If you’re on the lookout for a comforting, hearty meal that practically cooks itself, look no further than Slow Cooker Lemon Garlic Chicken Thighs and Veggies. This delightful dish is bursting with flavor from zesty lemons, fragrant garlic, and a medley of colorful vegetables. Perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends, this recipe delivers tender, juicy chicken and vibrant veggies with minimal effort. Let’s dive in!

What Sets This Recipe Apart

What makes this Slow Cooker Lemon Garlic Chicken Thighs and Veggies truly stand out is its simplicity and the incredible depth of flavor. The bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs are not only affordable but also provide richness and tenderness that boneless cuts can’t match. The zesty lemon juice brightens the dish, while the Tuscan-style seasoning brings a delightful herbal note to the table. Plus, the slow cooker does all the heavy lifting, allowing you to come home to a warm, wholesome meal that’s ready to serve.

What Goes In

To create this scrumptious meal, gather the following ingredients:

2 pounds quartered red potatoes
3 pounds bone-in skin-on chicken thighs
4 teaspoons Tuscan-style seasoning *see notes
2 teaspoons kosher salt
2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
6 cloves minced garlic
3 cups chicken stock
Juice of 2 lemons
1 pound baby carrots
1 pound trimmed green beans
2 tablespoons cornstarch
2 tablespoons water
2 tablespoons chopped fresh Italian parsley

Before You Start: Equipment

Before diving into the cooking process, make sure you have the following equipment on hand:

Slow Cooker: A 6-quart slow cooker works best for this recipe.
Cutting Board: For prepping your veggies and chicken.
Knife: A sharp knife will make cutting the potatoes and trimming the chicken easier.
Measuring Spoons and Cups: For accurate measurements of spices and liquids.
Whisk: To mix the cornstarch and water for thickening.

Stepwise Method: Slow Cooker Lemon Garlic Chicken Thighs and Veggies

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Start by patting the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. This will help the skin get crispy if you decide to sear it later. Sprinkle the Tuscan-style seasoning, kosher salt, and black pepper generously over the chicken.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken (Optional)

For an extra layer of flavor, heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken thighs skin-side down and sear for about 4-5 minutes until the skin is golden brown. This step is optional but adds a lovely depth to the dish.

Step 3: Prepare the Veggies

While the chicken is searing, wash and quarter the red potatoes. Trim the ends off the green beans and peel the baby carrots if desired.

Step 4: Layer the Ingredients

In your slow cooker, add the quartered red potatoes first as they take longer to cook. Next, place the seared chicken thighs on top of the potatoes. Scatter the minced garlic, baby carrots, and green beans over the chicken.

Step 5: Add Liquids

In a bowl, whisk together the chicken stock and lemon juice. Pour this mixture over the chicken and vegetables in the slow cooker.

Step 6: Cook

Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 4-5 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and the veggies are tender.

Step 7: Thicken the Sauce

Once the cooking time is up, remove the chicken and vegetables from the slow cooker and set aside. In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch and water until smooth. Add this mixture to the liquid remaining in the slow cooker and stir well. Turn the slow cooker to high and let it thicken for about 10 minutes.

Step 8: Serve

Return the chicken and veggies to the slow cooker, giving everything a gentle toss to combine. Serve hot, garnished with fresh Italian parsley for a pop of color and flavor!

Make It Year-Round

This Slow Cooker Lemon Garlic Chicken Thighs and Veggies recipe is versatile enough to enjoy throughout the year. Here are some tips to adapt it to any season:

Spring/Summer: Add fresh asparagus or zucchini in place of green beans for a seasonal twist.
Fall/Winter: Incorporate root vegetables like parsnips or sweet potatoes for a warming feel.
Herbs: Swap out parsley for fresh thyme or rosemary, depending on your preference.
Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for some heat, if desired.

Testing Timeline

If you’re new to slow cooking or just want to ensure everything turns out perfectly, consider this timeline:

Prep Time: 15 minutes (including chopping and seasoning)
Sear Time: 10 minutes (optional)
Cook Time: 4-7 hours (depending on your slow cooker setting)
Thickening Time: 10 minutes

Storage Pro Tips

After enjoying your Slow Cooker Lemon Garlic Chicken Thighs and Veggies, here are some storage tips:

Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Freeze: For longer storage, freeze in portions for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheat: Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through. Add a splash of chicken stock to keep it moist.

Ask & Learn

Can I use boneless chicken thighs instead of bone-in?

Absolutely! Boneless chicken thighs will work in this recipe, but they may cook faster, so adjust the cooking time accordingly to avoid drying them out.

What can I substitute for Tuscan-style seasoning?

If you don’t have Tuscan-style seasoning on hand, a mix of Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and a pinch of red pepper flakes will work beautifully in its place.

Can I make this dish without a slow cooker?

Yes! You can prepare this recipe in an oven-safe Dutch oven. Cook at 350°F for about 1.5-2 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.

How can I make this recipe low-carb?

To make this dish lower in carbohydrates, simply replace the red potatoes with cauliflower florets. They will cook similarly and absorb all those delicious flavors!

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Serve & Enjoy

Now that you’ve prepared this mouthwatering Slow Cooker Lemon Garlic Chicken Thighs and Veggies, it’s time to dig in! Serve it over a bed of rice, with a slice of crusty bread, or simply enjoy it as is. This dish is not only delicious but also a fantastic way to nourish yourself and your loved ones with wholesome ingredients. Each bite is a celebration of flavors, and the joy of coming home to a hot meal is simply unbeatable. Enjoy every moment!