Slow Cooker Garlic Herb Chicken Thighs are the perfect solution for busy weeknights when you need a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen. This dish combines tender chicken thighs with aromatic garlic and herbs for a flavor-packed dinner that practically cooks itself. As someone always on the lookout for Quick Healthy Dinner Recipes, I’ve found this slow cooker recipe to be a game-changer for my family’s mealtime routine. It’s simple enough for beginners yet impressive enough for guests, making it an essential addition to your recipe collection.
Nutritional Benefits
This dish isn’t just delicious—it’s also packed with nutrients that make it a wholesome addition to your weekly meal rotation.
| Nutrition (per serving) | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 310 |
| Protein | 28g |
| Carbohydrates | 5g |
| Fat | 20g |
| Fiber | 1g |
| Sodium | 420mg |
Chicken thighs provide high-quality protein that helps build and maintain muscle. The combination of herbs offers antioxidants and anti-inflammatory benefits, while garlic is known for its immune-boosting properties and heart health benefits.
Ingredients & Substitutions
| Ingredient | Role | Possible Substitutions |
|---|---|---|
| 2 lbs bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (6-8 pieces) | Main protein | Boneless chicken thighs, chicken drumsticks |
| 8 garlic cloves, minced | Flavor base | 2 tbsp garlic powder, 3 tbsp garlic paste |
| 2 tbsp olive oil | Moisture and flavor | Avocado oil, butter |
| 1 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped | Aromatic herb | 1 tsp dried rosemary, fresh thyme |
| 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves | Aromatic herb | 1 tsp dried thyme, fresh oregano |
| 1 tsp dried oregano | Flavor enhancer | Italian herb blend, herbes de Provence |
| 1 lemon, zested and juiced | Brightness and acidity | 2 tbsp white wine vinegar, 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar |
| 1 cup chicken broth | Cooking liquid | Vegetable broth, water with 1 bouillon cube |
| 1 tsp salt | Seasoning | Sea salt, soy sauce (reduced amount) |
| 1/2 tsp black pepper | Seasoning | White pepper, cayenne (for heat) |
| 1 small onion, sliced | Aromatic base | Shallots, leeks, 1 tbsp onion powder |
Equipment Needed
– Slow cooker (4-6 quart capacity)
– Measuring spoons and cups
– Sharp knife and cutting board
– Microplane or zester for lemon
– Mixing bowl
– Tongs
– Optional: skillet for browning chicken (for enhanced flavor)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the chicken: Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Season generously with salt and pepper on both sides.
2. Create the herb mixture: In a small bowl, combine minced garlic, olive oil, chopped rosemary, thyme leaves, dried oregano, lemon zest, and half the lemon juice. Mix well to form a paste.
3. Optional browning step: For enhanced flavor, heat a skillet over medium-high heat and sear the chicken thighs, skin-side down, for 3-5 minutes until golden. This step is optional but adds depth of flavor to your Slow Cooker Garlic Herb Chicken Thighs.
4. Prepare the slow cooker: Place sliced onions at the bottom of your slow cooker.
5. Add the chicken: Arrange the chicken thighs (browned or not) on top of the onions, skin-side up.
6. Apply herb mixture: Spread the garlic herb mixture evenly over each chicken thigh, making sure to get some under the skin for maximum flavor.
7. Add cooking liquid: Pour chicken broth and remaining lemon juice around (not over) the chicken thighs.
8. Cook: Cover and cook on LOW for 6-7 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and is tender.
9. Crisp the skin (optional): If you prefer crispy skin, transfer the cooked chicken thighs to a baking sheet and broil for 2-3 minutes.
10. Serve: Remove the chicken thighs from the slow cooker and spoon some of the cooking liquid over them before serving. This makes a perfect addition to your collection of Quick Healthy Dinner Recipes.
Troubleshooting & Pro Tips
– Watery sauce? If the sauce is too thin after cooking, transfer it to a saucepan and simmer to reduce, or mix 1 tbsp cornstarch with 2 tbsp cold water and stir into the hot liquid.
– Not enough flavor? Add fresh herbs at the end of cooking for a bright flavor boost.
– Skin not crispy enough? The slow cooker environment is moist, so skin won’t crisp naturally. Use the broiling method mentioned above or skip the skin altogether.
– Too much fat? Cook a day ahead and refrigerate. The fat will solidify on top and can be easily removed before reheating.
– Pro tip: For a more intense garlic flavor, add half the garlic at the beginning and the other half during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Storage & Make-Ahead Tips
– Refrigeration: Store leftover chicken thighs in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
– Freezing: These chicken thighs freeze beautifully. Store in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
– Reheating: For best results, reheat in a 300°F oven for 15-20 minutes. Microwave on 70% power for more tender results.
– Make-ahead tip: Prepare the herb mixture up to 2 days in advance and store in the refrigerator. You can also assemble everything in the slow cooker insert the night before, refrigerate overnight, and start cooking in the morning.
– Meal prep: These chicken thighs make excellent meal prep for the week, pairing well with various sides like roasted vegetables, rice, or salad.
Conclusion
These Slow Cooker Garlic Herb Chicken Thighs represent the perfect balance between convenience and flavor. By utilizing your slow cooker, you can create a restaurant-quality meal with minimal hands-on time, making it ideal for those seeking Quick Healthy Dinner Recipes that don’t compromise on taste. The combination of aromatic herbs and garlic creates a dish that’s both comforting and sophisticated, suitable for everything from casual family dinners to special occasions. This recipe proves that healthy, delicious meals don’t have to be complicated or time-consuming.
FAQ
Can I use boneless chicken thighs instead?
Yes! Boneless thighs work great but will cook faster. Reduce cooking time to 4-5 hours on LOW or 2-3 hours on HIGH.
Can I cook vegetables along with the chicken?
Absolutely! Hardy vegetables like carrots, potatoes, and celery can be added at the beginning. Add more delicate vegetables like green beans or peas during the last hour of cooking.
Is this recipe keto-friendly?
Yes, this recipe is naturally low in carbohydrates, making it suitable for keto and low-carb diets.
Can I double this recipe?
Yes, but you may need to increase cooking time slightly and ensure your slow cooker is large enough to fit all ingredients without overcrowding.
What side dishes pair well with this chicken?
This chicken pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, cauliflower rice, or a fresh green salad for a complete meal. Looking for more inspiration? Check out my Easy Dinner Recipes For Family collection for pairing ideas.
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