Ingredients:
– 3 pounds of chicken thighs, with bones and skin intact – 2 teaspoons of kosher salt – 1 teaspoon of black pepper – 1/2 teaspoon of paprika
– 0.5 teaspoons of garlic powder
– 1/2 cup of unsalted butter (1 stick), cut into slices
– 4 cloves of garlic, finely chopped
– 1/4 cup of chicken broth, best prepared from scratch
– 1/4 cup of full-fat cream – 1 cup of grated cheddar cheese – 1/4 cup of finely chopped parsley for decoration – 1 tablespoon of cornstarch (if necessary to thicken)
PREPARATION:
1. Thoroughly season the chicken thighs with salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder, ensuring they are evenly covered. (Optional: Brown the ingredients before adding them.)
2. Position the well-seasoned chicken in the slow cooker, ensuring it is equally distributed at the base.
3. Apply butter pads to the chicken and then evenly distribute minced garlic on the surface.
4. Carefully pour the chicken broth over the chicken, ensuring that the spices are not washed off.
5. Adjust the setting of your slow cooker to low and allow the chicken to simmer for a duration of 6-8 hours, or alternatively, set it to high and cook for 3-4 hours. The chicken should reach a state of exceptional tenderness and be on the verge of easily detaching from the bone.
Approximately 15 minutes before to serving, delicately mix in the heavy cream and cheddar cheese, enabling them to dissolve and blend seamlessly into the sauce.
7. To get a thicker sauce, combine cornstarch with a little amount of water to form a slurry, then incorporate it into the slow cooker by stirring. Let it boil and thicken for a few further minutes.
8. Decorate the meal with finely chopped parsley before to serving in order to enhance its appearance with a vibrant and refreshing element.
Alternate options and suggestions:
– As is customary, there is always space for a personal touch in every recipe. To enhance the flavor, include a teaspoon of red pepper flakes into the seasoning. If you are conscious of your butter consumption, feel at liberty to use just half of the quantity. The dish will nevertheless provide the same level of comfort. For those who do not have heavy cream readily available, milk may serve as a suitable substitute in an emergency situation, however it will not provide the same level of richness. Feel free to substitute your preferred cheese without hesitation. An excellent Gruyère or even Pepper Jack may significantly enhance the flavor profile of this meal.