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–+ servings

Savory Slow Cooker Chicken With Root Vegetables and Fresh Herbs

Make mealtime effortless with this savory slow cooker chicken recipe featuring root vegetables and a fragrant herb blend.
Servings 6
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 6 hours
Total Time 6 hours 15 minutes

Equipment

  • Slow Cooker (For cooking the chicken and vegetables slowly to enhance flavors.)
  • Cutting Board (For chopping vegetables and herbs.)
  • Knife (For dicing chicken and slicing vegetables.)
  • Measuring Spoons/Cups (For measuring seasonings and liquids.)
  • Serving Spoon (For serving the finished dish.)
  • Bowl (For mixing herbs and seasonings.)

Ingredients

  • 4 chicken thighs bone-in, skin-on
  • 2 carrots medium, peeled and chopped
  • 2 parsnips peeled and chopped
  • 2 potatoes medium, diced
  • 1 onion medium, chopped
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp thyme dried
  • 1 tsp rosemary dried
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • **parsley** fresh, chopped - for garnish

Instructions

  • Prepare Vegetables, Season Chicken
    Begin by thoroughly washing and peeling the carrots, parsnips, and potatoes. Chop these root vegetables into bite-sized pieces, ensuring they're uniform in size for even cooking.
    Don't forget to dice the onion and mince the garlic cloves – these aromatics will infuse your dish with incredible flavor. As you complete your vegetable preparation, take a moment to appreciate the vibrant colors and fresh scents. Doesn't it make you excited for the meal to come?
    Now, let's focus on chicken seasoning. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels – this step is essential for achieving that perfect golden-brown sear.
    Season them generously with salt and pepper, making sure to coat both sides evenly. Have you considered adding a pinch of paprika or garlic powder for extra depth? As you season, think about how these flavors will meld with the root vegetables during the slow cooking process.
  • Sear Chicken Until Golden
    Now that your chicken is seasoned, it's time to sear it to perfection. This essential step will elevate your slow cooker dish by locking in flavor and creating a delicious golden crust. Ready to master some searing techniques?
    Heat your skillet over medium-high heat and add a splash of oil. Once it's shimmering, carefully place your seasoned chicken thighs skin-side down. Listen for that satisfying sizzle! Let them cook undisturbed for about 4-5 minutes. Resist the urge to peek or move them around; patience is key here.
    You'll know it's time to flip when the skin turns a beautiful golden brown. Give the other side a quick 2-3 minute sear to seal in those juices.
    Why bother with this extra step? Well, searing doesn't just make your chicken look appetizing; it's all about developing that rich chicken flavor through the Maillard reaction. This chemical process creates complex flavors and aromas that'll make your taste buds dance.
    Plus, those browned bits left in the pan? They're flavor gold for your slow cooker broth!
  • Layer Ingredients in Cooker
    With your chicken beautifully seared, it's time to assemble the ingredients in your slow cooker.
    Mastering the art of layering is essential for achieving the perfect balance of flavors and textures. Let's plunge into the proper ingredient order that'll make your dish shine.
    Start by creating a bed of chopped root vegetables at the bottom of your cooker. This foundation will absorb the savory juices as they cook, infusing them with rich flavor.
    Next, carefully place your seared chicken thighs on top of the vegetable layer. Can you imagine the aroma already?
    Now, sprinkle the chopped onion and minced garlic over the chicken. These aromatics will permeate the entire dish, adding depth to every bite.
    Finally, shower everything with your dried herbs. Remember, layering techniques like this guarantee even cooking and flavor distribution throughout the meal.
    Before you close the lid, don't forget to pour in the chicken broth. It'll keep everything moist and create a delicious sauce.
    Ready to let your slow cooker work its magic?
  • Add Broth and Herbs
    After layering your ingredients, it's time to add the final touches that'll bring your dish together. Grab your chicken broth and carefully pour it over the vegetables and chicken. The broth benefits are twofold: it'll keep everything moist and infuse the dish with rich flavor.
    But don't stop there! Now's when you'll sprinkle in those aromatic herbs.
    Have you ever wondered why fresh herbs make such a difference? It's all about that herb freshness. The dried thyme and rosemary you'll add now will slowly release their oils during cooking, permeating every bite with their distinct flavors.
    Remember, you're not just cooking; you're crafting an experience. As you measure out each herb, take a moment to inhale their scent. Doesn't it already smell amazing?
    Once you've added the broth and herbs, resist the urge to stir. The layering you've done is intentional, allowing flavors to meld naturally.
    Now, all that's left is to cover your slow cooker and let time work its magic. Ready to set it and forget it?
  • Set Temperature and Duration
    The final step before you can relax is setting your slow cooker's temperature and duration.
    You've got two options here: low and slow, or high and quick. For the most tender, fall-off-the-bone chicken, opt for the low setting and let it cook for 6 hours. This gentle heat allows the flavors to meld beautifully, infusing every bite with savory goodness.
    But what if you're short on time? No worries! You can crank it up to high and have dinner ready in just 3 hours.
  • Garnish With Fresh Herbs
    Once your slow cooker has worked its magic, it's time to add a final touch of freshness. Garnishing with fresh herbs isn't just about aesthetics; it's a game-changer for flavor and nutrition. Are you ready to elevate your dish?
    Let's explore some garnish techniques that'll make your slow cooker chicken shine. First, chop your herbs finely – parsley, cilantro, or chives work wonders. Sprinkle them generously over the dish just before serving.
    Want to get fancy? Try creating a chiffonade with basil leaves by stacking, rolling, and slicing them into thin ribbons. You can also use whole herb sprigs for a rustic look.
    But why stop at visual appeal? Fresh herbs pack a punch of herb benefits. They're loaded with antioxidants and can aid digestion. Plus, they add a burst of flavor that'll wake up your taste buds.
    Have you considered making a quick gremolata? Mix lemon zest, garlic, and parsley for a zesty topping that'll take your dish to the next level. Remember, the heat from the dish will release the herbs' aromatic oils, so timing is key.
    Ready to impress your guests with your garnishing skills?

Nutrition

Calories: 300kcalCarbohydrates: 26gProtein: 15gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gTrans Fat: 0.1gCholesterol: 75mgSodium: 228mgPotassium: 756mgFiber: 5gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 3475IUVitamin C: 26mgCalcium: 51mgIron: 2mg
Calories: 300kcal
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Chicken dinner idea, Easy slow cooker meals for families, Root Vegetables, Slow Cooker dinner