Description
Slow Cooker Lemon Garlic Chicken offers tender, juicy chicken thighs infused with fresh lemon, garlic, and herbs. This effortless recipe combines bright citrus flavors and aromatic herbs slowly cooked to melt-in-your-mouth perfection, making it ideal for busy weeknights, family dinners, or meal prep.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (natural)
- 1 tablespoon vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- ½ cup low sodium chicken broth
Optional Variations
- Pinch of red chili flakes or diced jalapeños (for spicy twist)
- Swap herbs: basil and oregano instead of thyme and rosemary
- Vegetables: carrots, potatoes, or bell peppers
- Use 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (leaner option)
- 1 tablespoon fresh orange juice (for sweet citrus flavor)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken and Marinade: Pat the chicken thighs dry. In a bowl, combine lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, olive oil (natural), vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), salt, pepper, and chopped fresh thyme and rosemary. Toss the chicken in this marinade, coating well. Let sit for a few minutes to absorb flavors.
- Layer Ingredients in the Slow Cooker: Place the sliced onions at the bottom of the slow cooker to form a flavorful base. Arrange the marinated chicken thighs on top of the onions. Pour any remaining marinade and the chicken broth around the chicken to keep the ingredients moist during cooking.
- Slow Cook Gently: Cover and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours. The slow cooking tenderizes the chicken and melds all flavors together into a savory citrus-infused dish.
- Final Touches Before Serving: After cooking, gently stir the dish. Garnish with extra fresh herbs or a sprinkle of lemon zest to brighten the flavors just before serving.
Notes
- Use bone-in thighs for additional flavor and juiciness if desired.
- Do not skip fresh lemon zest for amplified citrus brightness.
- Layering onions underneath prevents sticking and infuses sweetness.
- Adjust cooking times based on your slow cooker’s performance; check doneness on first try.
- Reserve some fresh herbs to use as garnish for aroma and color.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 to 8 hours (low) or 3 to 4 hours (high)
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
Keywords: slow cooker chicken, lemon garlic chicken, easy chicken dinner, slow cooker recipe, chicken thighs, meal prep, family dinner
