Slow Cooker Lemon-Garlic Chicken Thighs

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Fall-apart tender chicken thighs braised with lemon, garlic, and herbs in a rich, tangy sauce. This american-inspired slow cooker ready in about 430 minutes pairs skin-on chicken thighs, thinly sliced lemon, smashed garlic for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 380 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.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 420 min Serves 4 American cuisine 380 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat 1.5 lbs skin-on chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Season lightly with salt and pepper. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and sear thighs for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown. Transfer to a slow cooker.
  2. Step 2: Arrange 2 thinly sliced lemons and 4 smashed garlic cloves over the chicken. Pour 1 cup chicken broth and sprinkle 1 tsp dried thyme over the top.
  3. Step 3: Cook on low for 6-7 hours until chicken is tender and easily pulls from the bone. Remove chicken and lemons. Skim excess fat from the cooking liquid, then return the liquid to the slow cooker. Stir in 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley and serve with the sauce.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow Cooker Lemon-Garlic Chicken Thighs take to make?

Total time is about 430 minutes (10 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 Slow Cooker Lemon-Garlic Chicken Thighs?

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 skin-on chicken thighs from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Slow Cooker Lemon-Garlic Chicken Thighs?

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 Slow Cooker Lemon-Garlic Chicken Thighs 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.

What goes well with Slow Cooker Lemon-Garlic Chicken Thighs?

American slow cooker like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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