Slow Cooker Rosemary Lemon Chicken Thighs

Sharing is caring!

Step into the world of savory delights with our tantalizing recipe, Slow Cooker Rosemary Lemon Chicken Thighs. This culinary masterpiece promises an explosion of flavors that will transport your taste buds to a realm of culinary bliss. Imagine succulent chicken thighs infused with the aromatic essence of rosemary and the zesty tang of fresh lemons, all meticulously slow-cooked to perfection. 

Let’s unveil the secrets to achieving a mouthwatering symphony of tastes and textures, transforming a humble collection of ingredients into a culinary triumph. Get ready to embark on a gastronomic journey that celebrates the art of slow cooking and elevates your home-cooked meals to gourmet status.

Should you brown chicken before slow cooking?

Browning chicken before slow cooking is an optional step, but it can enhance the overall flavor and appearance of the dish. When you sear or brown the chicken before placing it in the slow cooker, you create a Maillard reaction, a chemical process that adds depth and complexity to the taste. This reaction involves the browning of proteins and sugars, resulting in the development of rich, savory flavors.

Browning the chicken also contributes to the texture of the final dish by creating a caramelized exterior that can add a pleasant contrast to the tender interior. Additionally, it helps seal in the juices and can enhance the visual appeal of the finished product.

Is chicken breast or thigh better for a slow cooker?

Chicken thighs are generally considered better for slow cooking than chicken breast in a slow cooker. This is because chicken thighs have more flavor, moisture, and fat content compared to chicken breast. The dark meat of chicken thighs becomes tender and juicy during the slow cooking process, while chicken breast can easily dry out. Thighs are also more forgiving and less likely to become overcooked or tough. Overall, the richer taste and superior texture make chicken thighs the preferred choice for slow cooker recipes. 

How do you not overcook chicken in a slow cooker?

To avoid overcooking chicken in a slow cooker, here are some tips:

1. Use the right cooking time: Follow the recommended cooking times provided in your recipe or slow cooker manual. Cooking chicken for too long can result in dry and tough meat.
2. Choose bone-in chicken: Bone-in chicken retains more moisture and tends to stay juicy during slow cooking compared to boneless cuts.
3. Monitor the internal temperature: Invest in a meat thermometer and check the internal temperature of the chicken. Cook until it reaches 165°F (74°C) to ensure it’s fully cooked but still moist.
4. Don’t lift the lid unnecessarily: Opening the slow cooker lid releases heat, which can increase cooking time and affect the final texture of the chicken.
5. Add enough liquid or sauce: To prevent drying out, ensure there’s enough liquid or sauce in the slow cooker to keep the chicken moist throughout the cooking process.

What are the ingredients to make Slow Cooker Rosemary Lemon Chicken Thighs?

You can prepare this recipe in 15 minutes with an additional 15 minutes to brown the chicken. The cook time is 3 hours on high heat or 6 hours if you prefer it on low heat.

Here are the ingredients you’re going to need for 4 to 6 servings.

• Unsalted Butter or Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Enhances the flavor and adds richness and depth.
• Bone-in Chicken Thighs: Provide a flavorful and moist protein source. 
• Sea Salt and Black Pepper: Helps in the overall balance of flavors.
• Chicken Broth: Adds moisture and depth of flavor to the dish. 
• Cloves of Garlic: Infuse a savory, aromatic flavor. 
• White Onion: Adds a sweet and savory base flavor. 
• Carrots: Contribute sweetness and texture. 
• Fingerling Potatoes: Contribute to the heartiness of the dish.
• Lemon: Impart a bright, citrusy flavor to the dish.
• Fresh Rosemary Leaves: Infuse the dish with a fragrant, herbal aroma. 
• Fresh Parsley: Adds a fresh, herby flavor and a pop of color to the finished dish.

How to make Slow Cooker Rosemary Lemon Chicken Thighs?

It’s time to put this recipe together now that you’ve gathered all of your ingredients.

1. Start by melting one tablespoon of butter or heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Then season the chicken thighs with salt and black pepper and transfer the four of them to the skillet. Brown the chicken for approximately 3 minutes per side, and transfer to a platter.  
2. Repeat the process with remaining butter or olive oil and chicken thighs. Once they’re browned, transfer the remaining chicken thighs to the platter with the first batch. 
3. After that, deglaze the skillet by adding the chicken broth and gently scraping the bottom with a spatula to incorporate the flavorful brown bits into the liquid. Remove from the heat and reserve the deglazing liquid then set it aside.
   
4. Add the garlic, onion, carrots, and potatoes to a 6-quart or larger slow cooker crock and arrange the browned chicken thighs on top. Spread 2/3 of the lemon slices over the chicken and pour the chicken broth from the skillet on top. Next, sprinkle it with the crushed rosemary leaves and season with additional salt and black pepper if you desire. 
5. Cover and cook the dish on high for 3 hours or low for 6 hours. When the cook time is complete, discard the lemon slices and serve immediately with chopped fresh parsley and the remaining (uncooked) lemon slices cut into small wedges for garnish. Enjoy! 

Now that you know all you need to know about Slow Cooker Rosemary Lemon Chicken Thighs, it is time to print or save the recipe with the exact measurements.

Not ready to print? No problem! Save this pin in your Pinterest account by clicking the pin button located in the recipe card.