Slow Cooker Lemon Garlic Chicken Recipe

Introduction

This slow cooker lemon garlic chicken is a simple, flavorful meal perfect for busy days. Tender chicken thighs are infused with bright lemon and aromatic garlic, making for a comforting and delicious dinner.

Ingredients

• 4 chicken thighs
• 2 lemons, juiced
• 6 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 sprigs of fresh thyme

Instructions

1. Step 1: Season the chicken thighs evenly with salt and black pepper.
2. Step 2: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken thighs for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown.
3. Step 3: Transfer the seared chicken thighs to the slow cooker.
4. Step 4: In a bowl, combine the lemon juice, minced garlic, and fresh thyme sprigs.
5. Step 5: Pour the lemon garlic mixture evenly over the chicken in the slow cooker.
6. Step 6: Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours, or until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
7. Step 7: Serve the chicken hot alongside your favorite sides.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, add a splash of chicken broth or white wine to the lemon garlic mixture before cooking.
• Swap fresh thyme for rosemary or oregano for a different herb note.
• If you prefer skinless chicken breasts, they can be used but reduce cooking time to 4-5 hours on low to prevent drying out.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water to keep the chicken moist.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken thighs in this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken thighs, but increase the cooking time by about 1-2 hours and ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safety.

Can this recipe be made in an Instant Pot or pressure cooker?

Absolutely. Use the sauté function to brown the chicken, then cook on high pressure for about 10-12 minutes with natural release for a quicker meal.

Slow Cooker Lemon Garlic Chicken Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 136 reviews

• Author: Elara
• Total Time: 6 hours 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

This Slow Cooker Lemon Garlic Chicken recipe features tender, juicy chicken thighs infused with bright lemon juice, fragrant garlic, and fresh thyme. Perfect for an easy, hands-off meal, this dish combines a quick sear for flavor with slow cooking to achieve melt-in-your-mouth texture.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken

• 4 chicken thighs
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 sprigs fresh thyme

Lemon Garlic Sauce

• 2 lemons, juiced
• 6 cloves garlic, minced

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Instructions

1. Season the Chicken: Pat the chicken thighs dry and season evenly with salt and black pepper to enhance the flavor.
2. Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken thighs for 3-4 minutes on each side until they develop a golden brown crust to lock in juices.
3. Transfer to Slow Cooker: Place the seared chicken thighs into the slow cooker to prepare for slow cooking.
4. Prepare Lemon Garlic Mixture: In a bowl, combine freshly squeezed lemon juice, minced garlic, and sprigs of thyme, mixing well to create a flavorful sauce.
5. Pour Sauce Over Chicken: Pour the lemon garlic mixture evenly over the chicken thighs in the slow cooker.
6. Cook Slowly: Cover and cook on low heat for 6-7 hours until the chicken is tender and infused with the bright lemon-garlic flavors.
7. Serve: Remove thyme sprigs and serve the chicken hot alongside your favorite sides for a comforting meal.

Notes

• For best flavor, sear the chicken before slow cooking to create a caramelized crust.
• You can substitute chicken breasts, but thighs remain juicier after slow cooking.
• Use fresh thyme for the most aromatic results; dried thyme can be substituted but reduce quantity to 1 teaspoon.
• Adjust lemon juice to taste for more or less tanginess.
• This recipe can be doubled for larger groups using a bigger slow cooker.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 6 hours 30 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: slow cooker chicken, lemon garlic chicken, easy chicken recipe, slow cooked chicken thighs, healthy chicken dinner