Melt-in-Your-Mouth Chicken Recipe

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:

  1. Prepare the Base:
    • Spread the sliced onion on the bottom of the slow cooker.
    • Sprinkle the minced garlic over the onions.
  2. 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).
  3. Layer the Chicken:
    • Place the seasoned chicken pieces on top of the onion and garlic in the slow cooker.
  4. Add Liquid:
    • Pour the chicken broth and lemon juice over the chicken.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. 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!

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