Slow Cooker Herby Chicken and Potato Bake

There’s nothing better than walking into a home filled with the aroma of slow-cooked herbs, tender chicken, and golden potatoes. Slow Cooker Herby Chicken and Potato Bake is exactly that—a comforting, hearty meal that practically cooks itself. With minimal prep, you can set it in the slow cooker in the morning and come back hours later to a delicious dinner, perfect for families, busy weeknights, or casual weekends.

This dish combines juicy, seasoned chicken breast fillets with perfectly cooked waxy potatoes, all infused with garlic, onion, rosemary, and thyme. The slow cooking ensures tender, flavorful meat and potatoes that hold their shape, creating a one-pot dinner that’s as easy as it is satisfying.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Hands-off cooking: Simply prep ingredients, set your slow cooker, and go about your day.
• Rich herb flavor: Garlic, onion, rosemary, and thyme infuse the chicken and potatoes.
• Perfectly tender chicken and potatoes: Slow cooking ensures juicy chicken and soft, yet firm, potatoes.
• Customizable: Use fresh herbs, swap potatoes, or add extra vegetables.
• Comfort food classic: A hearty meal that pleases adults and kids alike.

Ingredients Breakdown

This recipe serves 5 people.

Protein

• 4 large chicken breast fillets

Vegetables

• 8 medium waxy potatoes, cut into thick rounds (~2cm thick)

Seasonings & Herbs

• 1½ teaspoons salt
• ¾ teaspoon black pepper
• 1½ teaspoons garlic powder
• 1½ teaspoons onion powder
• 2 tablespoons dried rosemary
• 2 tablespoons dried thyme

Oils & Fats

• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 30g butter, cut into small cubes

Liquid

• 100ml chicken stock

Tools & Equipment Needed

• Slow cooker (5–6 quart recommended)
• Knife and cutting board
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Spoon or spatula for tossing potatoes
• Small bowl (optional for mixing oil and seasonings)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prep the potatoes: Slice the waxy potatoes into thick rounds (~2cm). Arrange them in overlapping layers at the bottom of your slow cooker.
2. Season the base: Drizzle 2 tablespoons of olive oil over the potatoes. Sprinkle with half the salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Toss gently to coat evenly.
3. Add the chicken: Place the chicken fillets on top of the seasoned potatoes.
4. Season the chicken: Brush the remaining olive oil over the chicken. Sprinkle with the remaining salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
5. Herb everything: Scatter the dried rosemary and thyme evenly over the chicken and potatoes for full flavor.
6. Add moisture: Pour 100ml chicken stock around the edges of the slow cooker, avoiding pouring directly over the chicken so the seasoning stays intact.
7. Butter dots: Place 30g of butter, cut into small cubes, over the top of everything.
8. Slow cook: Cover and cook on LOW for 6–7 hours, until the chicken is tender and the potatoes can be easily pierced with a fork.
9. Rest and serve: Let the dish rest for 5 minutes. Serve hot with the cooking juices spooned over the top for extra flavor.
10. Optional finishing: For golden, slightly crisp chicken, place under a grill for 3–4 minutes after slow cooking.

Tips & Variations

• Potato choice: Waxy potatoes hold their shape better than starchy varieties, giving a perfect texture.
• Make ahead: Prep ingredients the night before. Add stock and butter in the morning for a fully hands-off dinner.
• Fresh herbs: Replace dried rosemary and thyme with fresh herbs (triple the amount) added during the last hour of cooking.
• Vegetable additions: Carrots, parsnips, or bell peppers can be layered with the potatoes for extra nutrition and color.
• Adjust seasonings: Taste after slow cooking and adjust salt and pepper before serving.

Flavor Profile & Pairings

This dish is savory and aromatic. The chicken is tender and juicy, infused with garlic, onion, rosemary, and thyme. Potatoes soak up the cooking juices, making each bite rich and flavorful. The butter and olive oil enhance the natural flavors while adding a silky finish.

