Slow-Cooked Chicken with Spring Vegetables
Tender chicken thighs simmered with seasonal vegetables in a savory herb broth, perfect for cozy weeknights. This american-inspired slow cooker ready in about 375 minutes pairs chicken thighs, baby carrots, broccoli florets for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 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
- 2 cups baby carrots
- 1.5 cups broccoli florets
- 1 cup green onions
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1 tbsp dried thyme
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Place 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs in the slow cooker, then add 2 cups baby carrots, 1.5 cups broccoli florets, and 1 cup sliced green onions.
- Step 2: In a small bowl, combine 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 tbsp dried thyme, 1/2 cup chicken broth, 1 tbsp olive oil, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper; stir until fully mixed, then pour over the chicken and vegetables.
- Step 3: Secure the lid and cook on low for 6 hours until chicken is fork-tender and vegetables are tender when pierced.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Slow-Cooked Chicken with Spring 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 Slow-Cooked 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 chicken thighs from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Slow-Cooked 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 Slow-Cooked 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 Slow-Cooked 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
- ★★★★★
My go-to for potluck dinners now. Guests always ask for the recipe!
- ★★★★★
Simple weeknight dinner that impressed my husband. The lemon zest in the broth was a game-changer!
- ★★★★★
The chicken stayed so moist and the peas and carrots retained perfect crunch. Made for my picky toddler who devoured it!