This recipe delivers incredibly tender and flavorful chicken that practically falls apart. Perfect for busy weeknights or relaxed weekend meals. The slow cooker does all the work, ensuring juicy, melt-in-your-mouth results every time.
Ingredients:
- Chicken:
- 4-6 boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts, if preferred)
- Aromatic Base:
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Flavor Boosters:
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- Liquid:
- 1 cup chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
- 2 tablespoons of lemon juice.
- Optional (for thickening sauce):
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch, mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water
Instructions:
- Prepare the Base:
- Spread the sliced onion on the bottom of the slow cooker.
- Sprinkle the minced garlic over the onions.
- Season the Chicken:
- In a small bowl, combine the dried thyme, dried rosemary, paprika, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Rub the spice mixture evenly over all sides of the chicken thighs (or breasts).
- Layer the Chicken:
- Place the seasoned chicken pieces on top of the onion and garlic in the slow cooker.
- Add Liquid:
- Pour the chicken broth and lemon juice over the chicken.
- Slow Cook:
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is very tender and falls apart easily with a fork.
- Thicken the Sauce (Optional):
- If you’d like a thicker sauce, remove the chicken from the slow cooker and set aside.
- Turn the slow cooker to high.
- Whisk the cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with cold water) into the liquid in the slow cooker.
- Cook for 5-10 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened.
- Return the chicken to the slow cooker and coat with the sauce.
- Serve:
- Shred the chicken with two forks.
- Serve the shredded chicken with the sauce over rice, mashed potatoes, pasta, or your favorite side dishes.
Tips and Variations:
- Vegetables: Add chopped carrots, celery, or potatoes to the slow cooker for a complete meal.
- Herbs: Fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary can be used in place of dried herbs, simply double the amount.
- Spice: For a spicier version, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper to the spice mixture.
- Browning: For extra flavor, you can brown the chicken in a skillet before adding it to the slow cooker.
- Wine: Add a 1/2 cup of white wine to the liquid for extra depth of flavor.
- Creamy sauce: after thickening the sauce, stir in a 1/4 cup of heavy cream.
Enjoy your melt-in-your-mouth chicken!