Irresistible Crockpot Herb Chicken and Veggies Recipe
There’s something truly comforting about a warm bowl of Crockpot Herb Chicken and Veggies after a long day. This dish has become a family favorite for its rich flavors and simplicity. With just a little bit of prep, you can set it and forget it while it cooks to perfection, filling your home with the most inviting aromas. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a cozy weekend gathering, this recipe is perfect for any occasion.
What I love most about this Crockpot Herb Chicken and Veggies recipe is how it brings everyone together, around the table, sharing stories and savoring delicious food. Plus, it’s packed with wholesome ingredients that are not only delicious but also nourishing. Let’s dive into why this dish will quickly become a staple in your home.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
– Easy preparation: Just season, sear, and let the crockpot do the work for you.
– Flavorful herbs: The combination of thyme, rosemary, and oregano infuses every bite with aromatic goodness.
– Healthy ingredients: Packed with chicken and vegetables, this dish is both satisfying and nutritious.
– Versatile for occasions: Perfect for weeknight dinners or special gatherings with family and friends.
– Minimal cleanup: One pot means less time washing dishes and more time enjoying your meal.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering fresh ingredients is just one of the joys of cooking! Here’s what you’ll need to whip up your own Crockpot Herb Chicken and Veggies:
For the Chicken and Veggies
– Chicken Thighs: 2 lbs, boneless, skinless
– Baby Red Potatoes: 1.5 lbs, halved or quartered
– Carrots: 4 large, peeled and chopped into 1-inch pieces
– Yellow Onion: 1 large, chopped
– Garlic: 5 cloves, minced
For the Seasoning
– Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons
– Chicken Broth: ½ cup, low-sodium
– Dried Thyme: 1 teaspoon
– Dried Rosemary: 1 teaspoon
– Dried Oregano: 1 teaspoon
– Paprika: 1 teaspoon
– Salt: 1 teaspoon, or to taste
– Black Pepper: ½ teaspoon, freshly ground
For Garnish
– Fresh Parsley: ¼ cup, chopped
Variations
This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Here are some fun ways to switch things up:
– Swap the protein: Use chicken breasts or even turkey thighs if you prefer.
– Change the veggies: Feel free to add bell peppers or green beans for more colors and flavors.
– Add some spice: Toss in red pepper flakes if you’re looking for a bit of heat.
– Try different herbs: Experiment with fresh herbs like basil or cilantro for a different flavor profile.
How to Make Crockpot Herb Chicken and Veggies
Step 1: Prepare the Herb Rub
In a small bowl, combine the dried thyme, rosemary, oregano, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mixing these spices together ensures that they will evenly coat your chicken thighs later on. This step is crucial because it builds that lovely flavor foundation for your dish.
Step 2: Season the Chicken
Pat the boneless, skinless chicken thighs completely dry with paper towels. This process helps achieve that beautiful sear later on. Generously sprinkle the herb mixture over all sides of the chicken thighs, pressing it gently into the meat so those flavors really penetrate.
Step 3: Sear the Chicken (Optional but Recommended)
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Carefully place the seasoned chicken thighs in the hot skillet. Sear them for about 2–3 minutes on each side until they develop a golden-brown crust. This step adds depth to your dish through caramelization—it’s worth taking that extra time!
Step 4: Sauté the Aromatics
In the same skillet after removing the chicken thighs, add chopped yellow onion. Sauté them for about 3–4 minutes until they soften and turn translucent. Then add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. These aromatics will enhance the overall flavor profile of your meal.
Step 5: Deglaze the Pan
Pour chicken broth into that hot skillet to deglaze it. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up all those tasty browned bits stuck at the bottom—this “fond” holds so much flavor! Let everything simmer for about a minute to meld those delicious tastes together.
Step 6: Layer the Ingredients
Arrange chopped carrots and baby red potatoes around your seared chicken thighs in the crockpot. Pour that lovely onion-garlic-broth mixture evenly over everything. This layering ensures that all ingredients soak up those wonderful herby flavors as they cook.
Step 7: Slow Cook to Perfection
Place the lid on your crockpot! Cook on LOW for about 6–8 hours or on HIGH for around 3–4 hours until everything is tender—the internal temperature of chicken should reach at least 165°F (74°C). Your kitchen will smell incredible by now!
