You’re busy. You’re tired. You don’t want to cook a four-course meal, but you also refuse to eat another sad microwave dinner.
Enter: the crock pot. This magical device does the work for you while you binge-watch your favorite show. And no, you don’t need to make enough food to feed a small army—these recipes are perfectly portioned for two.
Less waste, less stress, more flavor. Who said romance was dead?
What Makes This Recipe So Good
First, it’s stupidly easy. Throw everything in, press a button, and walk away.
Second, the flavors meld together over hours, so even if your cooking skills are questionable, the crock pot covers for you. Third, portion control. No more eating lasagna for a week straight because you accidentally made a pan meant for eight people.
Finally, cleanup is a breeze. One pot, no drama.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need for a basic but delicious crock pot chicken stew for two:
- 1 lb chicken thighs (boneless, skinless, because who has time for bones?)
- 1 cup baby carrots (or regular carrots, but you’ll have to chop them—ugh)
- 1 small onion, diced (tears optional)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (or 1 tsp pre-minced, because we’re not judging)
- 1 cup chicken broth (low-sodium, unless you enjoy bloating)
- 1 tsp thyme (because fancy)
- Salt and pepper (to taste, but let’s be real, you’ll oversalt it)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prep the ingredients. Chop the onion, mince the garlic, and pretend you’re a professional chef for 30 seconds.
- Throw it all in the crock pot. Chicken, carrots, onion, garlic, broth, thyme—dump it in. No fancy layering required.
- Season. Salt and pepper.
Don’t go wild—you can add more later.
- Cook on low for 6 hours. Or high for 3-4 if you’re impatient. The crock pot doesn’t care.
- Shred the chicken. Use two forks or your hands (washed, please).
- Serve. Bowl it up, garnish with parsley if you’re feeling extra, and enjoy.
Storage Instructions
Got leftovers? (Unlikely, but let’s pretend.) Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stove.
If you’re freezing it, use a freezer-safe container and consume within 2 months. Pro tip: Label it. Future you will thank past you.
Benefits of This Recipe
Besides the obvious (it’s delicious), this recipe is nutrient-dense, low-effort, and scalable.
Want more? Double the ingredients. Want less?
Halve them. It’s also budget-friendly—chicken thighs cost less than a fancy coffee. Plus, slow cooking preserves nutrients better than boiling everything into oblivion.
Science wins again.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcrowding the pot. It’s a stew, not a mosh pit. Leave some space.
- Adding dairy too early. Cream or milk? Stir it in at the end unless you want curdled sadness.
- Ignoring the liquid. Too little broth = dry disaster.
Too much = soup. Find the balance.
- Peeking every 10 minutes. Heat escapes. Stop it.
Trust the process.
Alternatives
Not feeling chicken? Swap it for beef stew meat (cook time may vary). Vegetarian?
Use chickpeas and veggie broth. Hate carrots? Try sweet potatoes or parsnips.
The crock pot is your oyster—gross analogy, but you get it.
FAQ
Can I use frozen chicken?
Technically yes, but thaw it first unless you enjoy playing food safety roulette. Frozen chicken takes longer to cook and can linger in the “danger zone” temperature range. Not worth the risk.
Can I cook this on high instead of low?
Yep!
High heat cuts the time in half (3-4 hours), but low and slow gives better flavor. Your call.
What if I don’t have thyme?
Use rosemary, oregano, or even a sprinkle of Italian seasoning. Or skip it.
The crock pot police won’t come for you.
Can I add potatoes?
Absolutely. Dice them small so they cook evenly. No one wants a crunchy potato in their stew.
Final Thoughts
Crock pot meals for two are the ultimate hack for lazy, busy, or just plain tired humans.
Minimal effort, maximum flavor, and no leftovers haunting your fridge for days. Whether you’re cooking for date night or just yourself (no shame), this recipe delivers. Now go forth and let the crock pot do the work.
You’ve earned it.