SLOW COOKER LEMON HERB CHICKEN PERFECTION

The first whiff is an absolute sunbeam – a burst of bright lemon mingling with earthy herbs that promises a dinner both comforting and invigorating. This isn’t just another slow cooker chicken recipe; it’s a flavor hug, a simple yet elegant way to transform humble ingredients into something truly special.

Imagine tender, juicy chicken, infused with the zesty tang of lemon and the fragrant warmth of herbs, all nestled in a luscious sauce that begs to be spooned over fluffy rice. It’s the kind of dish that makes weeknights feel a little brighter, and leftovers become a coveted treasure.

The Essential Components

Quality ingredients are the cornerstone of any great dish, and this Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken is no exception. Choosing fresh herbs and a vibrant lemon will elevate the flavors and create a truly memorable meal. Don’t skimp on the good stuff!

• Chicken thighs (about 2.5-3 pounds): Bone-in, skin-on thighs are recommended for maximum flavor and moisture (they hold up beautifully in the slow cooker).
• Lemons (2-3): One for slicing and layering, the other for juicing (the zest adds an extra layer of citrusy brightness).
• Fresh herbs (2-3 tablespoons, chopped): Rosemary, thyme, and oregano are a classic combination (fresh herbs provide a much brighter flavor than dried).
• Garlic (4-5 cloves, minced): Adds a pungent, savory note that complements the lemon and herbs (freshly minced is always best).
• Olive oil (2 tablespoons): For searing the chicken (searing adds depth of flavor).
• Chicken broth (1 cup): Provides moisture and helps create a delicious sauce (low-sodium allows you to control the salt level).
• Salt and pepper: To taste (season generously for the best flavor).
• Optional: 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water (for thickening the sauce, if desired).

Swaps & Alternatives

Sometimes you need to make a few tweaks based on what you have on hand. No problem! Here are some easy substitutions:

• Chicken breasts: Can be used instead of thighs, but reduce cooking time to prevent them from drying out.
• Dried herbs: Use 1 teaspoon of each dried herb for every tablespoon of fresh herbs.
• Lemon juice: Bottled lemon juice can be used, but fresh is always preferable.
• Garlic powder: Use 1 teaspoon of garlic powder in place of fresh garlic.
• Vegetable broth: Can be substituted for chicken broth.

Chef’s Twists

Want to take this Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken to the next level? Here are a few ideas to get you started:

• Brown the butter: Before adding the chicken broth, melt 2 tablespoons of butter in the pan and cook until it turns a nutty brown color. This adds a rich, complex flavor to the sauce.
• Add white wine: Deglaze the pan with 1/2 cup of dry white wine after searing the chicken. This will add depth and acidity to the sauce.
• Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.
• Include vegetables: Add chopped carrots, celery, and potatoes to the slow cooker for a complete one-pot meal. This is a great way to make it a true comfort food dish.

Step-by-Step Instructions

This Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken recipe is incredibly easy, but following these steps will ensure a perfectly cooked and flavorful dish. Get ready for a delicious and stress-free dinner! The whole process takes just a few minutes of active time, then the slow cooker does the rest.

1. Sear the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken thighs on both sides until golden brown. This step is optional but adds a lot of flavor.

Searing creates a beautiful crust and helps to lock in the juices, resulting in a more flavorful and tender chicken. Don’t overcrowd the pan; sear in batches if necessary.

2. Build the Base

In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the chicken broth and lemon juice, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.

This deglazing process is crucial for capturing all the delicious flavors from the seared chicken and garlic. The lemon juice adds a bright acidity that balances the richness of the chicken.

3. Assemble in the Slow Cooker

Place lemon slices and fresh herbs in the bottom of the slow cooker. Arrange the seared chicken thighs on top. Pour the chicken broth mixture over the chicken.

Layering the lemon slices and herbs underneath the chicken infuses the dish with their flavors as it cooks. Make sure the chicken is mostly submerged in the liquid.

