Description
Slow Cooker Lemon Garlic Chicken is a tender, juicy dish infused with fresh lemon, garlic, and herbs. This vibrant and flavorful recipe is effortless to prepare, perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, and pairs well with rice, vegetables, or crusty bread.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 2 fresh lemons, thinly sliced, plus juice
- 6 garlic cloves, peeled
- 3 sprigs fresh rosemary
- 3 sprigs fresh thyme
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 1 tsp natural gelling agent dissolved in 2 tbsp cold water
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken thighs dry to promote even cooking and help the seasoning stick. Season generously with salt and black pepper on all sides.
- Layer Ingredients in the Slow Cooker: Place sliced lemons at the bottom of the slow cooker to infuse the meat as it cooks. Add garlic cloves, fresh rosemary, and thyme. Drizzle olive oil and vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural) over the chicken, then pour chicken broth into the cooker to provide moisture and create a flavorful base.
- Cook Low and Slow: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low heat for 6 to 7 hours, or until the chicken is tender and easily pulls apart with a fork. The slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld beautifully and the meat to become incredibly juicy.
- Finish the Sauce: Carefully remove the chicken and switch the slow cooker to high. Stir in the natural gelling agent dissolved in cold water to the cooking juices and cook for another 10 to 15 minutes until the sauce thickens into a luscious, flavorful glaze.
- Serve and Enjoy: Return the chicken to the sauce to coat it in the rich lemon garlic flavors. Serve hot with your favorite sides and garnish with extra fresh herbs if desired.
Notes
- Brown the chicken first in a hot pan for extra depth and caramelized flavor.
- Use fresh lemon juice instead of bottled for maximum brightness.
- Ensure there is enough broth to prevent dryness but not too much to dilute the flavors.
- Add the natural gelling agent only near the end to achieve perfect sauce consistency.
- Use whole sprigs of herbs and remove before serving for a smoother texture without scattered leaves.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 to 7 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
Keywords: slow cooker chicken, lemon garlic chicken, easy chicken recipe, slow cooked chicken, healthy chicken dinner
