Lemon-Herb Slow-Cooker Chicken with Capers

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender chicken thighs simmered in a bright lemon-herb broth with briny capers, perfect for a fuss-free weeknight dinner. This american-inspired slow cooker (low carb) ready in about 375 minutes pairs bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs, zested and juiced lemon, minced garlic for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 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.

★ 3.5 (11 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 360 min Serves 4 American cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels, then season both sides with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken thighs for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown, then transfer to slow cooker.
  3. Step 3: Add 2 minced garlic cloves, 2 tbsp chopped thyme, 1/4 cup capers, 1 cup chicken broth, and 2 tbsp lemon juice to the slow cooker. Stir in 1 tsp lemon zest.
  4. Step 4: Cover and cook on LOW for 6 hours until chicken reaches 165°F and falls off the bone.
  5. Step 5: Discard skin and bones, then skim excess fat from the sauce. Serve with steamed rice, spooning sauce over each portion.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Lemon-Herb Slow-Cooker Chicken with Capers take to make?

Total time is about 375 minutes (15 min prep + 360 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 Slow-Cooker 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 zested and juiced lemon from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Lemon-Herb Slow-Cooker 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 Slow-Cooker 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 Slow-Cooker Chicken with Capers low carb?

Yes — this recipe is tagged low carb based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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