If you’re looking for a comforting meal that practically makes itself, you’ve come to the right place! This Slow Cooker Green Beans and chicken ham is one of those delightful dishes that fills your kitchen with an amazing aroma and warms your heart. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when time is tight but you still want something delicious to share with your family. Plus, it’s fantastic for gatherings, bringing everyone together around the table to enjoy simple, hearty food.

This recipe holds a special place in my heart because it combines tender green beans with the smoky flavor of chicken ham, all simmered gently in a savory broth. The contrast in textures—the crispness of the beans against the softness of the ham—makes every bite satisfying. Whether served as a side dish or as a light main course, this dish never fails to impress!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy preparation: Just toss everything into the slow cooker and let it do its magic!
Family-friendly appeal: Kids and adults alike will love the savory flavors and comforting textures.
Make-ahead convenience: Prepare it earlier in the day and have a hassle-free dinner ready when you are.
Healthier choice: Packed with fresh green beans and low-sodium broth, this dish is both nutritious and delicious.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These are simple, wholesome ingredients that come together beautifully in your slow cooker. You might already have many of them in your pantry! Here’s what you’ll need for this lovely dish:

For the Main Dish

3 pounds green beans, trimmed and cut into 1.5-inch pieces
1 pound cooked chicken ham, diced into small cubes
1 cup chicken broth, low-sodium preferred

For Flavoring

2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon brown sugar, optional
Salt to taste

Variations

One of the best things about this recipe is its flexibility! Feel free to get creative based on what you have or prefer. Here are some fun variations:

Swap the protein: Use turkey ham or even shredded rotisserie chicken for a different twist.
Add more veggies: Toss in some diced carrots or bell peppers for added color and nutrition.
Spice it up: Sprinkle in some red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce if you like a bit of heat.
Try different herbs: Fresh thyme or rosemary can elevate the flavor profile—just add them during cooking!

How to Make Slow Cooker Green Beans and chicken ham

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

Start by trimming and cutting the green beans into 1.5-inch pieces. Dice the chicken ham and onion, then mince your garlic. This step is essential because having everything prepped ensures that your slow cooker has all it needs to create those rich flavors.

Step 2: Combine Ingredients in the Slow Cooker

Place the green beans, chicken ham, onion, and garlic into your slow cooker. Pour in that lovely chicken broth, then sprinkle with brown sugar (if using) and black pepper. This combination creates a flavorful base that will infuse through every ingredient as they cook together.

Step 3: Add Butter and Cook

Dot the top of your mixture with little cubes of butter—this will add richness without being overwhelming. Don’t add salt just yet; we want to control how salty our final dish turns out after cooking! Cover your slow cooker and set it to cook on Low for 4 to 5 hours or High for 2 to 3 hours until those beans are tender but not mushy.

Step 4: Final Touches Before Serving

Once cooked, give everything a gentle stir. Taste your creation; if it needs a touch more flavor, add salt at this stage. This step is important because you want each bite perfectly seasoned before serving!

Enjoy making this delightful Slow Cooker Green Beans and chicken ham recipe! It’s sure to become a favorite at your table just like it has at mine.

Pro Tips for Making Slow Cooker Green Beans and chicken ham

Cooking in a slow cooker is a wonderful way to infuse flavors and create comforting meals with minimal fuss! Here are some tips to ensure your dish turns out perfectly every time.

Use fresh green beans: Fresh beans bring vibrant color and a firm texture that frozen alternatives may lack. They also absorb flavors better, enhancing the overall taste of your dish.
Adjust cooking times based on your slow cooker: Each slow cooker can vary in temperature; if yours tends to run hot or cold, keep an eye on the beans and adjust cooking time as needed to achieve that perfect tenderness without mushiness.
Add seasonings gradually: While it’s tempting to season heavily from the start, adding salt at the end allows you to control the flavor without making it overly salty. This ensures you get just the right balance!
Consider additional vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables, such as bell peppers or carrots, for more color and nutrients. They can enhance both texture and flavor while making the dish even more nutritious.
Make it ahead of time: Preparing this dish a day in advance not only saves you time but also allows the flavors to meld beautifully overnight. Just reheat gently before serving!

