Crock Pot Country Chicken

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My trusty crockpot has to be one of the most underutilized yet invaluable kitchen tools I own. I’m not really sure why I don’t pull it out more often. One-pot, hands off simmering while I’m off running errands or at work should be a regular thing! Especially with the tantalizing aromas that greet me when I return home. Not to mention cleaning up is a breeze with just the removable crock and lid to wash. Crockpot cooking really aligns perfectly with my preference for fuss-free, budget-conscious homemade meals too.

In my ongoing effort to take better advantage of my crockpot, I decided to develop a simple throw-together chicken dish that allows the slow braising to work its magic transforming basic ingredients into comforting, homey flavors reminiscent of old-fashioned chicken soup made from scratch. With tender fall-off-the-bone chicken thighs, carrots and potatoes bathed in a savory, roasted garlic and herb infused broth, this peasant-style one-pot delivers on satisfying crockpot goodness that feels like a big, cozy hug from Grandma.

The funniest part of sharing any new recipe I create is that I’m absolutely terrible at coming up with descriptive names on my own. My working titles while prepping ingredients tend to be super boring and literal like “chicken skillet stuff” or “noodles with sauce“. Fortunately my creative kids have taken to suggesting recipe names during dinner and putting it to a family vote. Which is how we ended up with such a fitting name for this dish that captures the nostalgic, country flavors perfectly. Now I just need to actually remember to make this more often!

Why You’ll Love This Crockpot Chicken

  • Total hands-off ease – Just toss in ingredients then walk away for hours of simmering unattended.
  • Budget-friendly – Uses affordable ingredients easily doubled for feeding a crowd. Stretches chicken further too.
  • Comfort food flavors – Savory herby broth tenderizes chicken and veggies into classic peasant dish.
  • Welcoming aromas – Fills home with notes of garlic, onions, herbs and chicken beckoning you in.
  • Healthy one-pot – Allows fat to render off and lots of nutritious bone broth infused veggie goodness.

Tips

  • Choose bone-in chicken thighs for superior flavor and moisture during long cooking.
  • Prep all vegetables and ingredients before adding to the crock to prevent chilling contents.
  • Add tender veggies like peas or greens only during the last 30 minutes so they don’t overcook.
  • Create a quick roux by whisking equal parts melted butter and flour into hot broth to thicken.
  • Shred or chop chicken then return to the pot with other ingredients to use for sandwiches or over biscuits.

The Main Ingredients

Chicken Thighs with Skin and Bones

Chicken thighs excel in the slow cooker. The skin and bones lend incredible moisture, body and chicken flavor over the low, gentle heat.

Herbs de Provence

This blend of rosemary, thyme, and sage imparts wonderful aromatic flavor into the broth. Use 15+ minutes before serving for optimal potency.

Root Vegetables

Hardy veggies like potatoes, carrots, celery, onions and garlic all hold up well to long simmering with added texture and flavor.

Chicken Broth

Chicken broth lends a rich base with savory flavor to balance out the other components. Water works too.

Cornstarch Slurry

Stirring together cornstarch and water at the end of cooking lets you easily achieve desired thickness for gravy-style broth.

How to Make Crockpot Country Chicken

Prep Veggies & Chicken

Chop sturdy vegetables into large chunks. Sprinkle bone-in chicken thighs with desired herbs and seasonings.

Layer in Crockpot

Place veggies in the pot first. Add seasoned chicken thighs on top.

Add Liquid

Pour chicken broth and any additional flavorful liquids like wine over top until ingredients are nearly covered.

Cook

Cover and cook on LOW setting for 6-8 hours until chicken shreds easily and vegetables tender.

Thicken Broth

If desired, stir together cornstarch and water. Mix into crockpot, then cook 30 minutes more to thicken the broth.

What to Serve with Crockpot Country Chicken

  • Buttery egg noodles or mashed potatoes to soak up gravy
  • Warm crusty bread
  • Green salad with vinaigrette
  • Sauteed greens like kale or spinach
  • Roasted root vegetables like Brussels sprouts or parsnips
  • Classic chicken soup sides like biscuits or cornbread

Possible Substitutions

  • Boneless, skinless chicken pieces
  • Chicken drumsticks, wings or a whole cut up chicken
  • Cubed stew meat or pork shoulder
  • Beef or vegetable broth instead of chicken
  • Other hardy vegetables: parsnips, turnips, celery, fennel

FAQs

What setting should you use in the crockpot?

LOW works best to yield ultra tender meat that pulls right off the bone without overcooking, usually 6-8 hours. HIGH speeds up cooking so adjust time down to 4 hours.

What thickens the broth into a gravy?

Stir together cornstarch and water, then mix into the finished crockpot contents for an easy way to quickly thicken up the broth.

How do you make this recipe in an Instant Pot?

Sauté veggies first if desired. Add ingredients to the pot and pressure cook on HIGH 25-30 minutes with natural release. Stir in slurry after.

Can you make this recipe in a slow cooker liner?

Yes, using disposable plastic liners can save cleanup time. Be sure to check and stir periodically for even cooking.

How should Crockpot Country Chicken leftovers be stored?

Remove bones/skin from chicken and refrigerate portions in shallow containers. Reheat gently back up to temp before serving. Freeze for up to 3 months.

Crock Pot Country Chicken

Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time6 hours
Total Time6 hours 15 minutes
Course: Main Course
Keyword: chicken

Equipment

  • 6+ quart crock pot/slow cooker
  • Knives and cutting boards
  • Large spoon for stirring

Ingredients

  • 4 bone-in chicken thighs
  • 4 medium potatoes chopped
  • 4 large carrots chopped
  • 1 onion diced
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Cornstarch: 2 tablespoons optional, for thickening
  • Water: 2 tablespoons for cornstarch mixture
  • Fresh parsley: Chopped for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  • Preparation: Place the potatoes, carrots, and onions at the bottom of the Crock Pot.
  • Season Chicken: Sprinkle the chicken thighs with salt, pepper, thyme, and rosemary. Place them on top of the vegetables.
  • Add Liquids: Pour the chicken broth and minced garlic over the chicken.
  • Cook: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours, until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
  • Thicken Sauce (Optional): Mix cornstarch with water to create a slurry. Stir into the Crock Pot in the last 30 minutes of cooking to thicken the sauce.
  • Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve hot with the vegetables and sauce.