There’s something truly comforting about a meal that practically cooks itself while filling your home with rich, savory aromas. This Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs with Potatoes and Carrots Recipe is my go-to when I want hearty, homey flavors without standing over the stove all evening.

A black slow cooker filled with two main layers: the bottom layer has smooth, round slices of white potatoes and small whole red potatoes mixed with bright orange baby carrots, all partially submerged in a light broth; the top layer has seven golden-brown cooked chicken thighs with a crispy, slightly charred skin, evenly placed over the vegetables in a circular pattern. The background is 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’ve made this recipe on busy weeknights and lazy weekends alike. What makes it special is the way every ingredient – from the chicken thighs to the garlic-infused broth – comes together with very little effort yet delivers big on flavor and comfort.

Effortless One-Pot Meal: You toss everything in the slow cooker and let it work its magic while you get on with your day.
Rich, Tender Chicken Thighs: The smoked paprika seasoning combined with slow cooking keeps the meat juicy and so flavorful.
Perfectly Cooked Veggies: Baby potatoes and carrots soften just right, soaking up all those tasty juices.
Versatile and Family-Friendly: It’s simple enough for weeknights but elegant enough for casual dinner guests.

A white plate holds a simple meal with three main parts: the bottom right features a golden-brown cooked chicken piece with a slightly crispy texture and small green parsley leaves sprinkled on top; behind and to the left are soft, whole red potatoes, some halved to show creamy white inside, also sprinkled with parsley; the top of the plate is filled with bright orange cooked baby carrots mixed with translucent cooked onion slices, all lightly garnished with fresh green parsley. The plate is set on a white marbled surface. 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 has a role, balancing flavors and textures perfectly. Some careful shopping makes a big difference here, especially in picking fresh veggies and quality chicken thighs.

Flat lay of boneless skinless chicken thighs seasoned with smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper in a simple white ceramic bowl, halved baby red potatoes arranged neatly on a white plate, a small bunch of fresh baby carrots, chopped medium red onion in a white bowl, three whole garlic cloves, a small white bowl of olive oil, a small white bowl filled with clear chicken broth, and two whole brown eggs representing the cornstarch and water slurry concept, all placed 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: They stay juicy and tender even after slow cooking—plus, no bones to fuss with.
Smoked paprika: Adds a wonderful smoky depth that transforms simple chicken into something special.
Baby red potatoes: Their waxy texture holds up well during slow cooking and adds heartiness.
Baby carrots: Naturally sweet, they soak up the broth beautifully.
Red onion: Provides subtle sharpness that mellows into sweetness as it cooks.
Garlic: One of those must-haves that adds aromatic richness.
Chicken broth: Forms the base of the cooking liquid and thickened gravy—always pick low sodium if you want to control salt levels!
Olive oil: For searing the chicken and adding flavor.
Cornstarch and water: To thicken the broth into a luscious gravy at the end.

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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

I love that this Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs with Potatoes and Carrots Recipe is a great canvas for your own touches. Feel free to swap the carrots for parsnips or add a few sprigs of fresh thyme or rosemary to the slow cooker for an herbal lift.

Variation: One time, I added a splash of white wine to the broth for a little extra depth — it turned out beautifully mellow and aromatic.
Make it spicy: Sprinkle in a dash of cayenne or crushed red pepper flakes if you like a kick.
For a lighter version: Use skinless chicken breasts, but be careful not to overcook as breast meat dries out faster.

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

Step 1: Season and Prep Your Chicken

Start by trimming any fatty bits off your chicken thighs and give them a good pat dry with paper towels—this helps the seasoning stick better. Then, toss them in a bowl with smoked paprika, salt, and pepper until every piece is nicely coated. Trust me, that paprika adds an incredible smoky base flavor that you’ll thank me for later.

Step 2: Get Your Veggies Ready

Cut your baby potatoes in half so they cook evenly. Chop the red onion roughly—no need for tiny pieces since it’ll soften a lot—and mince the garlic cloves finely. These all go right into the bottom of the slow cooker. This layering means the veggies soak up the juices from the chicken above.

