Herb-Infused Slow Cooker Lemon Chicken

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook: 7 hours
🍽 Serves: 6
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Herb-Infused Slow Cooker Lemon Chicken is your ticket to a flavorful, hassle-free dinner. This dish combines the freshness of lemons with aromatic herbs, all wrapped up in tender, juicy chicken thighs. Perfect for busy days or leisurely weekends, it's a recipe you'll want to keep in your back pocket.

Ingredients for Herb-Infused Slow Cooker Lemon Chicken

Chicken thighs are rich and flavorful, staying moist even after hours in the slow cooker. Lemons bring brightness and acidity, balancing the richness of the chicken. Olive oil adds a touch of richness and helps distribute the flavors evenly. Chicken broth keeps everything juicy and adds depth. Dried oregano and thyme enhance the herbal notes, while minced garlic provides a savory backbone. Salt and black pepper are essential for seasoning, and paprika adds a subtle warmth. Finally, fresh parsley brightens up the dish as a garnish.

Tips & Tricks

  • If you prefer crispy skin, quickly broil the chicken thighs skin-side up for a few minutes after cooking.
  • For a more intense lemon flavor, add some lemon zest with the juice.
  • Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Serving Suggestions

This dish pairs wonderfully with a side of roasted vegetables or a simple green salad. You could also serve it with fluffy rice or buttery mashed potatoes to soak up all those delicious juices. A glass of chilled white wine, like Sauvignon Blanc, complements the citrus notes beautifully.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, but be cautious about the cooking time as breasts can dry out faster. Check for doneness around the 5-hour mark.
What if I don't have a slow cooker?
You can bake this in a covered dish at 300°F (150°C) for about 2-3 hours until the chicken is tender.

Herb-Infused Slow Cooker Lemon Chicken Recipe Walkthrough

Start by placing the chicken thighs in your slow cooker. If they're skin-on, that's great for extra flavor, but skinless works too. Drizzle the olive oil over the chicken, making sure each piece gets a little love. Season with salt, black pepper, and a sprinkle of paprika. This trio is the foundation of your flavor profile.

Next, add the aromatic trio: minced garlic, dried oregano, and dried thyme. These herbs will infuse the chicken as it cooks, giving it that irresistible aroma. Now, layer the thinly sliced lemons over the chicken. The citrus will slowly release its juices, permeating the meat with a bright, tangy flavor.

Pour the chicken broth into the slow cooker. This will help keep everything moist and create a delicious base for a sauce. Cover the slow cooker, set it to low, and let it work its magic for 6-7 hours. By the end, your kitchen will smell heavenly, and the chicken will be tender enough to fall off the bone.

Before serving, sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley. It adds a pop of color and fresh flavor that complements the dish perfectly.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Minimal prep time — just set it and forget it.
  • Aromatic and flavorful, thanks to fresh herbs and citrus.
  • Perfectly tender chicken, cooked to perfection in the slow cooker.
  • Great for meal prep or feeding a crowd without fuss.

Ingredients

4 lbs chicken thighs
2 lemons, thinly sliced
1/4 cup olive oil
1/4 cup chicken broth
1 tbsp dried oregano
1 tbsp dried thyme
1 tbsp minced garlic
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp paprika
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley for garnish

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Place the chicken thighs in a slow cooker.
2. Drizzle olive oil over the chicken and season with salt, black pepper, and paprika.
3. Add minced garlic, dried oregano, and dried thyme to the chicken.
4. Layer the lemon slices over the chicken.
5. Pour chicken broth into the slow cooker.
6. Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or until the chicken is tender.
7. Once cooked, garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

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