Step 8: Garnish and Serve
Once cooked through, carefully remove everything onto a serving platter. If you’d like to thicken any remaining liquid into a gravy (check Additional Tips), now’s your chance! Garnish generously with fresh chopped parsley before serving—it adds both color and freshness.
And there you have it! A delightful Crockpot Herb Chicken and Veggies that’s perfect for any occasion—enjoy every savory bite!
Pro Tips for Making Crockpot Herb Chicken and Veggies
Cooking in a crockpot is a wonderful way to create comforting meals with minimal effort, and this recipe is no exception! Here are some tips to ensure your Crockpot Herb Chicken and Veggies turns out perfectly every time.
– Choose the right chicken parts: While boneless, skinless thighs work beautifully, you can also experiment with bone-in thighs or even chicken breasts if you prefer. Just remember that cooking times may vary slightly.
– Don’t skip the searing: Although it’s optional, searing the chicken adds depth of flavor. If you’re short on time, you can skip this step, but try to find a moment to give it a quick sear when possible.
– Layer wisely: Place the chicken at the bottom of the crockpot to help it cook evenly. The veggies can be placed around them so they soak up all those delicious juices.
– Adjust seasoning: Feel free to tweak the herb blend according to your taste preferences or what you have on hand. Fresh herbs can also be used instead of dried for an even more vibrant flavor!
– Use fresh veggies: For the best taste and texture, use fresh vegetables rather than frozen. This will enhance the overall quality of your dish.
How to Serve Crockpot Herb Chicken and Veggies
Serving your Crockpot Herb Chicken and Veggies is all about presentation and complementing flavors. Here are some ideas to make your meal feel special.
Garnishes
– Fresh parsley: A sprinkle of chopped parsley adds a burst of color and freshness that brightens up the dish.
– Lemon wedges: Squeeze a bit of lemon juice over the finished dish for added brightness and acidity.
Side Dishes
– Steamed green beans: Their crispness provides a lovely contrast to the tender chicken and veggies.
– Quinoa or rice: Serve alongside for a hearty, wholesome meal that soaks up any leftover juices.
– Salad: A light side salad can balance out the richness of this dish beautifully.
Make Ahead and Storage
Meal prepping can save time during busy weeks, and this recipe is perfect for making ahead. Here’s how you can store leftovers or prep in advance.
Storing Leftovers
– Allow any leftovers to cool completely before transferring them into an airtight container.
– Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Freezing
– Portion out leftovers into freezer-safe containers or bags.
– Label with the date and freeze for up to 3 months for best quality.
Reheating
– Thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen.
– Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through; add a splash of broth if it seems dry.
FAQs
If you have questions about making this delicious dish, you’re not alone! Here are some common queries answered.
Can I use other vegetables?
Absolutely! Feel free to mix in other vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms based on your preferences or seasonal availability.
Is there a vegetarian version?
Yes! You can substitute chicken with hearty vegetables like eggplant or cauliflower and use vegetable broth instead. Adjust cooking times accordingly as veggies may cook faster than meat.
Can I cook this on high heat?
Yes! You can cook on high for about 3-4 hours instead of low for 6-8 hours. Just make sure everything reaches a safe internal temperature!
Final Thoughts
I hope you give this Crockpot Herb Chicken and Veggies recipe a try—it’s one of those comforting meals that warms both body and soul! With its savory flavors and simple preparation, it’s sure to become a favorite in your home. Happy cooking!
Crockpot Herb Chicken and Veggies
Ingredients
Method
- In a small bowl, combine the dried thyme, rosemary, oregano, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Pat the chicken thighs dry and sprinkle the herb mixture over all sides, pressing it into the meat.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet and sear the chicken thighs for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown.
- Sauté chopped onion in the same skillet for 3-4 minutes, then add minced garlic and cook for another minute.
- Pour chicken broth into the skillet to deglaze, scraping up browned bits and simmer for a minute.
- Layer chopped carrots and potatoes around the chicken in the crockpot, then pour the onion-garlic-broth mixture over everything.
- Cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or on HIGH for 3-4 hours until everything is tender.
- Remove everything onto a serving platter, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve.
