Are you craving a hassle-free, mouth-watering meal that practically cooks itself? Look no further than this incredible Slow Cooker Chicken and Veggie Dinner! Imagine coming home to a kitchen filled with the most tantalizing aroma of perfectly seasoned chicken and tender vegetables, all prepared with minimal effort. This one-pot wonder is not just a meal; it's a culinary experience that will transform your weeknight dinners from mundane to magnificent!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 6 hrs
Total Time: 6 hrs 10 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 4 chicken thighs
- 3 carrots, sliced
- 2 potatoes, cubed
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare ingredients by washing and chopping vegetables: slice carrots into 1/2-inch rounds, cube potatoes into 1-inch pieces, and finely chop the onion.
- Season chicken thighs generously with salt, pepper, and dried thyme on both sides, ensuring even coating.
- Place chopped onions at the bottom of the slow cooker to create a flavorful base layer.
- Arrange seasoned chicken thighs on top of the onions, ensuring they are not overlapping.
- Add cubed potatoes and sliced carrots around and between the chicken pieces.
- Pour chicken broth carefully over the ingredients, making sure it reaches the bottom of the slow cooker without disturbing the vegetable arrangement.
- Cover slow cooker with lid and set to low heat setting for 6 hours.
- After cooking time is complete, carefully remove chicken thighs and vegetables using a slotted spoon.
- Optional: For crispy skin, transfer chicken thighs to a baking sheet and broil for 3-5 minutes until skin is golden brown.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed, then serve hot directly from slow cooker.
Tips
- Seasoning is Key: Don't be shy with your herbs and spices. The thyme in this recipe adds depth, but feel free to experiment with rosemary or herbs de Provence for a unique twist.
- Layer Strategically: Always start with onions at the bottom of the slow cooker. This creates a flavorful base and prevents the chicken from sticking.
- Chicken Skin Hack: If you love crispy skin, the optional broiling step is a game-changer. Just 3-5 minutes under the broiler can transform your chicken from soft to gloriously golden.
- Liquid Matters: Use high-quality chicken broth for maximum flavor. Homemade is best, but a good store-bought brand works perfectly.
- Don't Overcrowd: Ensure chicken pieces aren't overlapping to allow even cooking and proper heat circulation.
- Timing is Crucial: Stick to the 6-hour low and slow cooking method to ensure tender, fall-apart chicken and perfectly cooked vegetables.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 275kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 24g
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 80mg
