Here’s a simple and flavorful slow cooker chicken recipe—set it and forget it! 🍗
Slow Cooker Chicken
Ingredients
- 4–6 bone-in chicken thighs or breasts (skin-on or off)
- 1 onion, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp paprika (smoked or regular)
- 1 tsp dried thyme or Italian seasoning
- Optional: 2 tbsp olive oil or butter for extra flavor
Optional Extras
- 2–3 carrots, sliced
- 2–3 potatoes, cubed
- 1 bell pepper, sliced
Instructions
- Prep chicken
- Season chicken with salt, pepper, and paprika.
- Layer ingredients
- Place onions, garlic, and optional vegetables in the slow cooker.
- Add chicken on top.
- Pour chicken broth over everything. Sprinkle thyme or Italian seasoning.
- Cook
- Cover and cook on LOW 6–7 hours or HIGH 3–4 hours, until chicken is fully cooked and tender (165°F / 74°C internal temperature).
- Optional crisp finish
- For crispy skin, place cooked chicken under a broiler 3–5 minutes after removing from the slow cooker.
- Serve
- Serve with the vegetables and some of the cooking liquid as a natural gravy.
Tips & Variations
- 🍋 Add lemon slices and fresh herbs for a bright flavor.
- 🌶️ Add chili flakes or hot sauce for a spicy version.
- 🍯 Mix in a little honey or barbecue sauce in the last 30 minutes for a glazed flavor.
- 🥣 Use the slow cooker liquid to make a creamy chicken sauce: stir in ¼ cup cream or cream cheese at the end.
If you want, I can give a slow cooker version with a crispy breading finish—like fried chicken but done mostly in the crockpot.
Do you want me to do that?
