Healthy Savory Slow Cooker Chicken (Print)
Tender chicken with vegetables slow-cooked in herbs for a rich, comforting meal.
# Ingredient list:
→ Poultry
01 - 3.3 lbs skinless, bone-in chicken thighs or breasts
→ Vegetables
02 - 2 large carrots, peeled and sliced
03 - 2 celery stalks, sliced
04 - 1 large onion, diced
05 - 4 garlic cloves, minced
06 - 9 oz baby potatoes, halved
→ Liquids
07 - 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
08 - 2 tbsp olive oil
→ Herbs & Seasonings
09 - 1 tsp dried thyme
10 - 1 tsp dried oregano
11 - 1 tsp smoked paprika
12 - 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
13 - 1 tsp salt
14 - 2 bay leaves
15 - Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
→ Optional
16 - Juice of 1/2 lemon
# Directions:
01 - Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Rub evenly with salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, dried thyme, and oregano, coating all surfaces.
02 - Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear seasoned chicken for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown develops. Transfer to plate.
03 - Layer carrots, celery, onions, garlic, and baby potatoes in the bottom of the slow cooker insert, distributing evenly.
04 - Place seared chicken pieces on top of the vegetable bed, ensuring meat sits above the liquid line.
05 - Pour chicken broth over the ingredients. Tuck bay leaves into the liquid. Avoid submerging chicken completely.
06 - Cover with lid. Cook on LOW setting for 6 hours until chicken reaches internal temperature of 165°F and vegetables are tender.
07 - Discard bay leaves. Taste cooking liquid and adjust salt or pepper if needed. Stir in lemon juice if using for brightness.
08 - Transfer chicken and vegetables to serving platter. Spoon cooking liquid over top. Sprinkle generously with chopped fresh parsley.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- The house smells amazing all day, which might be the best part honestly
- You get that cooked-for-hours flavor without actually having to tend to anything
02 -
- Searing is worth the extra 10 minutes, do not skip it
- The sauce will be thin unless you reduce it, but that is kind of the point
03 -
- Bone in thighs stay juicy much longer than breasts will
- Everything tastes better the next day if you have leftovers