This Slow Cooker Garlic Chicken, Cabbage & Baby Potatoes is a comforting one-pot meal featuring juicy chicken, tender baby potatoes, sweet cabbage, and a flavorful garlic herb broth. It’s an easy, family-friendly recipe that’s perfect for busy weekdays and requires minimal hands-on time.
⏱️ Recipe Information
| Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| Prep Time | 15 minutes |
| Cook Time | 6–7 hours (Low) or 3–4 hours (High) |
| Total Time | 6 hours 15 minutes |
| Servings | 6 |
| Difficulty | Easy |
🛒 Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 pounds (900g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs or chicken breasts
- 1 small green cabbage, cut into 6–8 wedges
- 1½ pounds (680g) baby potatoes, halved if large
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- 8 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
Broth & Seasonings
- 1½ cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Garnish
- Fresh chopped parsley
- Fresh thyme
- Lemon wedges
- Extra black pepper
👩🍳 Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
- Wash the baby potatoes.
- Cut the cabbage into wedges, leaving the core intact so the wedges hold together.
- Slice the onion and mince the garlic.
Step 2: Layer the Slow Cooker
Place into the slow cooker in this order:
- Baby potatoes
- Onion
- Garlic
- Cabbage wedges
- Chicken on top
Step 3: Add the Seasoning
In a bowl, whisk together:
- Chicken broth
- Olive oil
- Melted butter
- Lemon juice
- Dijon mustard
- Italian seasoning
- Thyme
- Paprika
- Onion powder
- Garlic powder
- Salt
- Pepper
Pour evenly over the chicken and vegetables.
Step 4: Cook
Low Setting
Cook for 6–7 hours.
High Setting
Cook for 3–4 hours.
The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), and the potatoes should be fork-tender.
Step 5: Finish
Carefully remove the cabbage wedges and chicken.
Spoon some of the flavorful broth over everything.
Sprinkle with fresh parsley and thyme.
Serve with lemon wedges on the side.
💡 Tips for Success
- Chicken thighs stay juicier during long cooking than chicken breasts.
- Keep the cabbage wedges fairly large so they don’t fall apart.
- Use baby Yukon Gold or baby red potatoes for the best texture.
- Don’t overfill the slow cooker; ingredients should fit comfortably below the rim.
- For extra color, place the cooked chicken under the broiler for 2–3 minutes before serving.
🌿 Variations
Creamy Garlic Version
Stir in:
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
during the last 20 minutes of cooking.
Mediterranean Style
Add:
- Kalamata olives
- Cherry tomatoes
- Crumbled feta
- Fresh oregano
Bacon Garlic
Cook 6 slices of bacon until crisp.
Crumble over the finished dish before serving.
Spicy Version
Add:
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- Red pepper flakes
- Sliced jalapeños
Mushroom Garlic
Add:
- 8 ounces sliced mushrooms
during the last 2 hours of cooking.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
- Crusty bread
- Buttered dinner rolls
- Steamed rice
- Egg noodles
- Roasted carrots
- Green beans
- Garden salad
🥡 Storage
Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Freeze for up to 3 months.
Reheating
- Microwave: Heat in 1-minute intervals until hot.
- Stovetop: Warm gently over medium-low heat with a splash of chicken broth.
- Oven: Cover and bake at 325°F (163°C) for 20 minutes.
🥣 Nutrition (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~395 |
| Protein | 34g |
| Carbohydrates | 22g |
| Fat | 19g |
| Saturated Fat | 6g |
| Cholesterol | 110mg |
| Fiber | 5g |
| Sugar | 5g |
| Sodium | 520mg |
| Potassium | 980mg |
| Vitamin C | 65% DV |
| Calcium | 8% DV |
| Iron | 12% DV |
Nutrition values are approximate and will vary depending on the exact ingredients used.
🧀 Weight Watchers (Estimated)
| Plan | Points (Per Serving) |
|---|---|
| WW Points® | 4–6 Points (using skinless chicken thighs; chicken breast may be slightly lower) |
Estimated points may vary based on the brands of ingredients and your current WeightWatchers® plan.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chicken breasts instead of chicken thighs?
Yes. Chicken breasts work well, but they can be slightly less juicy. Check for doneness around the 3-hour mark on High or 6 hours on Low to avoid overcooking.
Do I need to brown the chicken first?
No. It’s not required, but browning the chicken in a skillet for 2–3 minutes per side before adding it to the slow cooker will add extra flavor and color.
Can I use red or purple cabbage?
Yes. Green cabbage is milder and holds its shape well, but red cabbage can also be used. It will give the broth a deeper purple color.
Can I add more vegetables?
Absolutely! Carrots, celery, mushrooms, parsnips, sweet potatoes, and green beans all make excellent additions. Add quick-cooking vegetables like green beans during the last hour of cooking.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes. Simply replace the butter with olive oil or a dairy-free butter alternative. The recipe will still be flavorful and naturally dairy-free.
