Jump to Recipe Print RecipeThere’s something undeniably comforting about returning home to the rich, savory aromas wafting through the air, especially when it comes from a delicious dish like Tender Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs with Baby Potatoes and Carrots. This easy recipe transforms simple ingredients into a hearty meal that the whole family will love, making it the perfect antidote to hectic weeknight dinners. With minimal prep and the convenience of your slow cooker, you can let time work its magic, yielding tender chicken and perfectly cooked vegetables that practically melt in your mouth. Plus, cleanup is a breeze! Just toss everything in your slow cooker and let it do the work for you. Curious about how to bring this comforting dish to your dinner table? Let’s dive in! Why Choose Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs? Simplicity: This recipe is designed for anyone looking for a fuss-free cooking experience. Just toss everything in the slow cooker and walk away! Hearty Flavors: The combination of tender chicken, sweet carrots, and baby potatoes makes every bite a comforting delight. Healthy Comfort Food: Packed with protein and fiber, this dish keeps you satisfied without compromising your health goals. Family-Friendly: Perfect for busy weeknights, it’s sure to impress both kids and adults alike, turning mealtime into a joyous event. Time-Saving: No need to spend hours in the kitchen—this meal cooks itself while you focus on what truly matters. If you love other easy recipes, check out our Mango Chicken Stir for more delicious convenience! Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs Ingredients Get ready to create a heartwarming dinner with these essential ingredients! For the Chicken • Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 2 1/2 pounds) – The star ingredient; dark meat stays juicy and flavorful. • Olive oil – Used for searing the chicken to create golden, crispy skin. For the Vegetables • Carrots (1 lb, cut into 1-inch pieces) – Adds sweetness and color to the dish. • Baby white potatoes (1 lb, halved if large) – Provides heartiness; can substitute with red potatoes. • Garlic cloves (4, chopped) – Enhances the aroma and flavor. • Thyme sprigs (4) – A key herb for depth of flavor; fresh thyme is recommended. • Shallots (sliced) – Adds mild onion flavor; can substitute with yellow onions. For the Broth and Sauce • Low-sodium chicken broth (1/4 cup) – Provides moisture and enhances flavor; can replace with vegetable broth. • Salted butter (2 Tbsp, cubed) – Enriches the sauce; can omit or use unsalted butter. • Cornstarch (2 tsp, optional) – Thicken sauce if desired. With these ingredients for your slow cooker chicken thighs, you’ll have everything you need for a delicious, family-friendly meal! Step-By-Step Instructions for Tender Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs with Baby Potatoes and Carrots Step 1: Sear the Chicken Begin by heating a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, place the bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs skin-side down and sear them until they are golden brown, about 5 minutes. This step enhances the flavor and texture, so don’t rush! Step 2: Prepare Vegetables In your slow cooker, add the chopped carrots, halved baby potatoes, minced garlic, and fresh thyme sprigs. Give everything a gentle stir to combine, creating a colorful base for your slow cooker chicken thighs. The vibrant mix will create wonderful flavors as they cook together! Step 3: Combine and Cook Carefully remove the seared chicken thighs from the skillet and place them directly on top of the vegetable mixture in the slow cooker. Pour in the low-sodium chicken broth and scatter the cubed butter around the chicken. This will ensure that the chicken thighs soak up the delicious broth while they cook. Step 4: Slow Cook Cover the slow cooker with the lid and set it to cook on low for 6 hours. During cooking, avoid lifting the lid to maintain the heat and moisture inside. You’ll know it’s ready when the chicken is cooked through and tender, practically falling off the bone. Step 5: Thicken the Sauce (Optional) If you prefer a thicker sauce, about 30 minutes before serving, mix 2 teaspoons of cornstarch with a bit of water in a small bowl to create a slurry. Stir this into the slow cooker, then cover and continue cooking. Allowing extra time for this will lend a luscious finish to your dish. Step 6: Serve Once cooked, express your warm heart by garnishing the tender slow cooker chicken thighs with freshly chopped parsley for an added touch of color and flavor. Scoop everything onto plates, ensuring every bite is filled with the comforting flavors of chicken and vegetables. Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs Variations Feel free to let your creativity shine by customizing this comforting dish to suit your tastes! Boneless Thighs: Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for quicker cooking. This swap saves time without sacrificing flavor! Vegetable Medley: Add bell peppers, zucchini, or green beans for a colorful veggie twist. These additions not only boost nutrition but also bring different textures to your meal. Smoky Flavor: Swap regular paprika for smoked paprika to introduce a subtle depth of flavor. The resulting dish will have an irresistible, aromatic essence. Herb Blend: Experiment with herbs like rosemary or Italian seasoning instead of thyme. This adds a hearty herbal profile that complements the chicken beautifully. Citrus Zest: Incorporate lemon or orange zest into the broth for a fresh, vibrant kick. The citrus brightens the dish, offering a lovely contrast to the savory elements. Spice It Up: Add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños for a little heat. A hint of spice takes the flavors to the next level and can make your meal even more exciting! Creamy Sauce: For a rich twist, stir in a bit of heavy cream or sour cream near the end of cooking. This will transform your sauce into a velvety delight that your family will adore. Serving Suggestions: Pair this delicious meal with a side of crusty bread or fluffy rice to soak up all the wonderful sauce. For another easy dish, try our Garlic Parmesan Chicken for a delightful change of pace! Storage Tips for Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs Fridge: Store leftover slow cooker chicken thighs in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Be sure to include the vegetables and sauce for best flavor. Freezer: You can freeze the chicken thighs in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Just remember to label the container and date it! Reheating: To reheat, simply thaw overnight in the fridge, then warm in the microwave or a preheated 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes, ensuring they’re heated through. Airtight Storage: For the best quality, make sure to wrap the chicken tightly if freezing to prevent freezer burn. Enjoy every bite of this comforting meal! What to Serve with Tender Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs? There’s nothing quite like enjoying a warm, hearty meal that brings the family together, and pairing it just right can elevate your dining experience. Creamy Mashed Potatoes: Perfectly buttery mashed potatoes create a blissful contrast, soaking up the savory sauce for an irresistible bite. Garlic Bread: Crisp, toasted garlic bread adds a crunchy texture, encouraging everyone to soak up extra sauce alongside tender chicken. Steamed Green Beans: Bright and slightly crisp, these green beans add a fresh touch, beautifully balancing the richness of the slow-cooked dish. Coleslaw: A tangy, crunchy coleslaw adds a refreshing crunch that cuts through the hearty flavors, brightening up the meal. Rice Pilaf: Fluffy and fragrant rice pilaf rounds out the dish with its lightness, creating a great base for savoring every last drop of sauce. Side Salad: A simple mixed greens salad with a zesty vinaigrette introduces a refreshing contrast while keeping things light and tasty. Herbal Iced Tea: To accompany this comforting dish, serve a cool herbal iced tea. Its subtle notes will enhance the meal without overpowering the flavors. Apple Crisp: For dessert, enjoy a warm apple crisp. Its sweet, comforting flavors provide a delightful finish to a cozy family dinner. Make Ahead Options Prepare your Tender Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs in advance to save time on busy weeknights! You can chop the carrots, halve the baby potatoes, and mince the garlic up to 24 hours in advance; simply store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Additionally, you can sear the chicken thighs ahead of time and refrigerate them as well (just be sure to let them cool before storing). When you’re ready to cook, layer the refrigerated vegetables in the slow cooker, top with the chilled chicken, and pour in the broth and butter. Cook as directed, and you’ll enjoy the same delicious comfort food without the evening rush! Expert Tips for Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs • Avoid Overcrowding: Ensure you’re not overcrowding the slow cooker to allow for even cooking and that delicious, tender texture everyone loves. • Searing is Key: Don’t skip the searing step! It creates a crispy skin and deepens the flavor of your slow cooker chicken thighs. • Lid Lifting: Resist the temptation to lift the lid during the cooking process to maintain consistent heat and moisture—this ensures juicy results! • Broth Matters: Use low-sodium chicken broth for a balanced flavor. You can always adjust salt levels at the end to perfect your dish. • Cornstarch Trick: If you like a thicker sauce, add a cornstarch slurry towards the end of cooking for a luscious finish to your slow cooker chicken thighs. • After Cooking: If your meal isn’t served right away, switch the slow cooker to “warm” for up to 3 hours without lifting the lid, keeping everything ready for dinner! Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs Recipe FAQs How do I choose the best chicken thighs for this recipe? Absolutely! Look for bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs that are plump and have a nice, even color. Avoid any that show signs of freezer burn or have dark spots all over, as they may not taste fresh. If time allows, buying organic or free-range chicken can enhance the overall flavor of your dish! What is the best way to store leftover slow cooker chicken thighs? Leftover slow cooker chicken thighs can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just make sure to include the vegetables and sauce—this will keep the flavors intact. For longer storage, follow the next question! Can I freeze slow cooker chicken thighs? Yes, you can absolutely freeze the chicken thighs! Allow them to cool completely, then place them in a freezer-safe container, making sure to remove excess air. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Remember to label the container with the date for easy identification later! What should I do if my sauce turns out too thin? If your sauce is on the thinner side, don’t worry! About 30 minutes before serving, mix 2 teaspoons of cornstarch with a tablespoon of cold water to create a slurry. Stir this into the slow cooker and continue cooking. The heat will help thicken the sauce beautifully, giving you that luscious texture you desire! Are there any dietary considerations for this recipe? Very! This dish is generally safe for most diets but be cautious of salt levels. For those with dietary allergies, ensure you’re using low-sodium chicken broth and check that your butter and any other add-ins are allergy-friendly. If needed, you can substitute the chicken broth with vegetable broth for a vegetarian option! What if I want to alter the vegetables in my slow cooker chicken thighs? The more, the merrier! Feel free to add or substitute with a variety of vegetables such as bell peppers, zucchini, or even mushrooms. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly depending on the type of vegetables you include, so keep an eye on their tenderness! Tender Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs for Effortless Family Dinners Enjoy tender slow cooker chicken thighs, a comforting dish that's easy to prepare and perfect for family dinners. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 15 minutes minsCook Time 6 hours hrsTotal Time 6 hours hrs 15 minutes mins Servings: 6 servingsCourse: DinnerCuisine: AmericanCalories: 350 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Chicken2.5 pounds Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs The star ingredient; dark meat stays juicy and flavorful.1 Tbsp Olive oil Used for searing the chicken to create golden, crispy skin.For the Vegetables1 pound Carrots Cut into 1-inch pieces.1 pound Baby white potatoes Halved if large; can substitute with red potatoes.4 cloves Garlic Chopped.4 sprigs Thyme Fresh thyme is recommended.Shallots Sliced; can substitute with yellow onions.For the Broth and Sauce0.25 cup Low-sodium chicken broth Provides moisture and enhances flavor.2 Tbsp Salted butter Cubed; can omit or use unsalted.2 tsp Cornstarch Optional; thicken sauce if desired. Equipment Slow CookerLarge skillet Method Step-by-Step InstructionsBegin by heating a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once shimmering, sear the chicken thighs skin-side down for about 5 minutes.In your slow cooker, add the chopped carrots, halved baby potatoes, minced garlic, and fresh thyme sprigs. Stir to combine.Carefully place the seared chicken thighs on top of the vegetable mixture. Pour in the chicken broth and scatter the cubed butter around.Cover the slow cooker and set to cook on low for 6 hours without lifting the lid.For a thicker sauce, mix 2 teaspoons of cornstarch with a bit of water to create a slurry about 30 minutes before serving.Once cooked, garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve. Nutrition Serving: 1servingCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 25gProtein: 30gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 9gCholesterol: 100mgSodium: 450mgPotassium: 800mgFiber: 4gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 20mgCalcium: 30mgIron: 2mg NotesFor the best results, avoid overcrowding the slow cooker and resist opening the lid during the cooking process. Store leftovers appropriately for best flavor. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