Suggested sides:

• Steamed green vegetables (broccoli, green beans, or peas)
• Light salads to balance the richness
• Crusty bread to soak up the flavorful juices

Nutritional Overview

Per serving (1/5 of recipe):

• Calories: 365 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 28 g
• Protein: 35 g
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Cholesterol: 95 mg
• Sodium: 580 mg
• Fiber: 3 g
• Sugar: 2 g

Dietary considerations:

• Gluten-free if using stock and butter without additives
• Nut-free and suitable for family meals
• Can adjust butter and oil for a lower-fat option

Make-Ahead & Meal Prep Tips

• Potatoes & chicken prep: Slice potatoes and season chicken in advance. Store in separate airtight containers in the fridge.
• Slow cooker prep: Assemble the entire dish the night before, cover, and refrigerate. Add stock and butter in the morning, then cook.
• Storage: Leftovers keep in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave.
• Freezing: Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat slowly in the slow cooker or oven.

FAQs

1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes! Boneless, skinless thighs will be even juicier and slightly more forgiving in slow cooking.

2. Can I cook this on HIGH instead of LOW?
Yes, cooking on HIGH will take approximately 3–4 hours. Check tenderness before serving.

3. Can I add other vegetables?
Absolutely! Carrots, parsnips, or bell peppers work well layered with potatoes.

4. How do I get the chicken golden?
For a roasted finish, place the slow-cooked chicken under a grill for 3–4 minutes after cooking.

5. Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried?
Yes! Use triple the amount of fresh rosemary and thyme and add during the last hour of cooking.

Cooking Timeline (At a Glance)

Step	Time	Notes
Prep ingredients	15 minutes	Slice potatoes, season chicken
Assemble in slow cooker	5 minutes	Layer potatoes, chicken, herbs, butter
Slow cook (LOW)	6–7 hours	Until chicken is tender and potatoes soft
Rest & serve	5 minutes	Spoon juices over before serving
Total	6 hours 15 minutes	Hands-off dinner for busy days

Serving Suggestions

• Serve hot with pan juices spooned over chicken and potatoes.
• Pair with steamed greens or a light side salad.
• Add crusty bread to soak up the flavorful juices for extra satisfaction.

Recipe Variations

1. Herby Veggie Chicken Bake: Add carrots, parsnips, and bell peppers for a colorful, nutrient-packed meal.
2. Crispy Finish: Finish under a grill or in a hot oven for 3–4 minutes to crisp the chicken top.
3. Fresh Herb Boost: Use fresh rosemary and thyme for an aromatic twist, adding in the last hour of cooking.
4. Lighter Version: Reduce olive oil and butter, or swap butter with a small amount of olive oil.

Ingredient Spotlight

Chicken Breast

• Lean and tender, chicken breast cooks evenly in a slow cooker. For extra flavor, marinate briefly with olive oil and herbs before assembling.

Waxy Potatoes

• Waxy potatoes (like red or Yukon gold) hold their shape during slow cooking, providing a perfect texture alongside soft chicken.

Herbs & Seasonings

• Rosemary and thyme infuse the dish with aromatic flavor, while garlic and onion powders enhance the savory profile. Fresh herbs can be substituted for a brighter taste.

Pro Cooking Tips

• Layer flavors: Season potatoes first, then chicken, to ensure even flavor distribution.
• Avoid soggy seasoning: Pour chicken stock around the edges to prevent washing herbs and seasonings off the chicken.
• Check for tenderness: Slow cookers vary—test chicken and potatoes at 6 hours to avoid overcooking.

Storage & Freezing Guide

• Refrigeration: Store in airtight containers for up to 4 days.
• Freezing: Can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight and reheat slowly.
• Reheating: Warm gently on LOW in the slow cooker, or in an oven at 350°F until heated through.

Nutrition Estimate Table (Per Serving)

Nutrient	Amount	Notes
Calories	365	Per serving
Protein	35 g	Chicken
Carbohydrates	28 g	Potatoes
Fat	14 g	Olive oil + butter
Saturated Fat	5 g	Butter
Cholesterol	95 mg	Chicken breast
Sodium	580 mg	Chicken stock + seasoning
Fiber	3 g	Potatoes
Sugar	2 g	Minimal from potatoes

Expanded Conclusion

Slow Cooker Herby Chicken and Potato Bake is a set-and-forget dinner that delivers on flavor, texture, and comfort. The tender chicken and perfectly cooked potatoes, infused with aromatic herbs, make it a meal that fills the house with incredible aromas and satisfies the entire family.

With minimal prep, easy customization, and slow cooker convenience, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or cozy weekends. Serve with the cooking juices spooned over, pair with steamed greens or bread, and enjoy a hearty, flavorful dinner that’s simple, delicious, and completely stress-free.

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