Sun-Kissed Slow-Cooked Lemon Herb Chicken

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

Tender chicken thighs bathed in a bright lemon-herb broth, simmered until fall-off-the-bone tender with a medley of seasonal vegetables. This effortless weeknight dinner requires minimal effort and delivers maximum flavor. This american-inspired slow cooker ready in about 375 minutes pairs bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs, lemon, fresh rosemary for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 calories and feeds 6, 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: 15 min Cook: 360 min Serves 6 American cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat 3 lbs bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs dry with paper towels, then season both sides evenly with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering, then add the chicken thighs and sear for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy, then transfer to a 6-quart slow cooker.
  3. Step 3: Add 1 lemon thinly sliced, 2 tbsp fresh rosemary, 2 tbsp fresh thyme leaves, 1 onion quartered, and 3 garlic cloves peeled to the slow cooker.
  4. Step 4: Pour 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth over the chicken and vegetables, then arrange 2 carrots peeled and cut into 1-inch chunks, 2 celery stalks cut into 1-inch chunks, and 1 cup baby potatoes halved around the chicken.
  5. Step 5: Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the chicken is tender enough to fall off the bone and the vegetables are cooked through.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Sun-Kissed Slow-Cooked Lemon Herb Chicken 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 Sun-Kissed Slow-Cooked Lemon Herb Chicken?

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 lemon from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Sun-Kissed Slow-Cooked Lemon Herb Chicken?

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 Sun-Kissed Slow-Cooked Lemon Herb Chicken for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). 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 Sun-Kissed Slow-Cooked Lemon Herb Chicken?

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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