Slow Cooker Chicken Dinner (Printable)
Tender chicken thighs slow-cooked with carrots, potatoes, and herbs in a savory broth for an effortless hearty meal.
# What You Need:
→ Meats
01 - 4 bone-in, skinless chicken thighs
→ Vegetables
02 - 3 large carrots, peeled and cut into chunks
03 - 3 medium potatoes, cut into cubes
04 - 1 large onion, sliced
05 - 2 celery stalks, chopped
06 - 3 garlic cloves, minced
→ Sauces & Liquids
07 - 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
08 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
→ Spices & Herbs
09 - 1 teaspoon dried thyme
10 - 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
11 - 1 teaspoon paprika
12 - Salt and pepper to taste
→ Optional Garnish
13 - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
# How To Make:
01 - Generously season chicken thighs on all sides with salt, pepper, paprika, dried thyme, and dried rosemary, ensuring even coating.
02 - Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add seasoned chicken thighs and sear for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown. This step enhances depth of flavor but may be omitted for convenience.
03 - Place peeled carrot chunks, cubed potatoes, sliced onion, chopped celery, and minced garlic evenly across the bottom of the slow cooker insert.
04 - Arrange browned chicken thighs directly over the vegetable bed, positioning skin-side up if applicable.
05 - Pour low-sodium chicken broth over the chicken and vegetables, ensuring even distribution.
06 - Cover slow cooker with lid and cook on low setting for 6 hours, or until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and vegetables are fork-tender.
07 - Ladle hot chicken and vegetables into serving bowls. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired. Serve immediately.
# Expert Hints:
01 -
- Set it in the morning and come home to a meal that tastes like you spent all day cooking
- The chicken becomes fall apart tender while infusing everything else with incredible flavor
02 -
- Skip the searing step and the dish still turns out great, but you will notice the difference in depth of flavor
- The broth creates its own sauce as it cooks, so resist the urge to add more liquid than the recipe calls for
03 -
- Low sodium chicken broth is essential since the sauce reduces and concentrates as it cooks
- Layering vegetables on the bottom prevents them from drying out while the chicken releases its juices