Description
This Slow Cooker Lemon Garlic Chicken recipe offers tender, juicy chicken thighs infused with bright lemon and savory garlic flavors. Perfectly cooked in a slow cooker, this dish combines easy preparation with bold, vibrant taste. Ideal for busy days or relaxed weekends, it provides a versatile and wholesome meal option with minimal ingredients and maximum flavor.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 4–6 skin-on chicken thighs
Marinade
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- Juice and zest of 2 fresh lemons
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional
- 1–2 teaspoons natural gelling agent dissolved in water (for thickening sauce)
Instructions
- Prepare the marinade: In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice and zest, minced garlic, vegetarian Worcestershire sauce, apple cider vinegar, fresh thyme, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Coat the chicken: Place chicken thighs in the slow cooker and pour the marinade over them. Toss gently to evenly coat each piece, ensuring the flavors can seep in.
- Slow cook the chicken: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 5 to 6 hours or on high for 2 to 3 hours, until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
- Thicken the sauce (optional): If you prefer a thicker sauce, stir in a small amount of natural gelling agent dissolved in water during the last 15 minutes of cooking.
- Serve and enjoy: Once done, serve the chicken with the lemon garlic sauce spooned over the top for maximum flavor impact.
Notes
- Use bone-in chicken to keep meat juicy and add extra flavor.
- Do not lift the slow cooker lid frequently to maintain steady heat.
- Taste sauce near the end and adjust salt or lemon juice as needed.
- Add fresh thyme after cooking to brighten aroma and color.
- Allow chicken to rest 10 minutes before serving to keep juices locked in.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 to 6 hours (low) or 2 to 3 hours (high)
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh with sauce
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
Keywords: slow cooker, lemon garlic chicken, easy chicken recipe, tender chicken, garlic chicken, slow cooker dinner, juicy chicken thighs, lemon chicken, gluten free chicken