Zesty Lemon Herb Slow Cooker Chicken

🕒 Prep: 10 min
🔥 Cook: 7 hours
🍽 Serves: 6
★★★★★
Be the First to Review!

Welcome to your new favorite dinner — Zesty Lemon Herb Slow Cooker Chicken! This dish is all about bright citrus flavors and aromatic herbs, effortlessly cooked to juicy perfection in your slow cooker. It's perfect for a busy weeknight or a relaxed weekend meal.

Ingredients for Zesty Lemon Herb Slow Cooker Chicken

The star of this dish is, of course, the chicken thighs. They’re juicy and flavorful, perfect for slow cooking. Next up is the lemon juice, which adds a bright, tangy kick that cuts through the richness of the chicken. You'll also need lemons for slicing; they release their oils into the dish as they cook. Garlic is essential for depth of flavor and pairs beautifully with the herbs. Speaking of herbs, the trio of thyme, rosemary, and oregano are dried, which makes them convenient and long-lasting in your pantry. A splash of olive oil ties everything together, while salt and black pepper season the dish to perfection. Finally, chicken broth adds moisture and a savory undertone, and a sprinkle of fresh parsley at the end adds a pop of color and freshness.

Tips & Tricks

  • If you prefer a crispier skin, you can briefly broil the chicken thighs in the oven after slow cooking.
  • Add a splash of white wine to the broth for an extra layer of flavor.
  • For a thicker sauce, remove the chicken and reduce the liquid on the stovetop before serving.

Serving Suggestions

This dish pairs wonderfully with fluffy rice or creamy mashed potatoes to soak up all the delicious juices. A side of roasted vegetables or a crisp green salad complements the meal perfectly and adds a bit of crunch.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, but keep in mind that chicken breasts may cook faster and could become dry, so adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried?
Absolutely! If using fresh herbs, triple the amount as dried herbs are more concentrated in flavor.

Zesty Lemon Herb Slow Cooker Chicken Recipe Walkthrough

First things first, grab a small bowl and mix together your lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, thyme, rosemary, oregano, salt, and pepper. This is your flavor powerhouse — a simple marinade that infuses the chicken with zest and herbaceous goodness.

Now, place your chicken thighs into the slow cooker. Make sure they’re in a single layer, if possible, for even cooking. Pour the lemon mixture over the chicken, ensuring every piece gets a good coating.

Next, arrange your lemon slices on top of the chicken. These slices will slowly release their juices and oils as they cook, intensifying the citrus flavor.

Pour in the chicken broth. This will keep the chicken moist and add a savory depth to the final dish.

Set your slow cooker to low and let it work its magic for 6 to 7 hours. You’re looking for the chicken to be tender and easily shredded with a fork.

Once done, sprinkle a generous amount of fresh parsley over the chicken before serving. This adds a lovely freshness and a touch of color.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Easy to prepare with minimal hands-on time.
  • Bold, fresh flavors that elevate simple ingredients.
  • Perfectly tender chicken that practically falls off the bone.
  • Your house will smell amazing while it cooks!

Ingredients

4 lbs chicken thighs
2 lemons, sliced
1/4 cup lemon juice
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp dried thyme
1 tbsp dried rosemary
1 tbsp dried oregano
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 cup chicken broth
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

Step-by-step Instructions

1. In a small bowl, mix lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, thyme, rosemary, oregano, salt, and pepper.
2. Place chicken thighs in the slow cooker and pour the lemon mixture over the chicken.
3. Arrange lemon slices on top of the chicken.
4. Add chicken broth to the slow cooker.
5. Cook on low for 6-7 hours or until the chicken is tender.
6. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Ratings and Comments

Thank you for your rating!