Healthy Savory Slow Cooker Chicken (Printable)
Tender slow-cooked chicken with vegetables, herbs, and a savory sauce for an effortless dinner.
# 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
# Steps:
01 - Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Rub evenly with salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, dried thyme, and dried oregano on all sides.
02 - Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear seasoned chicken for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown. Transfer to a plate.
03 - Arrange carrots, celery, onions, garlic, and halved potatoes in an even layer at the bottom of the slow cooker insert.
04 - Place seared chicken on top of the vegetable bed. Pour chicken broth evenly over all ingredients. Tuck bay leaves into the liquid.
05 - Cover and cook on LOW setting for 6 hours until chicken reaches internal temperature of 165°F and vegetables are tender.
06 - Discard bay leaves. Taste the cooking liquid and adjust salt or pepper if desired. Squeeze lemon juice over chicken for brightness if using.
07 - Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the dish. Serve hot with the cooking liquid spooned over each portion.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- The house smells incredible all day long like someone who loves you is cooking even when youre busy
- Leftovers taste even better the next day if they last that long
- Everything cooks in one pot so cleanup is practically nonexistent
02 -
- Skip the searing step if youre rushing but that golden crust adds layers of flavor worth the extra ten minutes
- The sauce will look thin straight from the slow cooker but it thickens beautifully as it rests
03 -
- For a thicker sauce remove the chicken and vegetables then turn the slow cooker to HIGH and reduce the liquid for 15-20 minutes
- Smoked paprika is absolutely worth seeking out it makes such a difference compared to regular paprika