Slow Cooker Braised Chicken with Root Vegetables

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender chicken thighs and seasonal root vegetables simmered to perfection in a herb-infused broth. This american-inspired slow cooker ready in about 375 minutes pairs olive oil, large, diced onion, minced garlic 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 360 min Serves 4 American cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs dry with paper towels and season with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering; add chicken thighs and sear for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown, then transfer to a slow cooker.
  3. Step 3: Add 1 large diced onion, 3 minced garlic cloves, 2 chopped carrots, 2 chopped parsnips, and 2 chopped potatoes to the slow cooker around the chicken.
  4. Step 4: Sprinkle 1 tsp dried thyme and 1 bay leaf over vegetables, then pour in 1 cup chicken broth and 1/2 tsp salt.
  5. Step 5: Cover and cook on low for 6 hours until chicken is tender and vegetables are fork-tender.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow Cooker Braised Chicken with 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 Slow Cooker Braised Chicken with 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 olive oil from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Slow Cooker Braised Chicken with 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 Slow Cooker Braised Chicken with 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 Slow Cooker Braised Chicken with 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.

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