Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook: 7 hours
🍽 Serves: 4
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Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken is a game-changer for busy weeknights. This dish combines the bright zest of lemon with the earthiness of herbs, all while being effortlessly cooked in a slow cooker. The result? A tender, flavorful meal that feels like a hug on a plate.

Ingredients for Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken

Chicken thighs are the star here, offering more flavor and juiciness compared to chicken breasts. Lemon adds a tangy freshness, while garlic infuses the dish with a warm, aromatic depth. Olive oil helps to distribute the flavors of the rosemary and thyme, which bring a touch of earthiness. A bit of salt and black pepper rounds out the seasoning, enhancing all the other flavors. Chicken broth ensures the chicken stays moist and adds a little extra savory goodness. Topping it with lemon zest and fresh parsley brightens up the final dish.

Tips & Tricks

  • If you prefer more browning, give the chicken thighs a quick sear in a hot pan before placing them in the slow cooker.
  • Feel free to add a splash more chicken broth if you want extra sauce to drizzle over rice or potatoes.
  • For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the herb mixture.

Serving Suggestions

This dish pairs beautifully with a side of roasted vegetables or a light garden salad. For a heartier meal, serve it over a bed of rice or alongside some crusty bread to soak up the flavorful juices. A crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio complements the lemony-herb flavors perfectly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, but keep in mind that chicken breasts cook faster and can dry out if overcooked. Check them around the 5-hour mark on low heat.
Is it necessary to use fresh lemon slices?
Fresh is best for flavor, but in a pinch, bottled lemon juice can work. Simply adjust the quantity to taste.

Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken Recipe Walkthrough

First, arrange your chicken thighs in the slow cooker. No need to be too precise—just make sure they fit snugly. Next, grab a small bowl and mix together your minced garlic, olive oil, rosemary, thyme, salt, and black pepper. Once combined, rub this aromatic mixture all over the chicken thighs, ensuring they’re evenly coated.

Now, layer the lemon slices over the chicken. This will allow the citrus juices to seep into the meat as it cooks, infusing it with flavor. Pour the chicken broth around the sides of the chicken, making sure not to wash off the herb mixture you just applied.

Set your slow cooker on low for 6-7 hours, or if you’re short on time, high for 3-4 hours. You’ll know it’s done when the chicken is tender and practically falling off the bone. Just before serving, sprinkle lemon zest and fresh parsley over the top for a burst of color and freshness.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Hands-off cooking: Let the slow cooker do the work while you focus on other things.
  • Bright, fresh flavors that make it feel like springtime any time of year.
  • Satisfying and comforting, yet light enough to avoid post-meal sluggishness.
  • Perfect for meal prep: doubles as a lunch option for the next day.

Ingredients

2 lbs chicken thighs
1 lemon, sliced
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp dried rosemary
1 tsp dried thyme
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/4 cup chicken broth
1 tbsp lemon zest
Fresh parsley for garnish

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Arrange chicken thighs in the slow cooker.
2. In a small bowl, mix minced garlic, olive oil, rosemary, thyme, salt, and black pepper.
3. Rub the garlic herb mixture over the chicken thighs.
4. Layer lemon slices over the chicken.
5. Pour chicken broth around the chicken in the slow cooker.
6. Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
7. Garnish with lemon zest and fresh parsley before serving.

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