Slow-Cooker Lemon Garlic Chicken with White Beans
Tender chicken thighs simmered in a garlic-lemon broth with hearty white beans, perfect for an easy comforting meal. This mediterranean-inspired chicken (gluten free) ready in about 315 minutes pairs pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs, minced garlic cloves, fresh lemon juice for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 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 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs
- 1 can (15 oz), drained and rinsed cannellini beans
- 5 cloves, minced garlic cloves
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1 cup low sodium chicken broth
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 1.5 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs, 5 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp dried thyme, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper; toss to coat evenly.
- Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and brown the chicken thighs for 3 minutes per side until golden; transfer them to the slow cooker.
- Step 3: Add 1 can (15 oz) drained and rinsed cannellini beans, 1 cup low sodium chicken broth, and 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice to the slow cooker; stir gently to combine.
- Step 4: Cover and cook on low for 5 hours or on high for 2.5 hours until chicken is tender and cooked through.
- Step 5: Before serving, sprinkle 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley over the dish for a bright finish.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Slow-Cooker Lemon Garlic Chicken with White Beans take to make?
Total time is about 315 minutes (15 min prep + 300 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 with White Beans?
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 minced garlic cloves from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Slow-Cooker Lemon Garlic Chicken with White Beans?
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 with White Beans 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 Slow-Cooker Lemon Garlic Chicken with White Beans gluten free?
Yes — this recipe is tagged gluten free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
