Slow Cooker Creamy Garlic Chicken And Veggies Recipe

Tender chicken and fresh vegetables simmered in a rich, creamy garlic sauce make the Slow Cooker Creamy Garlic Chicken And Veggies Recipe a perfect choice for any occasion. Whether it’s a busy weeknight dinner or a weekend family gathering, this dish delivers comforting flavors with minimal effort. The slow cooker does all the work while you enjoy time with your loved ones, making it an ideal meal for those who appreciate convenience without sacrificing taste.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Effortless Cooking: Just set it and forget it! The slow cooker allows you to focus on other tasks while your meal cooks to perfection.
• Rich Flavors: The combination of garlic, cream, and seasonings creates a deliciously rich sauce that elevates the dish.
• Versatile Ingredients: You can easily swap out veggies or proteins based on your preferences or what you have on hand.
• Healthy Options: Packed with veggies like broccoli and baby potatoes, this dish is both satisfying and nutritious.
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love this creamy chicken dish—perfect for even the pickiest eaters!

Tools and Preparation

To prepare the Slow Cooker Creamy Garlic Chicken And Veggies Recipe, you’ll need a few essential tools to get started.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Slow cooker (6-quart)
• Large cast iron skillet
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk

Importance of Each Tool

• Slow cooker: This appliance ensures even cooking over low heat, allowing flavors to meld beautifully over several hours.
• Large cast iron skillet: Perfect for searing the chicken before adding it to the slow cooker, enhancing flavor through caramelization.

Ingredients

Tender chicken and fresh vegetables simmered in a rich, creamy garlic sauce, perfectly cooked in a slow cooker for a comforting and effortless meal.

For the Chicken

• 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
• 1 ½ teaspoons smoked paprika
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

For the Vegetables

• 2 pounds baby red potatoes, halved
• ¼ cup white apple vinegar
• ¼ cup chicken stock
• 2 shallots, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 3 cups broccoli florets

For the Creamy Sauce

• ½ cup heavy cream
• 1 ½ tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch

How to Make Slow Cooker Creamy Garlic Chicken And Veggies Recipe

Step 1: Season the Chicken

First things first, let’s give those chicken thighs a bit of love. Sprinkle them generously with smoked paprika, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper. You’ll want to ensure every nook and cranny is well-seasoned for maximum flavor—trust me, this step makes all the difference!

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Heat up a large cast iron skillet over medium-high heat and melt the unsalted butter. Once it’s nice and bubbly:
* Add the chicken thighs skin-side down.
* Sear them until both sides are beautifully golden brown—this should take about 2 to 3 minutes per side.
After they’re browned to perfection, drain any excess fat and set the chicken aside. This step locks in the flavor and gives your chicken that irresistible crispy skin.

Step 3: Prepare the Slow Cooker Base

Toss the halved baby red potatoes into your trusty 6-quart slow cooker. To this:
* Add the white apple vinegar.
* Pour in chicken stock.
* Include chopped shallots, minced garlic, and dried thyme.
Give it a good stir to mix everything together nicely. Season with more salt and pepper—to taste. This is the flavor base that will infuse into everything else.

Step 4: Arrange the Chicken

Place the seared chicken thighs evenly over the potato mixture in the slow cooker. Make sure they’re snug but not overcrowded so everything cooks evenly. This setup will let juices from the chicken seep into potatoes and spices.

Step 5: Slow Cook

Cover the slow cooker and set it to low heat. Let it do its magic for about 5 to 6 hours. You’ll know it’s done when:
* The chicken is cooked through.
* It reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.

During this time, delightful aromas will fill your kitchen!

Step 6: Add the Broccoli

About 30 minutes before cooking time is up, add broccoli florets to the slow cooker. This ensures they stay bright green and tender-crisp—a pop of color that complements your dish beautifully.

Step 7: Remove and Keep Warm

Carefully remove chicken, potatoes, and broccoli from the slow cooker; cover them to keep warm. It’s like setting up for a grand finale—everything is coming together!

Step 8: Thicken the Sauce

In a small bowl:
1. Whisk together heavy cream, freshly squeezed lemon juice, and cornstarch until smooth.
2. Pour this creamy concoction into the slow cooker; stir well.
3. Cover again; cook on high heat for an additional 10 to 15 minutes or until sauce thickens to your liking.

Step 9: Serve and Enjoy

Time to dig in! Plate up those tender chicken thighs, potatoes, and broccoli:
– Drizzle generously with luscious cream sauce.
The rich garlic notes combined with a hint of lemon will have everyone coming back for seconds! Enjoy every bite of this comforting meal!

How to Serve Slow Cooker Creamy Garlic Chicken And Veggies Recipe

Serving Slow Cooker Creamy Garlic Chicken and Veggies is all about showcasing the rich flavors and comforting textures of this dish. You can keep it simple or get creative with accompaniments that enhance the meal.

