Throw raw cabbage wedges and chicken thighs in the slow cooker and add 3 simple ingredients.

For extra flavor without changing the easy spirit of the recipe, tuck a few peeled garlic cloves or a quartered onion in with the cabbage wedges before adding the chicken. If you like a little smokiness, sprinkle a half teaspoon of smoked paprika over the chicken with the salt and pepper.

To lean into holiday flavors, add a teaspoon of dried thyme or rubbed sage to the broth and finish with a squeeze of lemon over the cabbage just before serving. If you prefer less richness, cut the butter down to 2 tablespoons and add an extra splash of broth; the cabbage will still turn out tender.

Dark meat works best here, but you can substitute bone-in chicken drumsticks if that’s what you have—just keep the total weight about the same. For a one-pot meal, scatter a few small red potatoes or thick slices of carrot under the cabbage wedges; they’ll soak up the buttery juices and stretch the dish for a bigger crowd.