When life is busy and dinner feels like an afterthought, the slow cooker is here to save the day. Nothing beats coming home to a fully cooked meal that’s been simmering in fragrant herbs and spices for hours. Below, you’ll find a crowd-pleasing recipe that embodies this “set it and forget it” philosophy. Gather your ingredients the night before, throw them into the slow cooker in the morning, and let the magic happen while you tackle the rest of your day.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 pound baby potatoes, halved
- 4 carrots, peeled and sliced into chunks
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
Start by lightly searing the chicken in a pan with olive oil over medium-high heat. Brown each side for about two minutes just to lock in the juices and give the chicken some color. Once browned, transfer the chicken to your slow cooker.
Next, toss in the baby potatoes, carrots, onion, and garlic. Sprinkle the chopped rosemary, thyme, salt, and black pepper on top. Pour the chicken broth over everything, allowing the liquid to settle among the vegetables and chicken.
Cover the slow cooker, set it on low, and let the stew bubble away for a full 8 hours. If you’re in a hurry, you can cook it on high for 4 hours instead, but the longer, slower cook will give you fall-apart chicken and deeply flavored vegetables.
By the time you return home, a comforting aroma will greet you. Give the stew a quick taste and adjust the spices as needed. Then, ladle the chicken, vegetables, and broth into bowls. For an added touch, garnish with fresh rosemary or a sprinkle of black pepper.
This cozy one-pot meal is perfect for anyone who loves a hearty, hands-off dinner that’s both nourishing and extremely easy to prepare. If you’re watching sodium or prefer a lighter broth, feel free to swap in low-salt options or use chicken breasts instead of thighs. You can tailor the herbs to your liking, adding basil or oregano for a different flavor spin.
Whether you’re feeding a busy family or meal-prepping for the week, this slow cooker chicken dish is a winner every time. Enjoy the pleasure of returning home to a warm, home-cooked meal without the fuss.
Nathaniel Lee is an avid cook, drawing on his decades of home cooking and fine dining experience. He is a contributing chef at Mashed, and his recipes and contributions have been featured in Tasting Table, Edible Arrangements, Insanely Good Recipes, and The Daily Meal.