With Fresh Herbs

• Chopped Parsley: Sprinkle fresh parsley on top for a pop of color and freshness.
• Thyme Sprigs: Add a few sprigs of thyme for an aromatic touch that complements the garlic.

Over Rice or Quinoa

• Steamed White Rice: Serve the chicken and veggies over fluffy white rice to soak up the creamy sauce.
• Quinoa: For a healthier option, try serving it on a bed of quinoa, which adds protein and nuttiness.

With Crusty Bread

• Sourdough Bread: A slice of crusty sourdough is perfect for mopping up the delicious sauce.
• Garlic Bread: Enhance the garlic flavor with crispy garlic bread as a side.

As a Salad

• Mixed Green Salad: Pairing this dish with a light salad can balance out the richness. Use a vinaigrette dressing for contrast.
• Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw can add crunch and freshness to your plate.

How to Perfect Slow Cooker Creamy Garlic Chicken And Veggies Recipe

To make your Slow Cooker Creamy Garlic Chicken and Veggies even better, consider these helpful tips.

• Bold Seasoning: Don’t be shy with spices! Season your chicken generously for deeper flavor throughout the dish.
• Sear Thoroughly: Ensure you sear your chicken until golden brown; this adds depth and enhances overall taste.
• Layer Ingredients Wisely: Always place denser ingredients like potatoes at the bottom of the slow cooker for even cooking.
• Add Veggies Last: Incorporate delicate vegetables like broccoli towards the end of cooking to maintain their vibrant color and texture.
• Experiment with Broths: Use homemade or low-sodium broth for richer flavor without extra salt.
• Adjust Creaminess: Feel free to modify the amount of heavy cream based on your preference for richness in the sauce.

Best Side Dishes for Slow Cooker Creamy Garlic Chicken And Veggies Recipe

Pairing sides with your Slow Cooker Creamy Garlic Chicken and Veggies can elevate your meal. Here are some great options:

1. Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes infused with garlic complement the dish perfectly.
2. Roasted Asparagus: Lightly seasoned asparagus roasted until tender provides a fresh contrast.
3. Steamed Green Beans: Crisp-tender green beans add color and crunch, enhancing your plate’s appeal.
4. Cauliflower Rice: A low-carb option that soaks up sauce well while adding additional veggies to your meal.
5. Baked Sweet Potatoes: Sweet potatoes offer a hint of sweetness that pairs beautifully with savory chicken.
6. Couscous Salad: Fluffy couscous mixed with fresh veggies makes for a light side that balances flavors effectively.
7. Zucchini Noodles (Zoodles): An excellent low-carb alternative that pairs wonderfully with creamy sauces.
8. Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Crispy Brussels sprouts provide a nutty flavor that contrasts nicely with rich dishes.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

It’s easy to make mistakes when preparing the Slow Cooker Creamy Garlic Chicken And Veggies Recipe. Here are some common pitfalls and how to steer clear of them.

• Skipping the seasoning: Not seasoning the chicken well can lead to bland flavors. Make sure to coat it thoroughly with spices.
• Overcrowding the cooker: Adding too much chicken or veggies can prevent even cooking. Use a larger slow cooker or cook in batches if necessary.
• Ignoring cooking times: Cooking for too long can dry out the chicken. Always check for the internal temperature, which should reach 165°F.
• Adding delicate veggies too early: If you add broccoli at the beginning, it may become mushy. Add it in the last 30 minutes for perfect texture.
• Neglecting to thicken the sauce: Skipping the step to thicken your sauce can result in a watery dish. Use cornstarch mixed with cream for a creamy finish.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• • It will keep well for up to 3 days.

Freezing Slow Cooker Creamy Garlic Chicken And Veggies Recipe

• • Allow the dish to cool before transferring it to freezer-safe containers.
• • It can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Slow Cooker Creamy Garlic Chicken And Veggies Recipe

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F and bake until heated through, about 20-25 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power in microwave-safe dishes, stirring occasionally until warm.
• Stovetop: Reheat on low heat in a saucepan, stirring regularly to avoid sticking.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some commonly asked questions regarding the Slow Cooker Creamy Garlic Chicken And Veggies Recipe.

What is the best chicken cut for this recipe?

Using bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs gives great flavor and keeps the meat juicy throughout cooking.

Can I use other vegetables?

Absolutely! Feel free to customize with your favorite veggies like carrots or green beans for added variety.

How do I make this recipe dairy-free?

You can substitute heavy cream with coconut cream or a dairy-free alternative like cashew cream for similar results.

Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! You can season and sear the chicken a day before and assemble everything in the slow cooker just before cooking.

What can I serve with Slow Cooker Creamy Garlic Chicken And Veggies Recipe?

This dish pairs wonderfully with rice, quinoa, or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.

Final Thoughts

The Slow Cooker Creamy Garlic Chicken And Veggies Recipe is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. You can easily customize it by adding your favorite vegetables or adjusting seasonings. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want a comforting meal without much effort. Try it out and enjoy every bite!