Here’s a simple and versatile slow cooker chicken recipe—perfect for a hands-off, flavorful meal 🍗
Slow Cooker Chicken (Whole Meal or Parts)
Ingredients (4 servings)
- 4–6 bone-in, skinless chicken thighs or drumsticks (or 2–3 chicken breasts)
- 1 cup chicken broth (or water)
- 1 onion, sliced
- 2–3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp paprika (optional)
- 1 tsp dried herbs (thyme, rosemary, or Italian seasoning)
- Optional: vegetables like carrots, potatoes, or bell peppers
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken
- Pat chicken dry and season with salt, pepper, paprika, and herbs.
- Layer in slow cooker
- Place sliced onion and minced garlic at the bottom of the slow cooker.
- Add chicken on top.
- Pour chicken broth around (not over) the chicken.
- Optional: add chopped vegetables around the chicken.
- Cook
- LOW: 6–7 hours
- HIGH: 3–4 hours
Chicken is done when internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and meat is tender.
- Optional finishing touch
- For crispy skin: remove chicken and broil in the oven for 3–5 minutes.
- Thicken juices into a gravy by whisking in 1–2 tsp cornstarch and simmering on the stovetop.
- Serve
- With rice, mashed potatoes, or roasted vegetables.
Flavor Variations
- Lemon-Herb: add lemon slices and fresh herbs
- BBQ: brush chicken with BBQ sauce in last hour
- Teriyaki: add soy sauce, ginger, and brown sugar
- Creamy Garlic: stir in ½ cup cream or cream cheese before serving
I can also give a dump-and-go slow cooker chicken recipe that requires almost no prep but is super flavorful. That one’s great for busy days. Do you want me to write it?
