Healthy Savory Slow Cooker Chicken (Printable)
Tender chicken slow-cooked with vegetables, herbs, and savory broth for an easy comforting dinner.
# What You’ll Need:
→ 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
16 - Juice of 1/2 lemon
# Directions:
01 - Pat chicken thighs dry and rub with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, thyme, and oregano, ensuring even coverage on all pieces.
02 - Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear seasoned chicken 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown, building deep flavor through caramelization.
03 - Arrange carrots, celery, onions, garlic, and potatoes in an even layer at the bottom of the slow cooker, creating a bed for the chicken.
04 - Place seared chicken on top of vegetables. Pour chicken broth over everything and 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 meat is tender.
06 - Discard bay leaves. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Squeeze lemon juice over chicken for brightness and garnish with fresh parsley.
# Expert Suggestions:
01 -
- The hands-off time means you can go about your day while dinner basically takes care of itself
- Leftovers taste even better the next day, making it perfect for meal prep
02 -
- Searing is optional, but that extra 5 minutes makes a noticeable difference in the final flavor
- Resist the urge to lift the lid during cooking, every peek adds 15-20 minutes to the cook time
03 -
- Cutting vegetables into similar sizes ensures even cooking
- Letting the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving helps it retain juices