Description
This Sumptuous Crockpot Poultry Extravaganza is a hearty and flavorful slow cooker chicken dish packed with tender chicken thighs, vibrant vegetables, and a rich blend of herbs and spices. Perfect for a comforting family meal, it features a simple sear before slow cooking for deep, well-rounded flavors. Serve it over rice, mashed potatoes, or cauliflower rice for a wholesome feast.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Vegetables
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 cup baby carrots
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 yellow bell pepper, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Tomato Sauce and Seasonings
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon dried rosemary
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Sear the Chicken: In a skillet over medium heat, warm the olive oil and lightly sear the chicken thighs for 2 to 3 minutes on each side until they develop a golden-brown color. This step locks in flavor and adds richness to the final dish.
- Prepare the Crockpot: Transfer the seared chicken thighs to the crockpot. Layer the baby carrots, chopped celery, onion, red and yellow bell peppers, and minced garlic on top of the chicken for a balanced vegetable mix.
- Make the Tomato Mixture: In a small bowl, combine the diced tomatoes, low-sodium chicken broth, tomato paste, smoked paprika, dried thyme, dried rosemary, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to blend all the flavors together.
- Cook the Stew: Pour the tomato and broth mixture evenly over the chicken and vegetables in the crockpot. Cover and cook on low for 6 to 7 hours, or on high for 3 to 4 hours, until the chicken is tender and the flavors meld beautifully.
- Shred the Chicken: Once cooked, gently shred the chicken directly in the crockpot using two forks, mixing it well with the vegetables and sauce to create a hearty stew texture.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley over the dish before serving. For an enhanced flavor profile, consider adding a splash of balsamic vinegar just before serving.
Notes
- Serve this delicious stew over rice, creamy mashed potatoes, or cauliflower rice for a satisfying meal.
- For extra depth of flavor, add a splash of balsamic vinegar just before serving.
