Start by chopping the onion, carrots, and celery into bite-sized pieces. Mince the garlic finely and set everything aside.
Season the chicken thighs with a pinch of salt and pepper. Then, in your slow cooker, layer the diced onions, carrots, and celery on the bottom to create a flavorful base.
Place the seasoned chicken thighs on top of the vegetables. Add the minced garlic, a sprig of fresh thyme, and a bay leaf for aromatic depth.
Stir in the tomato paste, distributing it evenly over the ingredients. Pour the chicken broth into the slow cooker, ensuring most ingredients are submerged for even cooking.
Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set it to low. Let everything simmer gently for 6 to 8 hours, until the chicken is fall-apart tender and the flavors meld beautifully.
Once cooking is complete, remove the thyme sprig and bay leaf. Use two forks to shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces right in the pot, allowing it to soak up the flavorful broth.
Give the ragout a gentle stir to combine everything well. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. The dish should look rich, with a thickened, saucy consistency and tender vegetables.
Serve the comforting chicken ragout hot, ladled over crusty bread, rice, or mashed potatoes. Enjoy the warm aroma and hearty textures of this soulful dish.