Herb-Infused Slow-Cooker Chicken with Spring Vegetables
Tender chicken thighs simmered with fresh asparagus and peas in a fragrant herb broth for a light yet satisfying spring meal. This american-inspired slow cooker ready in about 380 minutes pairs olive oil, minced garlic, leaves (or 2 tsp dried) fresh thyme for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 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 (about 1.5 lbs) chicken thighs
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium, finely chopped (about 1 cup) yellow onion
- 3 cloves, minced garlic
- 2 tbsp leaves (or 2 tsp dried) fresh thyme
- 1 tsp dried rosemary
- 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1 cup fresh, cut into 1-inch pieces asparagus
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1, sliced for garnish lemon
Instructions
- Step 1: Pat 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 1.5 lbs) dry with paper towels and season evenly with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper.
- Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering, then add the chicken thighs and sear for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown, transferring to the slow cooker as done.
- Step 3: Add 1 cup finely chopped yellow onion to the skillet and cook for 3 minutes until softened, then add 3 minced garlic cloves, 2 tbsp fresh thyme leaves, and 1 tsp dried rosemary, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 4: Pour 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth into the skillet to deglaze, scraping up any browned bits, and immediately pour the mixture over the chicken in the slow cooker.
- Step 5: Add 1 cup frozen peas and 1 cup fresh asparagus pieces (cut into 1-inch pieces) to the slow cooker, then cover and cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours until the chicken is tender.
- Step 6: Remove the chicken from the slow cooker, discard the skin, and slice the thighs. Return the chicken to the slow cooker and stir to combine with the vegetables. Serve immediately with lemon slices.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Herb-Infused Slow-Cooker Chicken with Spring Vegetables take to make?
Total time is about 380 minutes (20 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-Infused Slow-Cooker Chicken with Spring Vegetables?
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-Infused Slow-Cooker Chicken with Spring Vegetables?
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-Infused Slow-Cooker Chicken with Spring Vegetables 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-Infused Slow-Cooker Chicken with Spring Vegetables?
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
- ★★★★☆
Enjoyable meal. Instructions could be a touch more detailed on the timing.
- ★★★★☆
My family liked it. I personally would prefer more depth of flavor.
- ★★★☆☆
Not bad. Would need significant modifications to make it a regular.
