.
Not pictured in photo – Stacy hacking her hand to bits because she was in a hurry. Uhhh, oops. Yeah, that wouldn’t be a pretty picture either. Am I the only one who gets injuries when she’s in a hurry?
So, here’s something I learned about this dish – don’t put the chicken on top. I know the normal person would know that…because chicken on top means tough chicken. Did I mention I was in a hurry that day? When I’m in a hurry, I lose my mind.
So, put the chicken down under one of the layers so it can get lots of moisture and stay…wait for it…moist. Learn from me, children…I make mistakes so you don’t have to. FYI – Don’t grab the handle of the iron skillet on the stove. Amen.
I really, really enjoyed this dish. It was nice to have everything ready in one crock – it didn’t even need a side, but I threw in some green beans because…well, because I like green beans. I served mine with extra butter because…well, because I like butter. I confess.
It’s so ugly only a mother could love it – bless its heart.
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Crock Pot Ugly Chicken Dinner
- 3 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and thickly sliced (I sliced mine about ½ inch thick)
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- 1 pound chicken, diced into chunks
- 1 cup baby carrots
- 1 green pepper, seeded and sliced
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Grease crock (I used a 5 quart). Lay potatoes in bottom.
- Place chicken on top.
- Cover with onions, carrots, and pepper.
- Sprinkle each layer with salt and pepper.
- Slice butter into pieces and lay on top of everything.
- Sprinkle with garlic powder.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or until potatoes are tender.
Serve with slotted spoon.
Yield: 4 servings
Preparing to dust off my crockpot. Thanks for sharing!
Turn that crock pot into a work horse! 🙂
Love these recipes. I live alone don’t want to cook make a big mess for just one person. With these crock pot recipes I will be encouraged to eat healthier. Less mess makes me happy
I’ve got a package of chicken thighs calling Ugly Chicken’s name! Can’t wait to try this!
I hope you love it!
Making this now! 🙂 Thanks for an easy recipe! My kids laughed when I told them what was for dinner. 🙂
I hope you all loved it! 🙂
Now that’s an ugly dinner 😉
I know this post is about a year old now, but as a fellow ugly-dinner makin’ momma, I find that I get prettier meals when I layer the lighter colored ingredients (like onions or potatoes) further away from the richer-colored ingredients (peppers and carrots), or by adding them at different times.
My daughter eats pretty much anything that doesn’t move – and maybe even some things that do (?) – but my son is a prissy-pants eatter that doesn’t want to eat my monotoned ugly meals, so that’s what seems to help at my house. Nice recipe though!
LOL That made my day!
So you dont add liquid. Do you add liquid when you cook anything in the crockpot? Like I had a roast in the other day and put maybe 1/2 cup water and my husband freaked out because he thought the crockpot should be at least half full of liquid. Whats your thoughts?
It really depends on what you’re cooking in your crock. If it’s got a lot of vegetables, like this recipe, you won’t really need any added liquid. The vegetables have a high water content, so once they start cooking and breaking down, you’ll have plenty of liquid in there. Crock pots don’t let any moisture evaporate like a skillet does – so it all stays inside. 🙂
Can we skip the green peppers since we don’t like them? Would you put something else in instead?
Sure! This is sort of an “anything goes” type of recipe. Just throw in what you have. 🙂
So the chicken goes on top of the potatoes, but not on top on top, right?
Yes. 🙂
Did you put any liquid in with it to keep the potatoes from sticking? Looks good. I will have to try it! Thanks!!
No, the peppers and carrots have a good amount of water in them – so when they start cooking it releases lots of liquid. But, I do grease the crock. 🙂
Stacy,
This is a great recipe and I don’t think it is all that ugly!
Do you mind me asking how you made those delicious looking green beans?
Kim
I boiled them on the stovetop with beef broth. 🙂
I love your writing! And you’re right, it’s not the best looking dish but it does sound good. 😉
And that’s what matters, right?
that looks SOOO good! i want to eat it right now and it’s only 8 in the morning. 🙂
I’ve been hungry all day – so I agree.
This sounds great!
Thank ya!
My probem is I cannot make a “one pot” crock meal…..SIGH…I have a family of 8 (ok one of them just turned 3 months old, but I am nursing him so I get his share…*cough*..it counts..it’s simple math) Anyway, I would have to use two crockpots which I don’t have, and can’t justify buying. So thanks for rubbing the deliousness in my face. Maybe I can make it as a “sidedish”??
You could make it and serve extra chicken on the side?
I couldn’t survive having a large family without a slow cooker. Worth every penny!
Hamilton Beach 33182A Slow Cooker, 8-Quart https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00EZI26C8/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_odPsxbMJHW929
I popped over just to see how ugly your chicken really was. Sometimes ugly food is the best, and this looks fab!
Eating is a talent. I’m sure of it.
Then I’m pretty stinkin’ talented.