Harvest Comfort Chicken with Autumn Vegetables
Embrace the essence of autumn with this comforting dish featuring tender chicken thighs and a medley of fresh, seasonal vegetables. The vibrant colors of roasted butternut squash, parsnips, and sweet carrots pair beautifully with the earthy notes of leeks and the tartness of cranberries, creating a symphony of flavors that evoke cozy afternoons spent in the kitchen. As the ingredients simmer together in your crockpot, they release an intoxicating aroma that invites everyone to gather around the table. This hearty meal is not only incredibly easy to prepare, but also a delightful way to showcase the local harvest. Perfect for chilly evenings, this recipe is a past winner of the renowned 2008 Craze-E Crockpot Cooking Contest, ensuring it’s a crowd-pleaser that will warm your heart and souls!
N/A
Servings
137.5
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
butternut squash
1 cup (cut into 1 inch cubes)
parsnip
1 (sliced 1/4-inch thick)
celery
1 (sliced thin diagonally)
carrots
2 (cut diagonally 1/4-inch thick)
leek
1/2 cup (sliced)
cranberries
1/4 cup (whole)
chicken thighs
4 (skinless, visible fat removed)
chicken broth
1/2 cup
salt
1/2 teaspoon
fresh ground pepper
1/2 teaspoon
fresh thyme sprigs
3
cornstarch
1 tablespoon
cold water
1 tablespoon
Instructions
1
Begin by preparing all your vegetables: cube the butternut squash, slice the parsnip and celery, and cut the carrots diagonally.
2
In a spacious bowl, combine the butternut squash, parsnips, celery, and carrots. Transfer this vegetable medley into the crockpot evenly.
3
Carefully separate the leek slices into rings and layer them over the vegetable mixture. Sprinkle the cranberries generously on top, followed by placing the chicken thighs over everything.
4
In a small bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, salt, and pepper until well combined. Pour this flavorful broth mixture over the chicken and vegetables in the crockpot. Finally, lay the fresh thyme sprigs on top for an aromatic touch.
5
Cover the crockpot and set it to LOW, allowing the dish to cook for 6 to 7 hours, or until the chicken is tender and fully cooked through. Cooking time may vary based on the size of the chicken thighs.
6
Once cooked, remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside while you prepare to thicken the sauce. Turn the crockpot setting to HIGH.
7
In a small cup, mix the cornstarch with cold water until smooth. Stir this mixture into the vegetables and broth in the crockpot to thicken the sauce.
8
Finally, return the chicken to the pot and allow to cook on HIGH for about 20 minutes, or until the sauce has reached your desired thickness.
9
Serve hot, accompanied by crusty fresh bread from your favorite bakery to soak up the delicious sauce and enjoy your well-deserved meal!
Nutrition Information
5g
Fat
12.5g
Carbs
7.5g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary cooking method for Harvest Comfort Chicken with Autumn Vegetables?
The primary cooking method is using a crockpot or slow cooker, set to LOW for most of the duration.
What kind of chicken is best for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 4 skinless chicken thighs with all visible fat removed.
Which vegetables are included in this autumn medley?
This dish features butternut squash, parsnips, celery, carrots, and leeks.
How long should I cook the chicken in the crockpot?
The chicken and vegetables should cook on the LOW setting for 6 to 7 hours.
Did this recipe win any awards?
Yes, this recipe was a winner of the 2008 Craze-E Crockpot Cooking Contest.
How do you thicken the sauce at the end of cooking?
To thicken the sauce, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of cold water and stir it into the crockpot on the HIGH setting.
What is the calorie count for this dish?
Each serving contains approximately 137.5 calories.
Are there any fruits in this recipe?
Yes, 1/4 cup of whole cranberries are included to add a tart contrast to the savory ingredients.
How many ingredients are needed in total?
The recipe requires 13 distinct ingredients including the chicken, vegetables, and seasoning.
What herbs are used for seasoning?
The recipe uses 3 fresh thyme sprigs for an aromatic herbal flavor.
What is the recommended way to serve this meal?
It is best served hot with crusty fresh bread to soak up the thickened sauce.
How should the butternut squash be prepared?
The butternut squash should be cut into 1-inch cubes.
What is the protein content of one serving?
There are 7.5 grams of protein per serving.
How should the carrots be sliced?
The carrots should be cut diagonally into 1/4-inch thick slices.
Does the recipe use chicken broth?
Yes, it uses 1/2 cup of chicken broth combined with salt and pepper.
How do I prepare the leeks for this dish?
The leeks should be sliced and then separated into rings before layering them over the vegetables.
What is the carbohydrate count?
Each serving has 12.5 grams of carbohydrates.
What is the fat content?
The fat content is 5 grams per serving.
Should the chicken be cooked on HIGH or LOW?
Initially, the chicken should cook on LOW for 6-7 hours. The setting is only changed to HIGH during the thickening process at the end.
How many parsnips are required?
The recipe calls for 1 parsnip, sliced 1/4-inch thick.
Can I use ground thyme instead of sprigs?
While the recipe specifies 3 fresh thyme sprigs, you could substitute ground thyme, though fresh sprigs provide a more traditional aromatic touch.
How many celery stalks are used?
The recipe uses 1 celery stalk, sliced thin diagonally.
Is salt and pepper included in the measurements?
Yes, the recipe specifies 1/2 teaspoon of salt and 1/2 teaspoon of fresh ground pepper.
When do I add the cranberries?
Cranberries are sprinkled over the layer of leek rings before the chicken is placed on top.
How much water is needed for the cornstarch slurry?
You need 1 tablespoon of cold water to mix with the cornstarch.
How long do you cook the dish after adding the cornstarch?
Once the cornstarch mixture is added, cook on HIGH for about 20 minutes to reach the desired thickness.
What is the order of layering in the crockpot?
The order is: vegetable medley (squash, parsnips, celery, carrots) on bottom, then leek rings, then cranberries, then chicken thighs, then liquid, and finally thyme sprigs.
Is this a good recipe for cold weather?
Yes, it is specifically described as a comforting dish perfect for chilly autumn evenings.
What category does this recipe fall into?
It is categorized as a chicken crockpot recipe and falls under comfort food.
Are the chicken thighs cooked with skin on?
No, the recipe specifically requires skinless chicken thighs.