Savory Slow-Cooked Chicken Thighs

Name: Savory Slow-Cooked Chicken Thighs
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 6 h
Total time: 6 h 15 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 6 bone-in chicken thighs; 1 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 2 tbsp olive oil; 1 large onion, sliced; 4 garlic cloves, minced; 1 cup chicken broth; 1 tsp dried thyme; 1 tsp dried rosemary; 1/2 tsp paprika; 1/4 cup lemon juice; 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

🕒 Prep: 15 min

🔥 Cook: 6 hours

🍽 Serves: 4

★★★★★

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If you’re looking for a meal that’s both comforting and packed with flavor, these Savory Slow-Cooked Chicken Thighs are just the ticket. Perfect for a busy weeknight or a relaxed weekend, this dish brings together the warmth of slow-cooking with the bright zing of lemon juice and herbs.

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Ingredients for Savory Slow-Cooked Chicken Thighs

The star of our dish, chicken thighs, are perfect for slow cooking because they stay tender and juicy. We season them with a little salt and black pepper to enhance their natural flavor. Olive oil helps us achieve that perfect golden sear, adding depth to the dish. Onion and garlic contribute a savory base, while chicken broth provides a rich backdrop for our sauce. The pairing of dried thyme and rosemary introduces earthy, aromatic notes, and a dash of paprika brings a gentle warmth. Finally, lemon juice brightens everything with a fresh, tangy kick, and a sprinkle of fresh parsley adds color and a hint of freshness just before serving.

Tips & Tricks

If you have time, marinate the chicken in the salt and pepper for a couple of hours beforehand for deeper flavor.
For extra crispy skin, you can broil the chicken thighs for a few minutes after slow cooking.
Don’t skip searing the chicken; it adds a crucial layer of flavor.

Serving Suggestions

This dish pairs wonderfully with creamy mashed potatoes or a crusty loaf of bread to soak up the delicious sauce. For a lighter option, serve it with a side of steamed green beans or a simple garden salad.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use boneless chicken thighs?: Yes, but keep in mind that bone-in thighs tend to stay juicier during slow cooking.
What if I don’t have a slow cooker?: You can use a Dutch oven and cook it in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 2 hours.
How long do leftovers keep?: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Savory Slow-Cooked Chicken Thighs Recipe Walkthrough

Start by grabbing your chicken thighs and giving them a good pat dry with some paper towels. This helps them to sear properly. Season them all over with a generous sprinkle of salt and pepper. Now, heat up your olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot and shimmering, carefully place the chicken thighs skin-side down in the pan. Let them sizzle and sear for about 5 minutes on each side until they’re golden brown. This step locks in flavor, so don’t rush it.

Transfer the beautifully browned chicken thighs to your slow cooker. In the same skillet, toss in your sliced onions and minced garlic. Stir them around until they’re soft and fragrant — about 2–3 minutes should do it. Now, pour in the chicken broth, and sprinkle in the thyme, rosemary, and paprika. Add the lemon juice and stir everything together, bringing it to a gentle simmer.

Pour the aromatic broth mixture over the chicken thighs waiting patiently in the slow cooker. Cover and let them cook on low for 6 hours or on high for 3 hours, depending on your schedule. Before serving, sprinkle the dish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and flavor.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Easy to prepare with minimal hands-on time.
Uses simple ingredients you likely have on hand.
The slow-cooking method ensures tender, juicy chicken.
Perfect balance of savory and citrusy flavors.

Ingredients

6 bone-in chicken thighs

1 tsp salt

1/2 tsp black pepper

2 tbsp olive oil

1 large onion, sliced

4 garlic cloves, minced

1 cup chicken broth

1 tsp dried thyme

1 tsp dried rosemary

1/2 tsp paprika

1/4 cup lemon juice

2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Season chicken thighs with salt and pepper.

2. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.

3. Sear chicken thighs on both sides until golden brown, about 5 minutes per side.

4. Transfer chicken to the slow cooker.

5. In the same skillet, add onion and garlic, sauté until fragrant.

6. Add chicken broth, thyme, rosemary, paprika, and lemon juice to the skillet, bring to a simmer.

7. Pour the mixture over the chicken thighs in the slow cooker.

8. Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours.

9. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

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