slow cooker chicken and vegetables

slow cooker chicken and vegetables

Are you ready to warm up your kitchen with a delightful meal that practically makes itself? I’m excited to share my favorite Slow Cooker Chicken and Vegetables recipe! It’s packed with flavor, super easy to prepare, and perfect for busy days when you want something comforting and tasty waiting for you. Let’s dive in and get cooking!

Cook Time: 300
Prep Time: 15
Yields: 5
Calories: 669

Simple Ingredients for Delicious Slow Cooker Chicken and Vegetables

Let’s gather everything we need for this hearty Slow Cooker Chicken and Vegetables recipe. Teh ingredients are straightforward and packed with flavor. Here’s what you’ll need:

  • 6 bone-in chicken thighs with skin: This cut is perfect for slow cooking, becoming juicy and flavorful as it cooks.
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil: Adds richness and helps to brown the chicken beautifully.
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper: Essential for enhancing the flavors of the chicken and veggies.
  • 1 ½ pounds carrots: Sweet and vibrant, these add a lovely color and taste to the dish. Cut them into 3-inch pieces.
  • 2 pounds red potatoes: Their creamy texture complements the other ingredients perfectly. Be sure to scrub them clean and cut larger ones in half.
  • 1 onion, chopped: Adds a savory depth to the dish.
  • 2 cups chopped celery: This provides a nice crunch and balances out the sweetness of the carrots.
  • 1 tablespoon herbes de Provence: A fragrant mix of herbs that brings a classic touch to the dish.
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced: because who doesn’t love the aroma and taste of garlic?
  • Fresh parsley for garnish (optional): A sprinkle of this at the end brightens up the plate and adds a pop of color.

These ingredients come together to create a meal that’s not only delicious but also incredibly satisfying. As you prep them, you’ll notice how all the colors and aromas blend, making the cooking process exciting. Get ready to savor a comforting dish that’s perfect for any occasion!

Easy Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Slow Cooker Chicken and vegetables

Now that we have our ingredients ready, let’s dive into the cooking process. Follow these easy steps,and you’ll have a warm,flavorful meal waiting for you:

  1. Prepare the chicken: Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. This step helps to ensure a crispy skin. Trim away excess skin and fat, and then season both sides with salt and pepper.
  1. Brown the chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken thighs, skin side down, and cook until browned – about 5 to 7 minutes. This step adds an amazing depth of flavor. Once browned, remove the chicken and keep it warm.
  1. Prep the vegetables: In your slow cooker,combine the carrots,red potatoes,onion,celery,herbes de provence,and garlic. Season with additional salt and pepper, and give everything a good stir to mix the flavors.
  1. Layer the chicken: Place the browned chicken thighs on top of the vegetables, making sure the skin side faces up. This allows the juices to drip down, keeping the veggies moist and delicious.
  1. Slow cook: Cover your slow cooker and cook on low for 5 to 6 hours. The chicken is done when there’s no pink in the center and the juices run clear.The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
  1. Serve and enjoy: Once finished, carefully remove the chicken and vegetables with a slotted spoon. Serve warm, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.

These simple steps will guide you to a delightful meal with minimal effort. I love how easy it is to prepare, and the slow cooking ensures that every bite is bursting with flavor. Enjoy your cooking adventure!

 slow cooker chicken and vegetables

Serving and storage Information for Slow Cooker Chicken and Vegetables

Once you’ve created this delightful Slow Cooker Chicken and Vegetables dish, it’s time to think about how to serve and store it. This recipe makes about 5 servings, perfect for a family dinner or meal prep for the week.

To serve, simply transfer the chicken and vegetables onto plates or a large serving platter. I love to drizzle a little of the cooking juices over the top for added flavor. This dish pairs wonderfully with a light salad or some crusty bread to soak up those flavorful juices.

If you happen to have leftovers (which is highly likely as it’s so satisfying), store them in an airtight container in the fridge. It will keep well for 3 to 4 days. Just make sure the chicken is cooled down before sealing it up to prevent condensation and sogginess.

For longer storage, you can freeze the leftovers. portion them into freezer-safe containers or bags, and thay can last up to 3 months.When you’re ready to enjoy your meal again, simply thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat in a microwave or on the stove until heated through.Keep in mind that the vegetables may become softer after freezing and reheating, but they will still taste delicious.Enjoy making this dish ahead of time, knowing it’s ready whenever you need a cozy meal!

Helpful Recipe Notes and Troubleshooting Tips for Slow Cooker Chicken and Vegetables

As you prepare this Slow Cooker Chicken and Vegetables, I want to share some helpful notes and troubleshooting tips to ensure everything goes smoothly.

  1. Browning the Chicken: Don’t skip browning the chicken thighs before adding them to the slow cooker. This step not only enhances the flavor but also gives you beautifully crisp skin. If you prefer a quicker option, you can skip this step, but the texture won’t be quite as satisfying.
  1. Choosing Vegetables: Feel free to get creative with the vegetables! You can add bell peppers,zucchini,or even green beans. Just make sure they are cut into similar sizes to cook evenly.
  1. Cooking Time: Cooking times can vary depending on your slow cooker model. If you find that your chicken isn’t quite tender after 6 hours, you may need to adjust the cooking time. If you are in a hurry, cooking on high for about 3 to 4 hours works as well.
  1. Thickening the Sauce: If you prefer a thicker sauce,you can remove the chicken and veggies after cooking,then stir in a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon cold water) into the remaining liquid. Cook on high for an additional 15 minutes until thickened.
  1. Serving suggestions: If you want to elevate the dish even further, consider serving it with a homemade garlic aioli or a creamy dipping sauce. This addition can turn your meal into a delightful dining experience.

If you encounter any issues or have questions while making this dish, don’t hesitate to reach out. cooking is all about experimentation and adapting to your taste!