There's something so comforting about a dish where everything cooks together slowly, filling your kitchen with those cozy aromas. This Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs with Potatoes and Carrots Recipe is exactly that—a one-pot wonder that delivers juicy chicken, perfectly tender veggies, and a rich gravy all in one go. It's simple, hearty, and a total crowd-pleaser.

The image shows a slow cooker full of cooked chicken thighs with a crispy golden-brown skin on top, spread evenly across the surface. Below the chicken thighs, there is a layer of small, round red potatoes and baby carrots, their colors showing soft red and bright orange hues. The ingredients sit in a light broth that pools slightly around them at the bottom of the cooker, all resting inside a shiny black slow cooker pot placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs with Potatoes and Carrots Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs with Potatoes and Carrots Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs with Potatoes and Carrots Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I remember the first time I made this Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs with Potatoes and Carrots Recipe—I was amazed at how effortlessly it came together, yet tasted like I'd spent hours in the kitchen. It’s one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a busy weeknight.

All-in-one meal: Chicken, potatoes, and carrots cook together, saving you time and cleanup.
Flavor-packed: The smoked paprika and searing step create delicious layers of taste you wouldn’t expect from a slow cooker meal.
Hands-off cooking: Once everything is in, you just let it do its magic, perfect for busy days.
Versatile comfort food: This recipe is easy to customize and sure to satisfy any craving for a home-cooked classic.

The dish is served in a white bowl on a white marbled surface and has three main layers: the first layer consists of small whole orange baby carrots and pieces of cooked light purple onion scattered among them; the second layer shows halved red potatoes with creamy white insides; and the third layer displays a piece of browned, crispy cooked chicken with a golden texture, all sprinkled with bright green chopped parsley for garnish. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs with Potatoes and Carrots Recipe plays a key role in building up that perfect, cozy dinner. The chicken thighs stay tender and juicy while the potatoes and carrots soak up all the savory juices. Here’s what to look for when shopping and prepping.

Flat lay of boneless skinless chicken thighs seasoned with smoked paprika, coarse salt, and black pepper, a handful of halved baby red potatoes, a cluster of fresh baby carrots, a medium chopped red onion, three whole uncracked garlic cloves, small white ceramic bowls holding golden olive oil, rich chicken broth, and clear water, plus a small white bowl with white cornstarch powder, all arranged symmetrically on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Boneless skinless chicken thighs: These are forgiving and stay juicy, plus they absorb flavors beautifully.
Smoked paprika: Adds a subtle smoky depth without needing a grill—my secret weapon for slow cooker chicken.
Baby red potatoes: They hold their shape well during slow cooking and get delightfully tender.
Baby carrots: Sweet and tender, they balance the savory elements perfectly.
Red onion: Adds a mild sharpness and fragrance as it slowly cooks down.
Garlic: Mincing it fresh gives the recipe a warm, aromatic lift.
Chicken broth: Creates the base of the flavorful gravy and keeps everything moist.
Cornstarch: Thickens the cooking liquid into a luscious gravy without any clumps.
Olive oil: For searing the chicken and locking in those rich flavors.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of the joys of this Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs with Potatoes and Carrots Recipe is how easy it is to make your own. I often tweak the spices or swap in seasonal veggies to keep things fresh and exciting.

Variation: Once, I added a splash of white wine with the broth for a touch of acidity—it turned out beautifully, adding more complexity to the gravy.
Make it spicy: If you like a little heat, toss in some crushed red pepper flakes with the paprika.
Fresh herbs: Stir in chopped rosemary or thyme right before serving for that garden-fresh finish.
Vegetarian twist: Use hearty mushrooms and vegetable broth instead of chicken for a meatless version (the slow cooker still does magic on the potatoes and carrots!).

Step-by-Step: How I Make Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs with Potatoes and Carrots Recipe

Step 1: Prep and Season Like a Pro

I start by trimming any extra fat off the chicken thighs and patting them dry—this helps the seasoning stick and makes searing way easier. Then I toss them in smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper until they’re nicely coated. It’s a simple step but packs in so much flavor.

