Healthy Savory Slow Cooker Chicken (Print View)

Tender chicken slow-cooked with vegetables and herbs for juicy, flavorful meat in rich savory sauce.

# 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
16 - Juice of 1/2 lemon

# How to Make:

01 - Pat chicken thighs dry and season with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, thyme, and oregano, ensuring even coating 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 lightly browned.
03 - Arrange carrots, celery, onions, garlic, and halved potatoes in an even layer at the bottom of the slow cooker.
04 - Place seared chicken pieces on top of the vegetable bed, ensuring even distribution.
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 or until chicken reaches internal temperature of 165°F and is tender.
07 - Remove and discard bay leaves. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if desired. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the dish and sprinkle with chopped parsley before serving.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Set it in the morning and forget it until dinner time
  • The chicken becomes impossibly tender without any effort
  • Leftovers actually taste better the next day
02 -
  • Searing is optional but worth the extra ten minutes for the flavor difference
  • Opening the lid too often adds 15-20 minutes of cooking time each time
03 -
  • For a thicker sauce, remove solids and reduce liquid on HIGH for 15-20 minutes
  • Half the broth can be replaced with white wine for extra depth and sophistication

Go Back