Slow Cooker Lemon and Rosemary Chicken Recipe
A comforting slow-cooked chicken dish infused with fresh lemon zest, fragrant rosemary, and a blend of savory herbs and spices, perfect for an effortless and flavorful weeknight dinner.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-8 hours
- Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes to 8 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 2 lbs chicken thighs (bone in and skin removed)
Herbs and Spices
- Zest of one lemon
- 6 sprigs rosemary
- 1 tsp thyme
- 8 cloves garlic (peeled and left whole)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Oils
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Prepare the Spice Rub: In a small bowl, combine the olive oil with thyme, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to create a uniform spice rub that will coat the chicken thoroughly.
- Coat the Chicken: Place the chicken thighs into the slow cooker and evenly coat them with the prepared spice rub, ensuring each piece is well seasoned.
- Add Flavor Enhancers: Sprinkle the lemon zest evenly over the coated chicken. Tuck whole peeled garlic cloves and rosemary sprigs between the chicken thighs to infuse the dish with aromatic flavors during cooking.
- Slow Cook the Chicken: Cover the slow cooker and cook the chicken on the low setting for 6 to 8 hours. Around the halfway point, check the chicken and baste it with the pan juices to keep it moist and flavorful.
- Serve: Once the chicken is tender and cooked through, serve it hot with the pan juices drizzled on top alongside your favorite sides for a wholesome meal.
Notes
- Using bone-in chicken thighs helps keep the meat juicy and tender during slow cooking.
- Removing the skin reduces fat content but retains rich flavors from the cooking liquids.
- If you prefer a stronger lemon flavor, consider adding a splash of fresh lemon juice before serving.
- Basting halfway through cooking helps maintain moisture and enhances flavor absorption.
- Pair with mashed potatoes, rice, or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
Keywords: slow cooker chicken, lemon rosemary chicken, easy chicken recipe, slow-cooked chicken thighs, weeknight dinner