Are you ready to elevate your dinner game with a mouthwatering dish that practically cooks itself? Say hello to the "Slow Cooker Chicken Thigh Dinner," a delightful American recipe that combines juicy, tender chicken thighs with colorful vegetables for a meal that is as nutritious as it is delicious! With just 15 minutes of prep time and a slow cooker doing the heavy lifting, you can enjoy a hearty dinner without spending hours in the kitchen. Imagine coming home to the irresistible aroma of garlic and savory chicken wafting through your home—your family will be begging for seconds! Keep reading to discover how to create this easy yet impressive dish that serves four and is perfect for any night of the week.
Ingredients
- 4 chicken thighs, bone-in and skin-on
- 1 cup baby potatoes
- 2 cups green beans
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken thighs by patting them dry with paper towels to ensure crisp skin and better seasoning absorption.
- Season chicken thighs generously with garlic powder, salt, and pepper on both sides, making sure to distribute the seasoning evenly.
- Wash baby potatoes and cut any larger ones in half to ensure uniform cooking. Trim the ends of green beans and rinse them thoroughly.
- Arrange baby potatoes at the bottom of the slow cooker, creating an even layer that will help support the chicken thighs.
- Carefully place seasoned chicken thighs skin-side up on top of the potatoes, ensuring they are not overcrowded.
- Scatter green beans around and between the chicken thighs to maximize vegetable distribution.
- Pour chicken broth slowly around the edges of the slow cooker, being careful not to wash off the seasoning from the chicken.
- Cover the slow cooker and set to low heat, cooking for 4 hours until chicken is tender and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Once cooking is complete, carefully remove chicken thighs and vegetables onto a serving platter.
- Optional: For crispier skin, place chicken thighs under a broiler for 2-3 minutes before serving.
- Let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute, ensuring maximum flavor and moisture.
Tips
- Prep for Perfection: Start by patting the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. This simple step helps achieve that coveted crispy skin and allows the seasoning to adhere better.
- Season Generously: Don’t be shy with the garlic powder, salt, and pepper! A good seasoning on both sides of the chicken ensures flavor in every bite.
- Uniform Veggies: To ensure even cooking, cut larger baby potatoes in half and trim the ends of the green beans. This way, everything cooks perfectly together.
- Layer Smartly: Place the baby potatoes at the bottom of the slow cooker to create a sturdy base for the chicken thighs. This not only supports the chicken but also infuses the potatoes with delicious flavors.
- Don’t Overcrowd: Arrange the chicken thighs skin-side up without overcrowding them. This allows the skin to crisp up beautifully and ensures even cooking.
- Broth Matters: When adding the chicken broth, pour it around the edges of the slow cooker. This technique keeps the seasoning intact on the chicken while providing moisture for cooking.
- Crispy Skin Bonus: If you love crispy skin, broil the chicken thighs for 2-3 minutes after slow cooking. This extra step gives you that perfect crunch!
- Let It Rest: After cooking, let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring every bite is packed with flavor and moisture.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 238kcal
Carbohydrates: 13g
Protein: 24g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 90mg
