A rustic, comforting sight - golden-brown chicken thighs nestled next to pieces of softened celery root. Sprigs of fresh green herbs lightly garnish the top, set against the backdrop of a deep, rich gravy.

Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs with Braised Celery Root

Name: Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs with Braised Celery Root
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 480 min
Total time: 510 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 large celery root, 1 large peeled and cut into bite-sized cubes; bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs, 4 None; garlic, 4 cloves minced; 1 large onion, 1 large finely chopped; fresh rosemary, 1 sprig None; fresh thyme, 2 sprigs None; bay leaf, 1 None; chicken stock, 1 cup None; extra virgin olive oil, 2 tablespoons None; salt, to taste None; pepper, to taste None

Category Main Course

Prep 30 minutes

Cook 480 minutes

Style American

Technique Slow Cooking

Diet Friendly Gluten-Free

Daily Recipe: March 26, 2025

This wholesome, hearty, and nutritious dish features celery root - a wonderful, often overlooked, vegetable. With its distinct, earthy flavor, it shines when slow-cooked alongside tender, succulent chicken thighs and fragrant herbs.

Ingredients (for 4)

1 large celery root - 1 large - peeled and cut into bite-sized cubes
Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs - 4 - None
Garlic - 4 cloves - minced
1 large onion - 1 large - finely chopped
Fresh rosemary - 1 sprig - None
Fresh thyme - 2 sprigs - None
Bay leaf - 1 - None
Chicken stock - 1 cup - None
Extra virgin olive oil - 2 tablespoons - None
Salt - to taste - None
Pepper - to taste - None

Preparation

Step 1 - 🐔🧂😋

Generously season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper.
Step 2 - 🍳🔥🍗

Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken, skin-side down, and cook until golden brown. Flip and cook the other side for about 3 minutes. Remove and set aside.
Step 3 - 🧅🔥🥘

In the same skillet, add the onion and garlic, sautéing until they become soft and fragrant.
Step 4 - 🍲🥬🌱

Transfer the onion and garlic to the slow cooker, followed by the celery root, herbs, and chicken stock.
Step 5 - 🍲🍗🥦

Place the browned chicken thighs on top of the vegetables and herbs in the slow cooker.
Step 6 - 🕰️🔥🍲

Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours, until the chicken is tender and the celery root is soft.
Step 7 - 🍲🍗🥄

Before serving, remove chicken and celery root from the slow cooker. Skim off any excess fat from the surface of the cooking liquid, adjust seasoning if needed, and stir to create a flavorful gravy.
Step 8 - 🍽️🍗🥬

Plate the chicken and celery root, generously ladle over gravy, and garnish with a sprig of fresh herbs.

Additional

Celery root, also known as celeriac, is a winter vegetable, but can often be found into early spring. Its unique flavor pairs perfectly with chicken, and while it can be intimidating to prepare, its oddly-shaped exterior can be easily peeled away with a knife. Even though it becomes quite soft when cooked, it retains a slight bite that adds a delightful contrast to the tender chicken thighs.