Imagine coming home to the tantalizing aroma of Garlic Rosemary Crockpot Chicken wafting through your kitchen—it's the ultimate comfort food that practically cooks itself! This easy-to-follow recipe combines tender chicken thighs with the robust flavors of garlic and fresh rosemary, all simmered to perfection in your trusty crockpot. With just 10 minutes of prep time and 6 hours of hands-off cooking, you can have a mouthwatering meal ready to impress your family or guests. Ready to discover the secret to juicy, flavorful chicken that will have everyone asking for seconds? Let’s dive into this delightful recipe!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 6 hrs
Total Time: 6 hrs 10 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 4 chicken thighs
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, chopped
- 1 lemon, juiced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup chicken broth
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken thighs by patting them dry with paper towels to ensure even seasoning and better browning.
- In a small bowl, mix minced garlic, chopped fresh rosemary, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper to create a flavorful herb mixture.
- Rub the herb mixture thoroughly over each chicken thigh, making sure to coat all sides evenly and work the seasoning into the meat.
- Lightly grease the inside of the crockpot with cooking spray or olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Place the seasoned chicken thighs into the crockpot, arranging them in a single layer without overcrowding.
- Pour the chicken broth around the chicken thighs, which will help keep the meat moist and create a delicious cooking liquid.
- Cover the crockpot and set to low heat, cooking for 6 hours until the chicken is tender and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Once cooking is complete, carefully remove the chicken thighs and let them rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute.
- Optional: For crispy skin, transfer chicken to a baking sheet and broil for 3-5 minutes until skin is golden and slightly crisp.
- Serve hot, optionally garnished with fresh rosemary sprigs and lemon wedges, alongside your favorite side dishes.
Tips
- Patience is Key: Make sure to pat the chicken thighs dry before seasoning. This helps the skin crisp up nicely if you choose to broil them at the end.
- Mix It Up: Feel free to experiment with herbs! Adding thyme or oregano can give your dish a unique twist.
- Layering Flavors: For even more depth of flavor, consider adding sliced onions or carrots to the bottom of the crockpot before placing the chicken on top.
- Broiling for Texture: If you love crispy skin, don’t skip the broiling step after the crockpot cooking. Just a few minutes under the broiler can transform your chicken!
- Resting Time: Allow the chicken to rest after cooking. This step is crucial for juicy meat, as it lets the juices redistribute throughout the thighs.
- Serving Suggestions: Pair your chicken with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
- Leftover Magic: If you have leftovers, shred the chicken and use it in salads, sandwiches, or tacos for a quick and delicious meal the next day!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 2g
Protein: 28g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 140mg