When it comes to creating a mouth - watering main dish that combines the richness of slow - cooked chicken thighs with the sweet and tart notes of plums, along with the earthy flavors of baby carrots and onions, you're in for a treat. This slow cooker recipe is not only easy to make but also a great way to spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying a delicious meal with your loved ones.
Let's start by gathering the necessary ingredients. You'll need about 4 - 6 bone - in chicken thighs. The bone - in variety adds extra flavor to the dish as the marrow seeps into the cooking liquid. For the plums, choose ripe ones that are slightly soft to the touch. You'll need around 3 - 4 plums, pitted and cut into quarters. The plums will bring a natural sweetness and a bit of acidity to balance the richness of the chicken.
Next, grab a bunch of baby carrots. These little carrots are not only cute but also pack a lot of flavor. You'll need about 10 - 12 baby carrots, washed and left whole if they're small or cut in half if they're larger. Onions are another essential ingredient. One medium - sized onion, peeled and sliced into thick wedges, will add a savory base to the dish.
To season the chicken and vegetables, you'll need a few basic spices. A teaspoon of salt will enhance the flavors, while half a teaspoon of black pepper will add a bit of heat. You can also add a teaspoon of dried thyme for an earthy and aromatic touch. If you like a bit of sweetness in your seasonings, a half - teaspoon of brown sugar can be added to complement the plums.
Now, let's get cooking. First, take your slow cooker and lightly grease the inside with some cooking spray. This will prevent the chicken and vegetables from sticking to the bottom. Place the sliced onions at the bottom of the slow cooker. The onions will form a bed for the other ingredients and release their flavors as they cook.
Next, arrange the chicken thighs on top of the onions. Make sure they are evenly spaced so that they cook evenly. Sprinkle the salt, pepper, thyme, and brown sugar over the chicken thighs. Rub the seasonings gently into the chicken to ensure that every piece is well - coated.
After that, add the baby carrots around the chicken thighs. The carrots will cook alongside the chicken and absorb the delicious flavors of the cooking liquid. Finally, place the plum quarters on top of the chicken and carrots. The plums will start to break down as they cook, creating a sweet and tangy sauce.
Cover the slow cooker and set it to low heat. Let the dish cook for about 4 - 5 hours. The slow cooking process will allow the chicken to become tender and juicy, while the vegetables will become soft and flavorful. The plums will meld with the cooking liquid to form a thick and delicious sauce.
Once the cooking time is up, check the chicken to make sure it's cooked through. You can use a meat thermometer to ensure that the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C). If the chicken is not fully cooked, you can let it cook for an additional 30 minutes to an hour.
When the chicken is cooked, you can serve the dish right from the slow cooker or transfer it to a serving platter. The slow - cooked chicken thighs, with their tender meat and flavorful skin, are the star of the show. The baby carrots are sweet and soft, and the plums have created a sauce that is both sweet and savory.
You can serve this dish with a side of mashed potatoes to soak up the delicious sauce. A simple green salad on the side will add a fresh and healthy element to the meal. This slow - cooked chicken, plum, baby carrot, and onion dish is a perfect example of how easy it can be to create a restaurant - quality meal at home using a slow cooker.
So, the next time you're looking for an easy and delicious main dish, give this slow cooker recipe a try. It's a great way to impress your family and friends with your cooking skills without spending hours in the kitchen. Enjoy the wonderful combination of flavors that this dish has to offer!