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Introduction
Brighten your day with this Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken. It’s a perfect blend of zesty lemon and aromatic herbs, creating a mouthwatering dish that’s both refreshing and comforting. This easy-to-make recipe is perfect for busy weekdays and is sure to please the whole family with its delicious flavor and tender, juicy chicken.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
1 whole chicken (approximately 1.5 kg)
30 ml olive oil
5 cloves garlic, minced
1 lemon, sliced
15 g fresh thyme
10 g fresh rosemary
10 g fresh parsley, chopped
5 g salt
3 g black pepper
200 ml chicken broth
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 6 hours
Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
Yield: 4-6 servings
Directions
1. Rinse the chicken and pat it dry with paper towels. Remove any giblets from inside the cavity.
2. In a small bowl, mix the olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and pepper.
3. Rub the garlic oil mixture all over the chicken, ensuring it’s well coated.
4. Place the lemon slices inside the chicken cavity, along with a few sprigs of thyme and rosemary.
5. Transfer the chicken to the crockpot and pour the chicken broth around it.
6. Sprinkle the remaining thyme, rosemary, and chopped parsley over the chicken.
7. Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours, or until the chicken is thoroughly cooked and tender.
8. Once cooked, carefully remove the chicken from the crockpot and let it rest for a few minutes before carving.
9. Serve warm with your favorite side dishes.
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Rinse the chicken under cold water and pat it dry using paper towels. Ensure you remove any giblets from inside the cavity of the chicken.
Step 2: Make the Garlic Oil Mixture
In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper. Mix well until all the ingredients are blended.
Step 3: Coat the Chicken
Rub the garlic oil mixture generously all over the chicken. Make sure to cover the entire surface to enhance flavor.
Step 4: Stuff the Chicken
Place the lemon slices inside the cavity of the chicken. Add a few sprigs of fresh thyme and rosemary to infuse the chicken with aromatic flavors.
Step 5: Transfer to Crockpot
Carefully transfer the seasoned chicken to the crockpot. Pour the chicken broth around the chicken to help keep it moist during cooking.
Step 6: Add More Herbs
Sprinkle the remaining thyme, rosemary, and chopped parsley over the top of the chicken for extra flavor and garnish.
Step 7: Cook
Cover the crockpot and set the cooking time to low for 6-7 hours. Cook until the chicken is fully cooked and tender, reaching an internal temperature of 75°C (165°F).
Step 8: Rest the Chicken
Once the cooking time is complete, carefully remove the chicken from the crockpot using tongs. Let it rest for a few minutes before carving to allow the juices to redistribute.
Step 9: Serve
Slice the chicken and serve warm with your favorite side dishes. Enjoy the delicious flavors of your lemon herb chicken!
Notes
Cooking Time Variations
Cooking times may vary based on your crockpot model. If the chicken is not tender after 6 hours, you can extend the cooking time by an additional hour.
Leftover Storage
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat thoroughly before serving.
Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs well with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad for a well-rounded meal.
Ingredient Substitutions
You can substitute fresh herbs with dried herbs; however, use about one-third the amount since dried herbs are more concentrated.
Garnishing Options
Consider garnishing the chicken with additional fresh herbs or lemon wedges before serving for an extra touch of freshness.
Storage Instructions
Refrigeration
Store any leftover Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Allow the chicken to cool to room temperature before refrigerating.
Freezing
For longer storage, you can freeze the chicken. Place the cooled chicken in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag, removing as much air as possible. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then warm it gently in the oven or microwave.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken with a variety of sides for a complete meal. Consider pairing it with creamy mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, or a fresh garden salad. For a Mediterranean twist, serve with couscous or quinoa tossed with lemon and herbs. Don’t forget a slice of crusty bread to soak up the flavorful juices!
Nutritional Information
Per serving (assuming 6 servings):
– Calories: Approximately 320
– Protein: 30g
– Carbohydrates: 5g
– Fat: 20g
– Saturated Fat: 4g
– Sodium: 450mg
– Fiber: 0g
– Sugars: 1g
These values may vary depending on the specific ingredients used and portion sizes.
