Slow Cooker Lemon-Glazed Chicken with Parsnips

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

A hands-off dinner where chicken thighs simmer in a bright lemon-infused broth with roasted root vegetables. This american-inspired slow cooker ready in about 250 minutes pairs pounds chicken thighs, peeled and sliced parsiips, thinly sliced lemon for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 385 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: 240 min Serves 4 American cuisine 385 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Season chicken thighs with 3/4 teaspoon sea salt and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and sear chicken for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown.
  2. Step 2: Transfer seared chicken to a slow cooker insert. Add sliced lemon, minced garlic, dried thyme, and 1 cup chicken broth. Top with sliced parsnips.
  3. Step 3: Cover and cook on LOW for 4-5 hours until chicken is fork-tender and parsnips are soft.
  4. Step 4: Discard lemon slices before serving, ensuring vegetables are fully cooked and broth has reduced slightly.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow Cooker Lemon-Glazed Chicken with Parsnips take to make?

Total time is about 250 minutes (10 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 Slow Cooker Lemon-Glazed Chicken with Parsnips?

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 pounds chicken thighs from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Slow Cooker Lemon-Glazed Chicken with Parsnips?

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-Glazed Chicken with Parsnips 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-Glazed Chicken with Parsnips?

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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