Herb & Garlic Slow-Cooked Chicken Thighs
Tender chicken thighs simmered in a fragrant herb and garlic broth with carrots and potatoes, perfect for a comforting weeknight meal. This american-inspired slow cooker ready in about 375 minutes pairs bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs, olive oil, minced garlic for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 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.
Ingredients
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cloves, minced garlic
- 1 tbsp dried thyme
- 1 tbsp dried rosemary
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 medium, peeled and chopped into 1-inch pieces carrots
- 2 medium, peeled and chopped into 1-inch pieces potatoes
- 1 cup chicken broth
Instructions
- Step 1: Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels, then season both sides with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
- Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken thighs for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown, then transfer to the slow cooker.
- Step 3: Add 4 minced garlic cloves, 1 tbsp dried thyme, 1 tbsp dried rosemary, and the remaining 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper to the slow cooker.
- Step 4: Add the chopped carrots and potatoes, then pour 1 cup chicken broth over everything, ensuring the chicken is mostly covered.
- Step 5: Cover and cook on LOW for 6-7 hours until the chicken is fork-tender and the vegetables are cooked through.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Herb & Garlic Slow-Cooked Chicken Thighs 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 & Garlic Slow-Cooked Chicken Thighs?
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 olive oil from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Herb & Garlic Slow-Cooked Chicken Thighs?
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 & Garlic Slow-Cooked Chicken Thighs 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 & Garlic Slow-Cooked Chicken Thighs?
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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Kids gobbled it up without complaints — that's a 5-star in my book.
- ★★★★★
The aroma while cooking this was absolutely heavenly.
- ★★★★☆
Almost perfect — just needed a squeeze of lemon at the end.