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Slow Cooker Lemon Chicken Thighs with Garlic

Slow Cooker Lemon Chicken Thighs with Garlic
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Tender and flavorful Slow Cooker Lemon Chicken Thighs with Garlic combine juicy bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs with fresh lemon, garlic, and herbs. Slow-cooked to perfection, this hassle-free recipe delivers moist, melt-in-your-mouth chicken infused with bright, zesty, and savory notes, perfect for easy weeknight dinners.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Meat

  • 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs

Produce

  • 2 fresh lemons (for juice and slices)
  • 4 garlic cloves, peeled and lightly crushed

Oils and Liquids

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 cup chicken broth

Herbs and Seasonings

  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • Salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels and season generously with salt, pepper, and dried herbs to ensure a flavorful crust and juicy interior after cooking.
  2. Brown the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken thighs skin-side down until golden brown, about 4-5 minutes, then flip and brown the other side briefly to lock in juices and add depth of flavor.
  3. Add Ingredients to Slow Cooker: Place the seared chicken in the slow cooker. Add peeled and lightly crushed garlic cloves and squeeze fresh lemon juice over the top. Pour in chicken broth to keep everything moist, then add lemon slices for extra zest.
  4. Slow Cook: Cover and cook on low for 5-6 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The low and slow method produces the most tender and flavorful results.
  5. Finish and Serve: Once done, carefully remove the chicken from the slow cooker. Optionally, spoon some of the cooking liquid over the chicken before serving to keep it moist and enhance flavor.

Notes

  • Use bone-in thighs for better moisture retention and tenderness.
  • Don’t skip browning to add a caramelized flavor that slow cooking alone can’t achieve.
  • Prick lemons before squeezing to release more juice and essential oils.
  • Crushing garlic lightly releases more intense flavor than tossing whole cloves.
  • Check for doneness early as slow cooker times may vary to avoid overcooking.
  • You can substitute rosemary for thyme as a herb variation.
  • Add red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
  • Incorporate chopped carrots or potatoes for a one-pot meal.
  • Replace chicken broth with water for a low sodium option.
  • This recipe is naturally gluten-free.

Nutrition

Keywords: slow cooker chicken, lemon chicken thighs, garlic chicken, easy chicken recipe, weeknight dinner, gluten free chicken

Find it online: https://ninagourmet.com/slow-cooker-lemon-chicken-thighs-with-garlic/