4. Slow Cook to Perfection

Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.

The slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld together beautifully, resulting in incredibly tender and flavorful chicken. Cooking time may vary depending on your slow cooker.

5. Thicken the Sauce (Optional)

If desired, whisk together cornstarch and cold water in a small bowl. Pour the mixture into the slow cooker during the last 30 minutes of cooking. Stir well and let the sauce thicken.

This step is optional but can help create a more luscious and appealing sauce. Be sure to mix the cornstarch with cold water before adding it to the slow cooker to prevent clumping.

Perfect Pairings

This Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken is incredibly versatile and pairs well with a variety of sides. Here are a few suggestions:

• Rice: Fluffy white rice, brown rice, or quinoa are all excellent choices for soaking up the delicious sauce. Consider making a batch of Crock Pot Ranch Chicken and serving it over rice as well for a creamy, flavorful meal.
• Roasted vegetables: Asparagus, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, or green beans are all great options. The Sheet Pan Garlic Butter Chicken & Veggies recipe offers a quick and easy way to prepare a delicious vegetable side dish.
• Mashed potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are a classic comfort food pairing.
• Salad: A simple green salad with a lemon vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the chicken.
• Pasta: Toss the shredded chicken and sauce with your favorite pasta for a quick and easy meal.

This recipe is a fantastic alternative to Air Fryer Lemon Chicken Bites when you want a hands-off cooking method. It also complements the flavors of Sheet Pan Lemon Herb Chicken And Vegetables, offering a different texture and cooking style. If you love lemon chicken, you might also enjoy Slow Cooker Lemon Garlic Chicken and Lemon Herb Chicken Magic for more variations on this classic flavor combination. This slow cooker recipe is also a great option for those who enjoy chicken and rice, as the sauce is perfect for serving over a bed of fluffy rice. It’s an easy dinner that’s sure to become a family favorite, especially when you’re looking for some comforting and flavorful slow cooker recipes.

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Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken Perfection

Amelia Chen-Morrison

This Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken is a flavorful and easy dish perfect for busy weeknights. Tender chicken thighs are infused with bright lemon and fragrant herbs, creating a comforting and delicious meal with minimal effort. The resulting sauce is perfect for serving over rice or pasta.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 8 hours hrs

Total Time 8 hours hrs 15 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 6

Calories 450 kcal

Equipment

• Slow cooker
• Large skillet
• Knife
• Cutting board
• Measuring spoons
• Measuring cups
• Small bowl (optional, for cornstarch slurry)
• Whisk (optional, for cornstarch slurry)

Ingredients

  

• 2.5-3 pounds bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
• 2-3 lemons, one sliced, one juiced and zested
• 2-3 tablespoons fresh herbs, chopped rosemary, thyme, oregano
• 4-5 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 cup chicken broth
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch optional
• 2 tablespoons cold water optional

Instructions

 

• Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
• Sear the chicken thighs on both sides until golden brown. Sear in batches if necessary.
• In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
• Pour in the chicken broth and lemon juice, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
• Place lemon slices and fresh herbs in the bottom of the slow cooker.
• Arrange the seared chicken thighs on top of the lemon slices and herbs.
• Pour the chicken broth mixture over the chicken.
• Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
• If desired, whisk together cornstarch and cold water in a small bowl.
• Pour the cornstarch mixture into the slow cooker during the last 30 minutes of cooking. Stir well and let the sauce thicken.

Notes

For richer flavor, melt 2 tablespoons of butter in the pan after searing the chicken and cook until browned before adding the chicken broth. Deglaze the pan with 1/2 cup of dry white wine after searing the chicken for added depth. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat. Include chopped carrots, celery, and potatoes to the slow cooker for a complete one-pot meal. Chicken breasts can be used instead of thighs, but reduce cooking time to prevent them from drying out. If using dried herbs, use 1 teaspoon of each dried herb for every tablespoon of fresh herbs.