Slow Cooker Garlic Herb Chicken

Slow Cooker Garlic Herb Chicken is a delicious and easy meal that you’ll love. With its tender chicken and flavorful herbs, this dish is perfect for busy days when you still want a tasty dinner without spending too much time in the kitchen. Just set it and forget it, and you’ll have a wonderful meal waiting for you.

Why Make This Recipe

Making Slow Cooker Garlic Herb Chicken is a great choice for several reasons. First, it’s simple and requires minimal effort. You can prep the ingredients in just a few minutes and let the slow cooker do the work. Second, the chicken becomes incredibly tender as it cooks low and slow, soaking up all the flavors of the garlic and herbs. Finally, it’s a flexible recipe that pairs well with various side dishes, making it a versatile option for any meal.

How to Make Slow Cooker Garlic Herb Chicken

Ingredients:

4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
3 tbsp olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp dried thyme
1 tsp dried rosemary
1/2 tsp paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
1/2 cup chicken broth
1 tbsp cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
Fresh thyme sprigs (for garnish, optional)

Directions:

Rub chicken thighs with olive oil. In a small bowl, mix garlic, thyme, rosemary, paprika, salt, and pepper. Rub the spice mixture evenly over the chicken.
(Optional) In a skillet over medium heat, sear the chicken thighs for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown.
Place the seared chicken in the slow cooker. Pour the chicken broth around the chicken (not directly on top).
Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is tender and fully cooked (internal temperature of 165°F/74°C).
(Optional) For a thicker sauce, remove 1/4 cup of liquid from the slow cooker, mix with cornstarch, and return to the slow cooker, stirring well. Let it thicken for 5-10 minutes.
Garnish with fresh thyme sprigs if desired, and serve with mashed potatoes, rice, or roasted vegetables.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Garlic Herb Chicken

Serve Slow Cooker Garlic Herb Chicken with your favorite side dishes. It goes well with mashed potatoes, fluffy rice, or even roasted vegetables. You can drizzle some of the cooking juices over the chicken for extra flavor. Don’t forget to add a little garnish of fresh thyme sprigs for a nice touch.

How to Store Slow Cooker Garlic Herb Chicken

To store any leftovers, let the chicken cool completely. Place it in an airtight container and keep it in the fridge. It will stay fresh for about 3-4 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months. Just make sure to use a freezer-safe container. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Tips to Make Slow Cooker Garlic Herb Chicken

For even more flavor, marinate the chicken in the olive oil and spice mixture for a few hours before cooking.
Make sure not to skip the searing step if you want a nice golden color and added flavor.
Adjust the herbs and spices based on your taste preferences. You can add more garlic or try different herbs that you like.

Variation

If you want to switch things up, you can use chicken breasts instead of thighs. Just adjust the cooking time since breasts may cook faster. Additionally, feel free to add vegetables like carrots or potatoes to the slow cooker for a complete one-pot meal.

FAQs

1. Can I use boneless chicken thighs?
Yes, you can use boneless chicken thighs, but make sure to adjust the cooking time. They will cook faster than bone-in thighs.

2. Can I make this recipe without searing the chicken?
Yes, you can skip the searing step if you’re short on time. The chicken will still turn out delicious, but it won’t have that nice golden color.

3. How can I make this dish spicy?
To add some heat, you can include red pepper flakes in the spice mixture or use a spicy paprika instead of regular paprika.

Enjoy your delicious Slow Cooker Garlic Herb Chicken! It’s a simple and satisfying meal that your family will love.