How to Serve Slow Cooker Green Beans and chicken ham

When it comes to presenting your Slow Cooker Green Beans and chicken ham, there are plenty of ways to make it shine on your table. Whether you’re hosting a family dinner or enjoying a cozy night in, these ideas will help you serve it beautifully.

Garnishes

Chopped fresh parsley: A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness that brightens up the dish.
Lemon zest: A dash of lemon zest right before serving can uplift the flavors with its zesty brightness, giving a lovely contrast to the savory notes.

Side Dishes

Fluffy Quinoa: Quinoa is a protein-packed grain that complements this dish perfectly. Its nutty flavor and chewy texture make for a delightful contrast alongside the tender green beans.
Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy garlic mashed potatoes provide a comforting base that pairs beautifully with the richness of the green beans and chicken ham. They soak up any broth for extra flavor!
Simple Garden Salad: A fresh garden salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and a light vinaigrette adds crunch and freshness, balancing out the hearty nature of the main dish.
Whole Grain Bread: Serve slices of warm whole grain bread on the side for dipping into any delicious broth left in your bowl. It’s simple yet satisfying!

By using these tips for preparation and presentation ideas, you’ll create an inviting meal that’s sure to bring smiles around your dining table! Enjoy every bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Slow Cooker Green Beans and chicken ham recipe is perfect for meal prep! It’s easy to whip up in advance, allowing you to enjoy a comforting dish throughout the week without any hassle. Here’s how you can store and enjoy your leftovers.

Storing Leftovers

Allow the dish to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container.
Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Be sure to label your container with the date for easy tracking.

Freezing

Portion out the green beans and chicken ham into freezer-safe containers or bags.
Remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.
Freeze for up to 3 months; remember to label with the date!

Reheating

Thaw frozen portions in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheat on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth if necessary.
Alternatively, use a microwave, reheating in short intervals until warmed through.

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about this delightful recipe.

Can I use fresh green beans in Slow Cooker Green Beans and chicken ham?

Yes! Fresh green beans work wonderfully in this recipe and will retain their vibrant color and flavor throughout cooking.

How long does it take to cook Slow Cooker Green Beans and chicken ham?

Cooking time varies depending on your slow cooker settings. On Low, expect about 4-5 hours, while High will take around 2-3 hours. The goal is tender beans that still have a slight bite.

What can I serve with Slow Cooker Green Beans and chicken ham?

This dish pairs beautifully with rice or mashed potatoes, making it a versatile side or light main course. Feel free to get creative with your accompaniments!

Can I adjust the seasoning in Slow Cooker Green Beans and chicken ham?

Absolutely! Feel free to modify seasonings based on your taste preferences. Adding herbs like thyme or rosemary can enhance the flavor profile even further.

Final Thoughts

I hope this Slow Cooker Green Beans and chicken ham recipe brings warmth and joy to your table! It’s a true comfort food that embodies simplicity without sacrificing flavor. Enjoy every bite, share it with loved ones, and don’t hesitate to make it your own. Happy cooking!

Slow Cooker Green Beans and Ham

Author: Sofia
Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
Yield: 8 servings 1x

Print Recipe

Description

A comforting meal featuring tender green beans and smoky ham in a rich broth.

Ingredients

Scale

3 pounds green beans (trimmed and cut into 1.5-inch pieces)
1 medium yellow onion (finely diced)
3 cloves garlic (minced)
1 pound cooked ham (diced into small cubes)
1 cup chicken broth (low-sodium preferred)
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon brown sugar (optional)
to taste salt

Instructions

Trim and cut the green beans into 1.5-inch pieces. Dice the ham and onion, and mince the garlic.
Place green beans, ham, onion, and garlic into the slow cooker. Pour in the chicken broth and sprinkle with brown sugar and pepper.
Dot the top with butter cubes. Do not add salt yet.
Cover and cook on Low for 4 to 5 hours, or on High for 2 to 3 hours, until beans are tender but not mushy.
Stir gently, taste for seasoning, and add salt if needed before serving.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 240 minutes
Category: side, main
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1
Calories: 200
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 600mg
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Unsaturated Fat: 3g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 20g
Fiber: 5g
Protein: 15g
Cholesterol: 30mg

Keywords: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently with a splash of broth. Green beans may soften further upon freezing; texture is best enjoyed fresh.

Slow Cooker Green Beans and chicken chicken ham