Maple-Dijon Slow-Cooker Chicken & Root Vegetables
Tender chicken thighs bathed in a sweet-tangy maple-dijon glaze, roasted with seasonal root vegetables for a comforting weeknight dinner. This american-inspired slow cooker ready in about 375 minutes pairs chicken thighs, large, finely chopped shallot, maple syrup 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.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs chicken thighs
- 4 medium, peeled and sliced into 1-inch coins carrots
- 2 medium, peeled and sliced into 1-inch coins parsnips
- 1 large, finely chopped shallot
- 3 tbsp maple syrup
- 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 tbsp, chopped fresh thyme
- 1 tsp olive oil
Instructions
- Step 1: Pat 1.5 lbs chicken thighs dry with paper towels, then season lightly with salt and pepper. Place in slow cooker.
- Step 2: Scatter 4 medium sliced carrots and 2 medium sliced parsnips around the chicken, then add 1 large chopped shallot.
- Step 3: Whisk together 3 tbsp maple syrup, 2 tbsp Dijon mustard, 1 cup chicken broth, and 1 tbsp chopped fresh thyme in a small bowl, then pour over chicken and vegetables.
- Step 4: Drizzle with 1 tsp olive oil, cover, and cook on LOW for 6-7 hours until chicken reaches 165°F and vegetables are fork-tender.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Maple-Dijon Slow-Cooker Chicken & Root Vegetables 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 Maple-Dijon Slow-Cooker Chicken & Root 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 chicken thighs from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Maple-Dijon Slow-Cooker Chicken & Root 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 Maple-Dijon Slow-Cooker Chicken & Root 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 Maple-Dijon Slow-Cooker Chicken & Root 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
- ★★★★★
The step-by-step instructions were super clear. Turned out perfect on my first try.
- ★★★★★
Made exactly as written. Wouldn't change a thing.
- ★★★★★
My whole family loved this.