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Crockpot Lemon Garlic Chicken Thighs

Crockpot Lemon Garlic Chicken Thighs

Crockpot Lemon Garlic Chicken Thighs offers a tender, flavorful, and fuss-free dinner option featuring juicy bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs slow-cooked in a zesty lemon and garlic sauce. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekend meals, delivering bright, savory flavors with minimal effort.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 46 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs

Fresh Ingredients

  • 2 fresh lemons (juice and zest)
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced

Liquids

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 cup chicken broth

Seasonings

  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or oregano/rosemary)
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels to help ensure crispy skin if using skin-on. Season generously on both sides with salt and pepper.
  2. Sauté Garlic: In a small skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant to enhance its sweetness.
  3. Combine Ingredients in Crockpot: Place the chicken thighs into the crockpot. Add the sautéed garlic, lemon zest and juice, chicken broth, and dried herbs. Ensure the liquid covers the chicken halfway to keep it moist during cooking.
  4. Cook Low and Slow: Set the crockpot to low and cook for 6 to 7 hours, or on high for 3 to 4 hours, until the chicken is tender and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
  5. Finish and Serve: For a crispier top, transfer the chicken to a baking sheet and broil in the oven for 3 to 5 minutes if desired. Spoon some of the lemon garlic sauce over the chicken before serving for extra flavor.

Notes

  • Pat the chicken dry before seasoning to help skin crisp up after cooking.
  • Bone-in thighs provide juicier, more flavorful results compared to boneless.
  • Broiling after slow cooking is optional but adds a beautiful golden finish and texture.
  • Adjust liquid levels with extra broth or lemon juice if you prefer a saucier dish.
  • Use fresh minced garlic, not garlic powder, for best flavor.

Nutrition

Keywords: crockpot chicken, lemon garlic chicken, slow cooker recipe, easy chicken thighs, gluten free chicken dinner