Caramelized Garlic Herb Slow Cooker Chicken
Tender chicken thighs infused with garlic, rosemary, and thyme, slow-cooked to perfection with a rich, savory sauce that’s perfect for keto meal prep. This american-inspired slow cooker (high protein, low carb) ready in about 435 minutes pairs bone-in chicken thighs, avocado oil, minced garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 520 calories and feeds 2, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 12 oz bone-in chicken thighs
- 2 tbsp avocado oil
- 4, minced garlic cloves
- 1 tbsp, finely chopped fresh rosemary
- 1 tsp, chopped fresh thyme
- 1 cup bone broth
- 2 tbsp coconut aminos
- 1/2 tsp sea salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels, then season evenly with 1/2 tsp sea salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper.
- Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp avocado oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Sear chicken thighs skin-side down for 4-5 minutes until golden brown and crispy, then flip and sear 2 more minutes.
- Step 3: Transfer seared chicken to a slow cooker, arranging in a single layer. Sprinkle minced garlic, rosemary, and thyme evenly over the chicken.
- Step 4: Pour bone broth and coconut aminos over the chicken, ensuring the liquid reaches the bottom of the slow cooker.
- Step 5: Cover and cook on LOW for 6-7 hours until chicken is fork-tender and easily pulls away from the bone.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Caramelized Garlic Herb Slow Cooker Chicken take to make?
Total time is about 435 minutes (15 min prep + 420 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Caramelized Garlic Herb Slow Cooker Chicken?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep bone-in chicken thighs from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Caramelized Garlic Herb Slow Cooker Chicken?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Caramelized Garlic Herb Slow Cooker Chicken for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
Is Caramelized Garlic Herb Slow Cooker Chicken high protein?
Yes — this recipe is tagged high protein, low carb based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Made with what I had on hand and it still came out great.
- ★★★★★
Swapped butter for olive oil to keep it lighter. Still delicious.
- ★★★★☆
Reliable weeknight option. Not going to blow your mind but always satisfying.