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!
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.
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.
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.