Step 3: Sear the Chicken for Extra Flavor

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Don’t rush this part — browning the chicken thighs for about 3-4 minutes on each side creates beautiful caramelization that boosts flavor. If your pan isn’t big enough, do it in batches. It’s tempting to skip this, but it’s worth the extra minute or two.

Step 4: Layer and Cook

Place your seared chicken thighs gently on top of the layer of veggies in the slow cooker. Then pour in the chicken broth—it creates that amazing broth that cooks everything tender. Cover and select LOW for six hours or HIGH for four. Set it and forget it.

Step 5: Finish with a Thickened Gravy

Once cooking’s done, carefully remove the chicken and veggies to serving dishes. To get that silky gravy, whisk cornstarch and water into a smooth slurry, then stir into the broth in your slow cooker. Give it a few minutes on HIGH to thicken, then taste and adjust salt and pepper. Pour it over the chicken and veggies for an extra cozy finish.

Top Tip

From my many attempts, I’ve learned a few small tricks that make this Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs with Potatoes and Carrots Recipe truly shine every time.

Sear Your Chicken: Don’t skip this step—it seals in juices and adds depth to the final dish.
Don't Crowd the Pan: Sear in batches if needed; overcrowding steams, it doesn't brown.
Use Baby Potatoes: Their size means even cooking and less prep, plus their texture is just right.
Make the Gravy Last Minute: Thickening at the end lets you control the consistency and seasoning perfectly.

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

slow cooker chicken thighs - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I love sprinkling freshly chopped parsley or thyme over the top for a pop of color and fresh flavor. Sometimes a lemon wedge on the side brightens the whole dish nicely — especially if you like a little tang.

Side Dishes

This recipe stands well on its own, but I often pair it with a simple green salad with vinaigrette or some roasted Brussels sprouts to add texture contrast. A crusty bread is great, too – handy for mopping up that luscious gravy!

Creative Ways to Present

For a cozy dinner party, I’ve served the chicken and veggies in individual shallow bowls with a drizzle of gravy and a sprig of fresh herbs. It feels so warm and inviting, like a hug on a plate — your guests will love the rustic vibe.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge and they keep beautifully for 3 to 4 days. The chicken stays tender, and the potatoes and carrots soak up even more of the flavors overnight.

Freezing

This recipe freezes really well, too. Just pop the chicken, veggies, and gravy into freezer-safe containers or bags. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently on the stove or microwave.

Reheating

To keep the chicken juicy and veggies tender, I reheat leftovers slowly on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally. Adding a splash of broth or water helps refresh the gravy and prevent drying out.

Frequently Asked Questions:

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

Yes, you absolutely can use bone-in chicken thighs. Just keep in mind that they may require a slightly longer cooking time to ensure the meat is fully cooked and tender. The bones also add extra flavor to the broth.

What can I substitute for smoked paprika if I don’t have it?

If you don’t have smoked paprika, you can use regular paprika along with a small pinch of ground cumin or chili powder to replicate some of the smokiness. Alternatively, a dash of chipotle powder works well if you like a bit of heat.

Can I double this recipe for a larger crowd?

Absolutely! This Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs with Potatoes and Carrots Recipe scales well. Just be sure your slow cooker is large enough (at least 6 quarts) to accommodate the extra ingredients. Cooking times remain roughly the same, but check that the chicken reaches the proper internal temperature before serving.

How do I thicken the broth if I don’t have cornstarch?

If you don’t have cornstarch, you can use flour as a thickener instead. Make a slurry by mixing a tablespoon of flour with cold water, then whisk it into the hot broth and cook until thickened. Another option is reducing the broth on the stove to concentrate it naturally.

Final Thoughts

This Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs with Potatoes and Carrots Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen rotation for its simplicity and flavor. It’s one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug after a long day and never fails to impress family or friends. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do, and that it brings you many cozy dinners! Don’t hesitate to give it a try—you’ll love how easy and delicious slow cooker meals can be.