Description
Tender chicken thighs slow-cooked with lemon, garlic, onion, and herbs. A simple yet flavorful dish perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep.
Ingredients
2 ½ pounds bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (6–8 pieces)
⅓ cup fresh lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
1 teaspoon lemon zest
6 garlic cloves, minced
1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 medium yellow onion, thinly sliced
1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried)
1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried)
1 ½ teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
Instructions
Sear Chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high. Season chicken with salt and pepper. Sear 3–4 minutes per side until golden. Transfer to slow cooker.
Aromatics: In the same skillet, melt butter. Add onion and garlic. Cook 2–3 minutes until fragrant. Add to slow cooker.
Sauce: In a bowl, whisk lemon juice, zest, broth, rosemary, thyme, and red pepper flakes. Pour over chicken.
Cook: Cover and cook on low 6–7 hours or high 3–4 hours until chicken reaches 165°F and is fork-tender.
Finish: Adjust seasoning if needed. Garnish with parsley. Broil chicken 2–3 minutes if you want crispier skin.
Notes
Use fresh lemons for the best flavor.
Broiling adds a crispy finish but is optional.
For a creamy variation, stir in ½ cup heavy cream at the end.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours (low) / 3 hours (high)
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh with sauce
- Calories: 370
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 640 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
- Trans Fat: <0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 5 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 29 g
- Cholesterol: 145 mg
Keywords: Slow Cooker Lemon Garlic Chicken, Crockpot Lemon Garlic Chicken, Garlic Lemon Chicken Thighs, Easy Slow Cooker Chicken