Next, I pour the chicken broth over everything. This is where the magic happens—the broth gently steams the chicken and veggies, infusing them with flavor while keeping them moist. Then, I sprinkle the paprika, thyme, salt, and pepper over the top. If you’re like me and enjoy the little things in life, this step is like adding the finishing touch to a beautiful painting.
Once everything is in place, I cover my crockpot and set it on low for about 6-8 hours. The anticipation builds throughout the day as I go about my routine—my kitchen starts to smell heavenly, and I can’t wait for dinner! If I’m in a hurry, I’ll set it to high and cook for 3-4 hours. Either way, the outcome is delicious.
When it’s time to serve, I carefully lift the lid. The steam rises, revealing tender chicken thighs and flavorful vegetables that are perfectly cooked. I like to use tongs to take out the chicken first, letting any excess juices drip back into the pot. Then I scoop out the veggies and serve everything alongside the fragrant broth for a little extra flavor.
Pro Tips for Best Results
I tested this three ways to see what worked best. The first time, I tried it with skin-on chicken thighs, and while they were delicious, they added an additional layer of grease to the dish. The second time, I went skinless, which I found provided a much lighter result without compromising flavor. The skin-on version is still great, just a tad heavier!
One thing I always make sure to do is to season the chicken well. I typically sprinkle just a bit more salt and pepper than I think I’ll need. The last thing you want is bland chicken! Trust your taste buds, and don’t be afraid to experiment a little with herbs or spices to make it your own.
Lastly, I recommend prepping this dish the night before. I often chop my veggies and garlic, place everything in the crockpot, and then store it in the fridge overnight. In the morning, I can just pop it right into the slow cooker! It’s one less thing to worry about, especially on busy days.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
One common mistake I’ve made in the past is overcrowding the crockpot. If you cram in too many ingredients, it might not cook evenly. I learned this the hard way when I ended up with undercooked chicken, and that’s not the kind of surprise I enjoy at dinner time! (See the next page below to continue…)