There’s something quietly satisfying about a slow-cooked chicken bathing in fragrant broth, simmering away while the day unfolds. This recipe for slow cooker chicken in broth transforms ordinary chicken thighs into a tender, soul-warming centerpiece that feels like a gentle hug on a hectic evening.

One evening last week, I tossed everything into the slow cooker before heading out. The kitchen smelled faintly of rosemary and garlic by the time I returned. I was a little distracted—half-watching a show and half-checking my phone—so I didn’t notice exactly when the broth started to bubble softly, but that’s part of its charm. The chicken was fall-apart tender, and the vegetables had soaked up just enough flavor to make the whole meal feel thoughtfully put together, even if I didn’t really plan it. I grabbed a spoonful of warm broth first; it was like a quiet moment in the middle of a noisy day.

Why you’ll love it:

The chicken turns out incredibly tender without any fuss — it’s hands-off cooking at its best.
The broth is flavorful enough to enjoy on its own, or as a base for other recipes.
It’s simple — and that’s kind of the point. No need to fuss over complicated steps.
The slow cooker does all the work, freeing up your time and your kitchen.
It’s versatile, but you might find yourself craving it exactly like this, straightforward and comforting.

Even if you’re new to slow cooking, this recipe is forgiving and easy to adapt. The broth and chicken store well, so you can make it ahead or save leftovers for a quick lunch. It’s a reliable fallback when you want something homemade without the headache.

Slow Cooker Chicken in Broth

Print Recipe

A simple and comforting slow cooker chicken in broth recipe that yields tender, flavorful chicken perfect for a wholesome meal or as a base for soups and stews.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 6 hours
Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
Yield: 4

Ingredients

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4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
1 medium onion, peeled and quartered
3 cloves garlic, peeled and smashed
2 medium carrots, peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces
2 celery stalks, cut into 1-inch pieces
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
1 bay leaf

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Instructions

Place the chicken thighs at the bottom of the slow cooker.
Add the quartered onion, smashed garlic cloves, carrot pieces, and celery pieces on top of the chicken.
Pour the chicken broth over the chicken and vegetables.
Sprinkle the kosher salt, black pepper, dried thyme, and dried rosemary evenly over the ingredients in the slow cooker.
Add the bay leaf to the slow cooker.
Cover the slow cooker with its lid and cook on low heat for 6 hours.
After cooking, carefully remove the chicken thighs from the slow cooker and set aside.
Remove and discard the bay leaf from the broth.
Stir the broth and vegetables gently; you can serve the broth and vegetables as is, or strain the broth for a clearer soup base.
Serve the chicken thighs hot with some broth and vegetables, or shred the chicken for use in other recipes.

Kitchen Notes: This slow cooker recipe requires no special equipment beyond your trusty slow cooker. I usually serve the chicken with a scoop of the broth and softened vegetables straight from the pot—sometimes with a crusty piece of bread on the side. If you want to mix things up, shredding the chicken for tacos or stirring the broth into a grain bowl works nicely, though I haven’t tested all variations yet. Adding a splash of lemon juice before serving brightens the whole dish, but that’s a personal touch I’m still playing with.

FAQ:

Can I use boneless chicken? You can, but bone-in thighs tend to stay juicier and add richer flavor to the broth.

How long does it keep? Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze separately for a few months.

Is it possible to make this on the stovetop? Yes, but the slow cooker really helps the flavors meld and the chicken become tender without much babysitting.

When the day feels too busy, or you just want a meal that feels like a little kindness, this slow cooker chicken in broth has you covered. Save it, try it, and see how a simple pot of warmth can change your evening.