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Slow Cooker Lemon Garlic Chicken

Slow Cooker Lemon Garlic Chicken


  • Author: David
  • Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes to 6 hours 15 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Description

Slow Cooker Lemon Garlic Chicken is a simple and flavorful dish featuring tender chicken thighs slow-cooked in a bright lemon garlic marinade with fresh herbs and natural seasonings. Perfect for effortless family dinners or meal prepping, this recipe delivers juicy, melt-in-your-mouth chicken with vibrant citrus and aromatic garlic notes.


Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs

Marinade

  • Juice and zest of 2 fresh lemons
  • 6 garlic cloves, peeled and minced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
  • 1 teaspoon sea salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon cracked black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped
  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme, finely chopped

Optional

  • 1 teaspoon natural gelling agent

Instructions

  1. Prepare the marinade: In a medium bowl, whisk together fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, olive oil, apple cider vinegar, vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), sea salt, and cracked black pepper. Add finely chopped rosemary and thyme to infuse the marinade with fragrant herb flavors.
  2. Coat the chicken: Place chicken thighs in a large mixing bowl or directly into the slow cooker insert. Pour the marinade over the chicken, making sure each piece is well coated for maximum flavor absorption.
  3. Slow cook the chicken: Cover and cook on low for 4 to 6 hours or on high for 2 to 3 hours, until the chicken is tender and easily pulls apart with a fork. The slow cooker will gently infuse the meat with lemon and garlic, creating truly melt-in-your-mouth chicken.
  4. Optional sauce thickening: If you prefer a thicker sauce, stir in a natural gelling agent to the cooking juices about 20 minutes before serving and cook uncovered for the sauce to thicken lightly.
  5. Final touches and serve: Before serving, taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Garnish with fresh herb sprigs or lemon slices to add a fresh visual and aromatic complement to your dish.

Notes

  • Choose dark meat: chicken thighs stay juicier and richer than breasts when slow cooked.
  • Don’t skip lemon zest: adds vibrant oils that deepen the citrus flavor beyond juice alone.
  • Use fresh herbs: fresh rosemary and thyme elevate the dish far more than dried versions.
  • Layer flavors: marinate chicken beforehand if possible to intensify the lemon and garlic infusion.
  • Avoid overcooking: cooking too long can dry out chicken, so follow timing guidelines closely.
  • Thicken sauce carefully: add natural gelling agent slowly to avoid overly thick sauce.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 4 to 6 hours on low or 2 to 3 hours on high
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh with sauce
  • Calories: 320
  • Sugar: 2g
  • Sodium: 450mg
  • Fat: 20g
  • Saturated Fat: 4g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 16g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 3g
  • Fiber: 0.5g
  • Protein: 28g
  • Cholesterol: 105mg

Keywords: slow cooker chicken, lemon garlic chicken, easy dinner, meal prep, healthy chicken, gluten free chicken recipe