Healthy Savory Slow Cooker Chicken (Print version)
Tender chicken with vegetables slow-cooked in herbs and broth
# 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 tablespoons olive oil
→ Herbs & Seasonings
09 - 1 teaspoon dried thyme
10 - 1 teaspoon dried oregano
11 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
12 - 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
13 - 1 teaspoon salt
14 - 2 bay leaves
15 - Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
→ Optional
16 - Juice of 1/2 lemon
# How To Make It:
01 - Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Rub evenly with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, thyme, and oregano, ensuring thorough coverage.
02 - Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear seasoned chicken 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown. This step develops deeper flavor but can be skipped for convenience.
03 - Layer carrots, celery, onions, garlic, and halved potatoes in the bottom of the slow cooker, distributing evenly for consistent cooking.
04 - Arrange seared chicken pieces on top of the vegetable bed. Pour chicken broth over everything. Tuck bay leaves into the liquid.
05 - Cover and cook on LOW setting for 6 hours. Chicken should reach internal temperature of 165°F and vegetables should be fork-tender.
06 - Remove and discard bay leaves. Taste sauce and adjust seasoning if desired. Add fresh lemon juice for brightness if using. Sprinkle with chopped parsley just before serving.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- The chicken becomes impossibly tender, falling off the bone with barely any effort from you
- Your whole kitchen smells incredible before you even sit down to eat
02 -
- Searing the chicken first is worth the extra ten minutes for the depth it adds
- The sauce becomes incredibly rich, so resist the urge to add extra salt until the end
03 -
- Pat the chicken really dry before seasoning for the best sear
- Always check your broth label if you are avoiding gluten