Description
Tender and flavorful Slow Cooker Lemon Chicken Thighs with Garlic combine juicy bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs with bright fresh lemon, aromatic garlic, and herbs, slow-cooked to melt-in-your-mouth perfection. This easy, hands-off recipe delivers a comforting, vibrant dish perfect for busy weeknights and pairs wonderfully with rice, veggies, or crusty bread.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 4–6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 2 fresh lemons (juice and slices)
- 4–6 garlic cloves, peeled
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme or oregano
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels to ensure the skin crisps up nicely. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper for balanced flavor.
- Brown the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and sear the chicken thighs skin-side down until golden brown, about 4-5 minutes, then flip and brown the other side briefly. This step adds extra depth and texture.
- Assemble Ingredients in Slow Cooker: Place the browned chicken thighs into the slow cooker. Add peeled garlic cloves, lemon juice, lemon slices, chicken broth, and dried herbs on top. The citrus will infuse the meat while the broth keeps everything tender.
- Slow Cook: Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours, or on high for 2-3 hours. The chicken will become incredibly tender, soaking in all the aromatic flavors.
- Serve and Enjoy: Once cooked, remove the chicken and spoon some of the cooking juices over the top. Garnish with fresh parsley or additional lemon slices for a bright finishing touch.
Notes
- Dry the chicken thoroughly: Moisture on the skin can prevent proper browning, so take the time to pat it dry first.
- Sear the chicken: This adds beautiful color and a layer of flavor that slow cooking alone can’t achieve.
- Use fresh lemon juice: Bottled lemon juice lacks the vibrant zing fresh juice provides.
- Slow cooker size matters: Avoid overcrowding to ensure even cooking and flavor absorption.
- Reserve some lemon slices: For garnish or added freshness just before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4-6 hours on low or 2-3 hours on high
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh with sauce
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 4.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 100mg