Healthy Savory Slow Cooker Chicken (Printable version)

Wholesome chicken slow-cooked with vegetables and herbs for tender, juicy meat with rich 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
16 - Juice of 1/2 lemon (optional)

# How to Make It:

01 - Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Rub evenly with salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, dried thyme, and dried oregano, ensuring all pieces are well-coated.
02 - Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add seasoned chicken and sear for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown. This step develops flavor but can be skipped for convenience.
03 - Arrange sliced carrots, celery, diced onion, minced garlic, and halved baby potatoes in an even layer at the bottom of the slow cooker insert.
04 - Place seared chicken pieces directly on top of the vegetable bed. Pour chicken broth evenly over everything, ensuring some liquid reaches the bottom vegetables. Tuck bay leaves into the liquid.
05 - Cover with lid and cook on LOW setting for 6 hours. Chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and easily pulls away from the bone.
06 - Remove and discard bay leaves. Taste the cooking liquid and adjust salt or pepper if desired. Add fresh lemon juice for brightness if using. Sprinkle generously with chopped fresh parsley before serving.

# Expert tips:

01 -
  • Set it and forget it freedom lets you reclaim your entire day
  • The tender falling apart chicken tastes like you spent hours tending to it
02 -
  • Skip the searing step only if you're absolutely pressed for time but expect slightly less depth
  • The sauce will be thin and brothy perfect for spooning over rice or crusty bread
03 -
  • Use paper towels to thoroughly dry the chicken before seasoning
  • Let the skillet get properly hot before searing for the best browning

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