Healthy Savory Slow Cooker Chicken (Printable)
Tender chicken with vegetables and herbs slow-cooked to perfection in a rich savory sauce.
# 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 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, black pepper, smoked paprika, dried thyme, and oregano, ensuring all pieces are well coated.
02 - Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear seasoned chicken on both sides for 2-3 minutes until lightly browned. This step enhances flavor but can be skipped for convenience.
03 - Layer carrots, celery, diced onions, minced garlic, and halved baby potatoes evenly across the bottom of the slow cooker insert.
04 - Place seared chicken pieces on top of the vegetable bed, arranging in a single layer for even cooking.
05 - Pour chicken broth evenly over the chicken and vegetables. Tuck bay leaves into the liquid.
06 - Cover and cook on LOW setting for 6 hours until chicken reaches internal temperature of 165°F and vegetables are tender.
07 - Remove and discard bay leaves. Taste the cooking liquid and adjust salt or pepper if desired. For added brightness, squeeze fresh lemon juice over the dish.
08 - Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the chicken before serving hot.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- The chicken becomes impossibly tender without any hands-on effort during the actual cooking process
- Leftovers taste even better the next day, making it perfect for meal prep
02 -
- Searing the chicken first is worth the extra ten minutes for the flavor it adds
- The sauce will be thin, but you can reduce it on the stove if you prefer a thicker consistency
03 -
- A splash of white wine adds brightness if you want to replace half the broth
- Lemon juice right before serving wakes up all the flavors