Easy Slow-Cooker Maple Dijon Chicken & Vegetables Recipe
Introduction
This easy slow-cooker maple Dijon chicken with vegetables is a comforting and flavorful meal that requires minimal effort. Tender chicken thighs are cooked in a sweet and tangy maple Dijon sauce alongside baby carrots, potatoes, and onions for a complete one-pot dinner.
Ingredients
- 4 pieces chicken thighs, bone-in, skinless
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups baby carrots
- 1 pound baby potatoes
- 1 medium onion, sliced or diced
- 2 sprigs fresh thyme
- Optional: 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- Optional: 1 loaf crusty bread or cooked rice
Instructions
- Step 1: In a bowl, whisk together maple syrup, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, apple cider vinegar, chicken broth, salt, and black pepper until smooth and velvety.
- Step 2: Place chicken thighs in the slow cooker in a single layer to promote even cooking and browning at the edges.
- Step 3: Scatter baby carrots, baby potatoes, and sliced onion around the chicken. Tuck fresh thyme sprigs among the vegetables for added aroma and flavor.
- Step 4: Pour the maple Dijon sauce evenly over the chicken and vegetables, making sure everything is coated for full flavor.
- Step 5: Cover and cook on LOW for 6 to 7 hours, until the chicken is tender and falling apart and the vegetables are soft.
- Step 6: Remove the lid, set the slow cooker to HIGH, and cook for an additional 10 to 15 minutes to slightly thicken the sauce into a richer gravy.
- Step 7: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top before serving. Serve with crusty bread or cooked rice, spooning the extra sauce over the meal for a comforting finish.
Tips & Variations
- For more depth, sear the chicken thighs in a hot pan before adding them to the slow cooker to develop a golden crust.
- Substitute baby potatoes with fingerling potatoes or sweet potatoes for a different flavor.
- Add other vegetables like green beans or mushrooms during the last hour of cooking for extra variety.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon cold water and stir into the sauce during the last 10 minutes of cooking.
Storage
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until warmed through. The sauce may thicken after refrigeration; stir in a splash of chicken broth or water when reheating to loosen it.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, you can substitute chicken breasts, but thighs remain more tender and flavorful during slow cooking. If using breasts, check for doneness earlier as they can dry out.
Is it necessary to use fresh thyme?
Fresh thyme adds a subtle earthy aroma, but dried thyme can be used in a pinch. Use about one-third of the fresh amount if substituting dried thyme.
PrintEasy Slow-Cooker Maple Dijon Chicken & Vegetables Recipe
This Easy Slow-Cooker Maple Dijon Chicken & Vegetables is a comforting and flavorful one-pot meal featuring tender bone-in chicken thighs cooked low and slow with a sweet and tangy maple Dijon sauce. Baby carrots, baby potatoes, and onions are simmered alongside, absorbing the luscious sauce for a hearty and satisfying dinner that’s effortless to prepare.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
- Total Time: 6 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
For the Chicken and Sauce
- 4 pieces Chicken thighs bone-in, skinless
- 1/4 cup Maple syrup
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
- 4 cloves Garlic cloves minced
- 1 cup Chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons Apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 1/2 teaspoon Black pepper
For the Vegetables
- 2 cups Baby carrots
- 1 pound Baby potatoes
- 1 medium Onion sliced or diced
- 2 sprigs Fresh thyme
Optional Garnishes and Sides
- 1/4 cup Fresh parsley chopped
- 1 loaf Crusty bread or cooked rice
Instructions
- Prepare the sauce: In a bowl, whisk together maple syrup, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, apple cider vinegar, chicken broth, salt, and black pepper until the mixture is smooth and velvety, creating a balanced sweet and tangy flavor base.
- Arrange chicken: Place the chicken thighs in the slow cooker in a single layer, ensuring even cooking and optimal browning around the edges for a delicious texture.
- Add vegetables and herbs: Scatter baby carrots, baby potatoes, and sliced onion evenly around and on top of the chicken. Tuck in the fresh thyme sprigs for an earthy aroma and enhanced flavor profile.
- Pour sauce: Drizzle the prepared maple Dijon sauce evenly over the chicken and vegetables, making sure everything is coated to infuse the dish with rich, glossy flavor during cooking.
- Slow cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 6 to 7 hours, allowing the chicken to become fall-apart tender and the vegetables to soften perfectly while the flavors meld aromatically.
- Thicken sauce: Remove the lid and switch the slow cooker to HIGH, cooking for an additional 10 to 15 minutes to reduce and thicken the juices into a richer, clingy gravy.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top and serve warm alongside crusty bread or cooked rice, spooning extra sauce over for a comforting, home-style meal.
Notes
- Bone-in chicken thighs provide more flavor and tenderness compared to boneless.
- You can substitute baby potatoes with quartered Yukon gold or red potatoes.
- If you don’t have fresh thyme, dried thyme can be used but reduce quantity to 1 tsp.
- For a thicker sauce, remove the chicken and veggies before reducing the sauce on HIGH.
- Serve with a side of steamed green beans or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Keywords: chicken, slow cooker, maple Dijon sauce, slow-cooked chicken, easy chicken dinner, comfort food, chicken thighs, one-pot meal
