Herbed Slow Cooker Chicken Dinner

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook: 8 hours
🍽 Serves: 6
★★★★★
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Imagine coming home to the comforting aroma of a home-cooked meal, ready to warm you up from the inside out. This Herbed Slow Cooker Chicken Dinner is your ticket to a fuss-free, flavorful evening. Perfect for busy days when you crave something wholesome and savory.

Ingredients for Herbed Slow Cooker Chicken Dinner

The star of our dish is the whole chicken, which becomes incredibly tender and juicy after hours of slow cooking. Adding carrots brings a sweet earthiness, while onions add depth and savory notes. The garlic gives a subtle aromatic kick. A sprinkle of salt and black pepper enhances all the natural flavors, and the combination of dried rosemary and dried thyme infuses a distinctive herbal aroma. We use olive oil to brown the chicken, adding a touch of richness, and chicken broth to keep everything moist and flavorful.

Tips & Tricks

  • For extra flavor, try adding a splash of white wine with the broth.
  • If you prefer crispy skin, pop the cooked chicken under the broiler for a few minutes.
  • Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
  • Save the leftover broth — it makes a fantastic base for soups.

Serving Suggestions

Pair this chicken dinner with a side of creamy mashed potatoes or a crusty loaf of bread to soak up the delicious juices. A simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing complements the rich flavors nicely. For a touch of acidity, a squeeze of lemon over the chicken before serving can brighten the dish beautifully.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken breasts instead of a whole chicken?
Yes, though the cooking time will be reduced. Check for doneness after 4-5 hours.
Can I add other vegetables?
Absolutely! Potatoes and parsnips work well and add extra heartiness.
What if my slow cooker doesn't have a low setting?
You can cook on high for 3-4 hours, but check the chicken's temperature to ensure it's cooked through.

Herbed Slow Cooker Chicken Dinner Recipe Walkthrough

Start by preparing your chicken. Remove the giblets and pat it dry with paper towels. This helps the skin brown nicely. In a large skillet, heat your olive oil over medium-high heat. Brown the chicken on all sides for about 5-7 minutes; this step locks in the flavors and gives the skin a lovely golden color.

Next, line the bottom of your slow cooker with the carrots, onions, and garlic. This not only flavors the chicken but also prevents it from sticking to the bottom. Season your browned chicken generously with salt, pepper, rosemary, and thyme. Place it on top of the vegetables in the slow cooker.

Pour the chicken broth over everything, ensuring the flavors meld together beautifully as they cook. Cover your slow cooker and set it to low for 6-8 hours. The slow, gentle heat allows the chicken to become incredibly tender.

Once it’s cooked, carefully remove the chicken and vegetables. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before carving. This step helps the juices redistribute, keeping your chicken moist.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Minimal prep time makes it perfect for busy schedules.
  • Slow cooking enhances the rich, herby flavors without much effort.
  • Uses simple, pantry-friendly ingredients.
  • Creates a balanced meal with protein and vegetables in one pot.

Ingredients

4 lbs whole chicken
3 carrots, sliced
2 onions, quartered
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 tsp dried rosemary
1 tsp dried thyme
2 tbsp olive oil
1 cup chicken broth

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Prepare the chicken by removing the giblets and patting it dry with paper towels.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat and brown the chicken on all sides for about 5-7 minutes.
3. Place carrots, onions, and garlic in the bottom of the slow cooker.
4. Season the chicken with salt, pepper, rosemary, and thyme, then place it on top of the vegetables.
5. Pour chicken broth over the chicken and vegetables.
6. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
7. Once cooked, carefully remove the chicken and vegetables from the slow cooker and let it rest for a few minutes before carving.

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