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- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs - 4 large carrots, peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces - 1 large onion, sliced - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon dried thyme - 1 teaspoon salt - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper The main ingredients come together to create a rich dish. I love using boneless chicken thighs because they stay juicy during cooking. Carrots add color and sweetness. The onions and garlic bring a nice depth of flavor. - 1/2 cup pure maple syrup - 1/4 cup Dijon mustard - 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar The sauce is where the magic happens. Maple syrup gives a sweet touch. Dijon mustard adds a tangy kick. Apple cider vinegar balances the flavors, making it all work perfectly together. - 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a kick) - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) If you want some heat, add cayenne pepper. It makes the dish more exciting. Fresh parsley is great for garnish. It adds a pop of green and freshness to the plate. First, let’s make the sauce. In a large bowl, whisk these ingredients together: - 1/2 cup pure maple syrup - 1/4 cup Dijon mustard - 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar - 1 teaspoon dried thyme - 1 teaspoon salt - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper - 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional) Whisk until the mixture is smooth. This sauce is sweet and tangy, perfect for chicken. Next, chop the vegetables. Peel and cut 4 large carrots into 1-inch pieces. Slice 1 large onion. You can layer these veggies in the slow cooker as the base. This step adds flavor to the dish. Now, layer your slow cooker. Start with the sliced onion and carrot pieces at the bottom. This helps them cook evenly. Place the 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs on top of the veggies. Pour the maple Dijon sauce over the chicken. Ensure every piece is coated well. Cover the slow cooker. Set it to cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours. The chicken will become tender during this time. About 30 minutes before serving, gently stir the mixture. This helps the flavors mix and allows the veggies to soak up the sauce. When you are ready to serve, dish out the chicken and carrots. Drizzle any extra sauce from the slow cooker on top. For an extra pop of color, sprinkle fresh parsley over the dish. Enjoy your meal warm! When using a slow cooker, pick one that fits your needs. A 4 to 6-quart slow cooker works well for this recipe. It holds enough food for your family without crowding. Overcooking chicken can ruin the dish. For tender meat that stays juicy, set your slow cooker to low for 6-8 hours. If you’re short on time, you can cook it on high for 3-4 hours. Just watch it carefully as it cooks. Letting the dish sit longer can boost its flavor. After cooking, let the meal rest for 15 minutes before serving. This gives the juices time to blend with the chicken and carrots. Adjusting seasonings is simple. Taste the sauce before serving. If it needs a bit more zing, add more Dijon mustard or a pinch of salt. Mix it well before you serve it. Pair this dish with sides that complement its rich taste. Steamed rice or crusty bread works great to soak up the sauce. You could also serve it with a fresh salad for a crunchy contrast. For presentation, serve the chicken and carrots in a large bowl. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color. This makes your dish look as good as it tastes! {{image_2}} You can play with the vegetables in this dish. Try adding potatoes, bell peppers, or green beans. They will add color and taste. If you prefer bone-in chicken, go for it! Bone-in thighs will give you more flavor. Just cook them a bit longer to ensure they are tender. Want some heat? Add more cayenne pepper or a bit of crushed red pepper flakes. This will give your dish a nice kick. You can also switch the sauce flavors. Instead of maple syrup, try honey or agave. Each choice will change the taste but still keep it tasty. If you're looking for gluten-free options, check your Dijon mustard. Most are safe, but always read labels. For a low-carb version, skip the carrots or use cauliflower instead. This keeps your meal light while still being flavorful. After enjoying your slow cooker maple Dijon chicken and carrots, store leftovers promptly. Place the chicken and carrots in an airtight container. Refrigerate within two hours of cooking. The dish stays fresh for up to four days. To keep it tasty, avoid leaving it out at room temperature for too long. If you want to save some for later, freezing is a great option. First, let the dish cool completely. Then, transfer the chicken and carrots into a freezer-safe container or bag. Make sure to remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. This dish can last up to three months in the freezer. When you're ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating. To warm up your leftovers, the best method is stovetop reheating. Place the chicken and carrots in a pot over medium heat. Add a splash of water or chicken broth to keep it moist. Stir occasionally until it’s heated through. If you prefer using the microwave, place the dish in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat it in short bursts, stirring in between, until hot. Enjoy the flavors all over again! You should cook the chicken for 3 to 4 hours on high. If you prefer low heat, aim for 6 to 8 hours. Cooking on low gives the chicken a chance to soak up all the flavors. On high, the chicken still tastes great but cooks faster. Check for doneness with a meat thermometer. The chicken should reach 165°F. Yes, you can use frozen chicken thighs. However, you must adjust the cooking time. If you start with frozen thighs, cook on high for about 4 to 5 hours or on low for 8 to 9 hours. This extra time ensures the chicken cooks fully and remains tender. Always check the internal temperature for safety. If you don’t have Dijon mustard, you can use yellow mustard or whole grain mustard. Both will add flavor but change the taste slightly. For a sweeter option, try honey mustard. You can also mix equal parts mustard with honey for a tasty twist. These substitutes keep the dish delicious. This blog post covers how to make a tasty slow-cooked chicken dish. We reviewed the main ingredients, like chicken thighs, veggies, and a flavorful sauce. I shared important cooking steps, tips for best results, variations for different tastes, and storage advice. Cooking can be fun and easy with the right approach. Try these tips, and enjoy your delicious meal!

Slow Cooker Maple Dijon Chicken and Carrots

Savor the deliciousness of Maple Dijon Chicken & Carrots Bliss with this easy slow cooker recipe! Tender chicken thighs, sweet maple syrup, and zesty Dijon mustard create a mouthwatering dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights. With just 15 minutes of prep, you can enjoy a hearty meal that cooks while you go about your day. Click through to discover the full recipe and bring this delightful blend of flavors to your table!
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Ingredients
  

4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs

4 large carrots, peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces

1 large onion, sliced

3 cloves garlic, minced

1/2 cup pure maple syrup

1/4 cup Dijon mustard

1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

1 teaspoon dried thyme

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a kick)

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

In a mixing bowl, whisk together the maple syrup, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, dried thyme, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using) until fully combined.

    Layer the sliced onion and carrot pieces at the bottom of the slow cooker.

      Place the chicken thighs on top of the vegetables and pour the maple Dijon sauce over the chicken, ensuring to coat it evenly.

        Cover the slow cooker with the lid and set it to cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is tender and fully cooked.

          About 30 minutes before serving, give the mixture a gentle stir to mix the flavors, and allow the veggies to absorb the sauce.

            Once done, serve the chicken and carrots warm, drizzled with extra sauce from the slow cooker.

              Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 mins | 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high) | 4 servings

                - Presentation Tips: Serve the chicken and carrots in a large bowl or platter, garnished with freshly chopped parsley for a touch of color. Pair with steamed rice or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce!