Slow Cooker Chicken Dinner (Printable)

Tender chicken with root vegetables in herbs, slow-cooked for six hours until perfectly tender.

# What You'll 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 It:

01 - Generously season chicken thighs on all sides with salt, pepper, paprika, thyme, and rosemary, pressing the spices into the meat to adhere.
02 - Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add seasoned chicken thighs and sear for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown. This step develops deeper flavor but may be skipped for convenience.
03 - Arrange carrots, potatoes, onion, celery, and garlic evenly in the bottom of the slow cooker insert, creating a bed for the chicken to rest upon.
04 - Place browned chicken thighs directly over the vegetable layer, ensuring even distribution for consistent cooking.
05 - Pour chicken broth over the chicken and vegetables, covering as much surface area as possible. Cover with the lid securely.
06 - Cook on low setting for 6 hours until chicken registers 165°F internally and vegetables are fork-tender. Avoid lifting the lid during cooking to maintain temperature.
07 - Transfer chicken and vegetables to serving plates or a platter. Spoon some of the cooking liquid over the top. Sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley before serving.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • It practically cooks itself while you go about your day
  • The house smells incredible for hours before dinner
  • Tender, fall-off-the-bone chicken every single time
02 -
  • Resist the urge to lift the lid during cooking, every peek adds 15-20 minutes to your time
  • The chicken is done when it pulls away easily from the bone with minimal resistance
  • Your slow cooker runs hot than others, so check for doneness around the 5-hour mark the first time
03 -
  • Pat the chicken completely dry before seasoning for the best sear
  • Don't crowd the pan when browning or you'll steam instead of sear