Maple-Dijon Slow Cooker Chicken with Roasted Root Vegetables
Tender chicken thighs bathed in a sweet-tangy maple-dijon glaze, served alongside caramelized carrots and parsnips for a comforting weeknight dinner. This american-inspired slow cooker ready in about 405 minutes pairs chicken thighs, olive oil, maple syrup for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 520 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 chopped into 1-inch pieces carrots
- 3 medium, peeled and chopped into 1-inch pieces parsnips
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 tbsp maple syrup
- 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 3 cloves, minced garlic
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 tsp dried thyme
Instructions
- Step 1: Place 1.5 lbs bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs in the slow cooker, skin-side up. Season with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper.
- Step 2: Toss 4 medium peeled carrots and 3 medium peeled parsnips with 2 tbsp olive oil, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper, then arrange around the chicken.
- Step 3: Whisk together 3 tbsp maple syrup, 2 tbsp Dijon mustard, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 cup chicken broth, and 1 tsp dried thyme in a small bowl, then pour evenly over the chicken and vegetables.
- Step 4: Cover and cook on LOW for 6-7 hours until chicken reaches 165°F internally and vegetables are fork-tender, basting once halfway through cooking.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Maple-Dijon Slow Cooker Chicken with Roasted Root Vegetables take to make?
Total time is about 405 minutes (15 min prep + 390 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 with Roasted 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 with Roasted 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 with Roasted 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 with Roasted 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
- ★★★★★
Love how the American come through in every bite.
- ★★★★☆
Very good for a 390-minute recipe. Would bump up the spice level though.
- ★★★☆☆
It was fine. Came out a bit bland for my taste.