Slow Cooker Chicken Dinner (Print View)

Tender chicken and vegetables slow-cooked with herbs for a comforting, hearty dinner.

# 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 Steps:

01 - Generously season chicken thighs on all sides with salt, pepper, paprika, dried thyme, and dried rosemary, pressing the spices into the meat to ensure even coating.
02 - Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add seasoned chicken thighs and brown for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown. This step develops deep flavor and is highly recommended though optional.
03 - Place carrots, potatoes, onion, celery, and garlic cloves in the bottom of the slow cooker, distributing them evenly to create a bed for the chicken.
04 - Arrange browned chicken thighs over the vegetable layer. Pour chicken broth over the entire dish, ensuring liquid reaches the bottom vegetables.
05 - Cover slow cooker with lid and cook on low setting for 6 hours. The chicken is done when meat pulls easily from the bone and vegetables are tender when pierced with a fork.
06 - Ladle chicken and vegetables into bowls, making sure to include some of the cooking liquid. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley if desired. Serve hot with crusty bread or over steamed rice.

# Expert Hints:

01 -
  • The house smells incredible all day long, which is basically free aromatherapy
  • Nothing beats coming home to a hot meal that made itself while you were busy living life
  • Leftovers taste even better, if they last that long
02 -
  • Skip the browning step if you're rushing, but you'll taste the difference it makes
  • Opening the lid too often adds significant cooking time, trust the process
  • The vegetables on the bottom might soften more than those on top, which actually creates nice variety
03 -
  • Line your slow cooker with a removable liner for easier cleanup
  • Use kitchen shears to cut the chicken into pieces after cooking for easier serving