Chicken with Provence herbs in a Crock Pot slow cooker

Chicken with Provence Herbs in a Slow Cooker Crock Pot

Welcome to the world of slow-cooked delights! Today, I will share a simple yet incredibly flavorful recipe: Chicken with Provence Herbs, prepared in a Slow Cooker Crock Pot. This dish is more than just a recipe; it is an invitation to relax and a moment of culinary indulgence. With fragrant aromas, tender meat, and perfectly cooked vegetables, it is the ideal choice for a cozy family dinner or a meal with friends.

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 8-9 hours (slow) or 5 hours (high)
Total: 8-9 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 4-6

Necessary ingredients:

- 1 small to medium chicken (approximately 1.2 - 1.5 kg)
- 3 large, thick carrots
- 3 celery stalks
- 1/2 apple (preferably a sweet apple, like a Gala)
- 3-4 sprigs of fresh thyme
- 2 sprigs of fresh lavender
- 1 whole garlic clove, unpeeled
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 teaspoons of sweet paprika
- 2-3 tablespoons of Provence herbs
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
- 1 tablespoon of water

Ingredient details:

The chicken is the star of this dish; choosing a quality chicken will make a difference in flavor. Farm-raised, naturally fed chicken will have juicier and tastier meat. The Provence herbs, a popular seasoning blend in Mediterranean cuisine, add a distinctive aromatic note. The carrots and celery not only provide a tasty base for the chicken but also enrich the resulting broth.

Step by step for a perfect result:

1. Preparing the vegetables: Start by peeling the carrots. Cut them into thick strips, about 2-3 cm, to ensure even cooking. The celery stalks should also be cut into pieces of the same size. These vegetables will form a delicious bed for the chicken to cook on.

2. Arranging the vegetables in the slow cooker: Place the carrots and celery at the bottom of the slow cooker pot. They will help flavor the chicken and add a crunchy texture.

3. Seasoning the chicken: Rinse the chicken well under cold running water, then dry it with a paper towel. Generously season it both inside and out with salt and pepper. This step is essential to give the chicken a special flavor.

4. Adding the spices: Sprinkle the sweet paprika over the outside of the chicken, followed by the Provence herbs. Make sure to cover the entire surface well. These herbs will create a superb aromatic crust during cooking.

5. Stuffing the chicken: Inside the chicken, add a whole garlic clove, a halved apple (without peeling), and a few sprigs of thyme and lavender. These ingredients will infuse the meat with delicious flavors during cooking.

6. Cooking the chicken: Place the chicken over the vegetables in the slow cooker. Add a tablespoon of olive oil and a tablespoon of water to help create steam. Cover with the lid and set the slow cooker to 'Slow' mode for 8-9 hours (8 for a small chicken, 9 for a medium one) or 'High' for 5 hours. It is very important not to lift the lid during cooking; this will allow the steam to build up, resulting in tender and juicy meat.

Nutritional benefits:
This recipe is not only delicious but also healthy. Chicken is an excellent source of lean protein, while the vegetables add essential fiber and vitamins. The Provence herbs have antioxidant properties, and garlic is known for its immune-boosting benefits.

Possible variations:
If you want to experiment, you can add other vegetables, such as diced potatoes or onions. Additionally, instead of Provence herbs, you can try Italian or Mediterranean spice blends for a different flavor.

Serving suggestions:
This aromatic chicken is perfectly served alongside a fresh salad or mashed potatoes. A bottle of dry white wine will easily complement the meal, adding a touch of elegance.

Frequently asked questions:
- How do I know when the chicken is cooked?: The chicken is done when the internal temperature reaches 75°C. Use a meat thermometer to check.
- Can I use frozen chicken?: It is recommended to thaw the chicken before cooking to ensure even cooking.
- What can I do with leftovers?: Leftovers can be used in a salad, in sandwiches, or even in soups.

Enjoy this slow-cooked Chicken with Provence Herbs recipe that will turn any meal into a celebration of flavors! Being a quick and simple recipe, you will find that the chicken remains tender and full of flavor, and the preparation is more of an art than an effort. Now, let’s get cooking and let ourselves be carried away by the delicious aromas of this dish!