Ingredient Substitutions
– Whole Chicken: You can use bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs or breasts for a quicker cooking time; adjust cooking time to about 4 hours on low.
– Olive Oil: Avocado oil or melted butter can be used as an alternative to olive oil.
– Garlic: Fresh garlic is flavorful, but you can use garlic powder (1 teaspoon) in a pinch.
– Fresh Herbs: If fresh herbs are unavailable, use dried herbs in the following amounts: 1 teaspoon thyme, 1 teaspoon rosemary, and 1 tablespoon parsley for each substitute.
– Chicken Broth: Vegetable broth can be used if you prefer a lighter flavor or have dietary restrictions.
Cook techniques
Rinsing and Preparing the Chicken
Rinse the chicken under cold water and pat it dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, ensuring better browning and flavor absorption.
Creating the Garlic Oil Mixture
Mix olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl. This mixture will enhance the chicken’s flavor and create a fragrant coating.
Rub Method
Evenly rub the garlic oil mixture all over the chicken, making sure to coat both the exterior and interior for maximum flavor.
Stuffing the Chicken
Stuff the cavity of the chicken with lemon slices and fresh herbs. This infuses the meat with a citrusy and herby aroma during cooking.
Setting Up the Slow Cooker
Place the chicken in the crockpot and add chicken broth around it. This will keep the chicken moist and tender while cooking.
Herb Topping
Sprinkle remaining herbs over the chicken before cooking. This adds an extra layer of flavor and visual appeal.
Cooking Time
Cook the chicken on low for 6-7 hours. This slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld and the chicken to become tender.
Resting the Chicken
Remove the chicken from the crockpot and let it rest for a few minutes before carving. This helps the juices redistribute for a juicier result.
FAQ
Can I use chicken pieces instead of a whole chicken?
Yes, you can use chicken pieces. Adjust cooking time accordingly; smaller pieces typically cook faster.
What can I serve with Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken?
Serve with side dishes like rice, mashed potatoes, or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, you can freeze leftovers in airtight containers for up to 3 months. Reheat thoroughly before serving.
How can I get crispy skin on the chicken?
For crispy skin, you can broil the cooked chicken in the oven for a few minutes after removing it from the slow cooker.
Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh ones?
Yes, you can use dried herbs. Use about one-third the amount since dried herbs are more concentrated in flavor.
Conclusion
Brighten your day with this Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken. It’s a perfect blend of zesty lemon and aromatic herbs, creating a mouthwatering dish that’s both refreshing and comforting. This easy-to-make recipe is perfect for busy weekdays and is sure to please the whole family with its delicious flavor and tender, juicy chicken.
Herb Roasted Vegetables
Serve your lemon herb chicken with a side of herb roasted vegetables. Toss seasonal veggies like carrots, potatoes, and zucchini with olive oil, salt, pepper, and your favorite herbs, then roast until tender.
Lemon Garlic Quinoa
Pair your chicken with lemon garlic quinoa for a nutritious side. Cook quinoa in chicken broth, then mix in minced garlic, lemon juice, and chopped parsley for a refreshing flavor boost.
Caesar Salad
A crisp Caesar salad complements the lemon herb chicken beautifully. Combine romaine lettuce, croutons, and Parmesan cheese, drizzling with creamy Caesar dressing for a classic side.
Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Creamy garlic mashed potatoes are a comfort food favorite. Mash boiled potatoes with roasted garlic, butter, and cream for a rich and flavorful accompaniment.
Lemon Herb Couscous
Serve lemon herb chicken with a side of fluffy couscous. Prepare couscous with lemon zest, olive oil, and fresh herbs for a light and zesty side that echoes the chicken’s flavors.
Grilled Asparagus
Grilled or roasted asparagus drizzled with lemon juice and olive oil makes for a vibrant side dish that pairs well with chicken while adding a touch of elegance to your meal.
Warm Pita and Hummus
For a different twist, serve warm pita bread with hummus as a side. The creamy texture and nutty flavor of hummus are a delightful complement to the zesty chicken.
