Slow-Cooker Lemon-Herb Chicken Thighs
Tender, juicy chicken thighs infused with lemon and herbs, cooked to perfection in a slow cooker for minimal effort and maximum flavor. This american-inspired slow cooker (high protein) ready in about 370 minutes pairs chicken thighs, lemon juice, minced 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.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs chicken thighs
- 3 tbsp lemon juice
- 4 cloves minced garlic
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried rosemary
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Place 2 lbs chicken thighs in a slow cooker. In a small bowl, mix 3 tbsp lemon juice, 4 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp dried thyme, 1 tsp dried rosemary, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Pour this mixture over the chicken and toss to coat evenly.
- Step 2: Add 1 cup chicken broth to the slow cooker and drizzle with 1 tbsp olive oil. Stir gently to distribute the broth and oil.
- Step 3: Cover and cook on LOW for 6 hours or HIGH for 3 hours until the chicken is fork-tender and juices run clear. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Step 4: Carefully remove chicken from the slow cooker, reserving the cooking liquid. Skim off excess fat from the sauce, then spoon the sauce over the chicken before serving.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Slow-Cooker Lemon-Herb Chicken Thighs take to make?
Total time is about 370 minutes (10 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 Slow-Cooker Lemon-Herb 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 chicken thighs from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Slow-Cooker Lemon-Herb 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-Herb 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.
Is Slow-Cooker Lemon-Herb Chicken Thighs high protein?
Yes — this recipe is tagged high protein based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Love how the American come through in every bite.
- ★★★★★
Substituted chicken for tofu and it worked beautifully.
- ★★★★★
Used half the salt and it was still plenty flavorful.
