Description

Jamie Oliver’s Slow Cooker Chicken Casserole is a wholesome, one-pot meal featuring chicken thighs cooked slowly with vegetables like carrots, celery, and potatoes. A flavorful broth made from stock, herbs, and seasoning brings it all together. It’s a versatile recipe that can be customized with your favorite vegetables, and the result is a delicious, tender chicken casserole perfect for any day of the week.

Ingredients

Chicken thighs (6-8): Skinless and bone-in for extra flavor and tenderness.
Carrots (3 large): Peeled and sliced, providing sweetness and texture.
Celery stalks (2): Chopped, adding a slight crunch and flavor.
Potatoes (4 medium): Cut into chunks, making the casserole hearty and filling.
Garlic cloves (3): Minced, for a fragrant base.
Onion (1 large): Finely chopped, adding sweetness and depth.
Chicken stock (500ml / 2 cups): Forms the flavorful broth.
Tomato paste (2 tbsp): Adds richness and color to the sauce.
Dried thyme (1 tsp): For a hint of earthiness.
Bay leaves (2): To infuse the dish with aromatic flavor.
Olive oil (2 tbsp): For browning the chicken and sautéing the vegetables.
Salt and pepper: To taste, for seasoning.

Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken and Vegetables:

Brown the chicken: Heat the olive oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper. Brown the chicken on both sides for about 3-4 minutes per side, then transfer to the slow cooker.
Sauté the vegetables: In the same pan, add the chopped onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5 minutes until softened, then transfer the vegetables to the slow cooker.

2. Assemble the Casserole:

Add the remaining ingredients: Add the chopped potatoes, thyme, bay leaves, and tomato paste to the slow cooker. Pour in the chicken stock and stir everything together.
Season: Season with a little more salt and pepper to taste.

3. Cook in the Slow Cooker:

Set the slow cooker: Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is tender and the vegetables are cooked through.

4. Serve:

Once cooked, remove the bay leaves and serve the chicken casserole hot. Enjoy it as a standalone dish or with crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.