Lemon-Herb Chicken with Capers
Juicy chicken thighs marinated in zesty lemon and herbs, slow-cooked to perfection and finished with briny capers for a bright, savory dinner. This mediterranean-inspired slow cooker (dairy-free) ready in about 255 minutes pairs skin-on Pastured chicken thighs, Lemon juice, chopped Fresh rosemary for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 310 calories and feeds 4, 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
- 1.5 lbs skin-on Pastured chicken thighs
- 2 tbsp Lemon juice
- 1 tbsp chopped Fresh rosemary
- 2 cloves minced Garlic
- 1.5 tbsp Olive oil
- 1/4 cup pitted Kalamata olives
- 2 tbsp Capers
- 1/2 cup Low-sodium chicken broth
- 1/2 tsp Sea salt
- 1/4 tsp Black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels. In a bowl, mix 2 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tbsp chopped rosemary, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1.5 tbsp olive oil, 1/2 tsp sea salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Rub mixture evenly over chicken, ensuring all pieces are coated.
- Step 2: Place seasoned chicken thighs in slow cooker, nestling 1/4 cup pitted Kalamata olives around them. Pour 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth over everything and add 2 tbsp capers.
- Step 3: Cover and cook on LOW for 4 hours or HIGH for 2 hours, until chicken reaches 165°F internally and easily pulls away from bone.
- Step 4: Carefully transfer chicken to a plate, reserving cooking liquid. Simmer the liquid uncovered on HIGH for 10 minutes to reduce slightly, then pour over chicken before serving.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Lemon-Herb Chicken with Capers take to make?
Total time is about 255 minutes (15 min prep + 240 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 Lemon-Herb Chicken with Capers?
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 lemon juice from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Lemon-Herb Chicken with Capers?
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 Lemon-Herb Chicken with Capers for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). 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 Lemon-Herb Chicken with Capers dairy-free?
Yes — this recipe is tagged dairy-free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Best recipe I've made this month.
- ★★★★☆
Tasty recipe. I'd add a bit more seasoning next time.
- ★★★★☆
Good flavors but the sauce was a bit thin. I'd reduce it longer.