Step 2: Layer Your Veggies

Halve those baby red potatoes, chop the red onion, and mince the garlic. I like to add these veggies right to the bottom of my slow cooker—this way, they absorb the chicken juices and cook evenly without getting mushy.

Step 3: Sear for Extra Flavor

This might feel like an extra step, but searing the chicken is a game changer. Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat, then brown each side of the thighs for about 3-4 minutes. Don’t crowd the pan—do this in batches if needed. That golden crust adds so much richness to your slow cooker dinner.

Step 4: Slow Cook to Perfection

Place the seared chicken on top of the veggies in the slow cooker and pour in the chicken broth. Cover, set it to LOW for 6 hours (or HIGH for 4 hours if you’re short on time), and walk away. Your kitchen will start smelling amazing, and everything will come together perfectly.

Step 5: Finish with a Velvety Gravy

Once the cooking time is up, carefully remove the chicken, potatoes, and carrots to serving dishes. Mix the cornstarch with water in a small bowl to make a smooth slurry, then stir it into the slow cooker liquid to thicken into a luscious gravy. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper—it’s the perfect final touch.

Top Tip

From dozens of times making this Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs with Potatoes and Carrots Recipe, I’ve learned a few little tricks that elevate the outcome and help avoid common pitfalls.

Dry the chicken well: This ensures a nice sear that locks in juices and flavor—don’t skip this step!
Don’t overcrowd the pan: When searing, work in batches. Crowding cools the pan, which leads to steaming instead of browning.
Layer veggies thoughtfully: Putting potatoes and carrots at the bottom means they cook in the best place to soak up juices and stay tender but not mushy.
Thicken the gravy off heat: Mix cornstarch with cold water first and add to the slow cooker after removing solids. This prevents clumps and lets you control the gravy thickness.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs with Potatoes and Carrots Recipe

Garnishes

I like to sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or thyme over this dish before serving—it adds a pop of color and fresh flavor that brightens everything up beautifully. A little lemon zest sometimes makes its way on top, too, to cut through the richness.

Side Dishes

This meal is pretty complete on its own, but I sometimes serve it with a crisp green salad or steamed green beans for some contrasting texture and freshness. Crusty bread is also perfect for soaking up that savory gravy—trust me, you don't want to waste a drop.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve arranged the chicken and vegetables on a large serving platter with a drizzle of gravy and fresh herb sprigs scattered on top. It turns this humble dish into something a little more festive and inviting.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge, and the flavors actually deepen overnight. This recipe reheats beautifully, making it a perfect option for next-day lunches or quick dinners.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this dish successfully—just be sure to store the chicken and veggies submerged in the gravy to prevent freezer burn. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then gently reheat on the stove or in the microwave.

Reheating

To keep the chicken tender, I reheat leftovers slowly on low heat on the stove with a splash of extra broth if needed. This helps the chicken stay moist and the gravy smooth, avoiding the rubbery texture you get from microwaving too quickly.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use bone-in chicken thighs in this recipe?

You absolutely can! Bone-in thighs will take a little longer to cook—about 7-8 hours on low—but they'll add extra flavor. Just make sure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for safety.

How do I prevent the potatoes from getting mushy?

Choosing baby red potatoes helps because they hold their shape well. Also, placing the veggies at the bottom of the slow cooker helps them cook evenly by sitting in the liquid rather than being overcooked by the heat from the lid. Avoid cutting potatoes too small to reduce mushiness.

Can I make this Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs with Potatoes and Carrots Recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Just make sure your chicken broth is gluten-free and use cornstarch (which is naturally gluten-free) as the thickener. This recipe is naturally gluten-friendly with those tweaks.

What’s the best way to add herbs to this dish?

Adding dried herbs like thyme or rosemary in the slow cooker at the beginning helps develop flavor. For fresh herbs, add them towards the end or sprinkle over when serving for a bright, fresh taste and color contrast.

Final Thoughts

This Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs with Potatoes and Carrots Recipe has become one of my go-to dishes for busy nights and cozy weekends alike. Its simplicity paired with that deeply satisfying flavor makes it a wonderful recipe to keep in your rotation. I hope you enjoy making and sharing it as much as I do—it’s like a little comfort hug, all from one pot.