Herb-Crusted Slow Cooker Chicken with Maple-Glazed Root Veggies

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender chicken thighs roasted with aromatic herbs and sweet maple-glazed carrots, parsnips, and onions for a comforting weeknight dinner. This american-inspired slow cooker ready in about 375 minutes pairs chicken thighs, olive oil, dried thyme for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 480 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

★ 4.0 (11 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 360 min Serves 4 American cuisine 480 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Place 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 1.5 lbs) in the slow cooker, skin-side up. Drizzle with 2 tbsp olive oil and sprinkle with 1 tsp dried thyme, 1 tsp dried rosemary, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, and 2 tbsp maple syrup. Rub the seasonings into the chicken.
  2. Step 2: Arrange 2 medium carrots (peeled and cut into 1-inch chunks), 2 medium parsnips (peeled and cut into 1-inch chunks), and 1 large yellow onion (cut into wedges) around the chicken. Pour 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth around the vegetables.
  3. Step 3: Cover and cook on LOW for 6 hours until chicken reaches 165°F and vegetables are tender. Carefully remove chicken and vegetables to a platter, discarding bones and skin.
  4. Step 4: Drizzle the cooking liquid over the chicken and vegetables, then sprinkle with 1 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped) before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Herb-Crusted Slow Cooker Chicken with Maple-Glazed Root Veggies take to make?

Total time is about 375 minutes (15 min prep + 360 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Herb-Crusted Slow Cooker Chicken with Maple-Glazed Root Veggies?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep chicken thighs from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Herb-Crusted Slow Cooker Chicken with Maple-Glazed Root Veggies?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Herb-Crusted Slow Cooker Chicken with Maple-Glazed Root Veggies for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Herb-Crusted Slow Cooker Chicken with Maple-Glazed Root Veggies?

American slow cooker like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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