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Slow Cooker Lemon Garlic Chicken Thighs Freezer To Crock Pot

Ah, the joy of a set-it-and-forget-it recipe. There’s something immensely satisfying about knowing that you can prep a meal in advance and let your kitchen gadget do all the hard work
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 4 hours
Total Time 4 hours 10 minutes
Course dinner
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4
Calories 184 kcal

Equipment

  • Slow cooker

Ingredients
  

  • 1 ½ lb boneless skinless chicken thighs
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter diced small
  • ½ cup low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 tsp chicken bouillon powder
  • 2 tbsp dry white wine
  • 4 garlic cloves finely minced
  • 1 small shallot finely chopped
  • 1 tsp dried sweet basil
  • ¼ tsp sea salt
  • Zest of ½ lemon about 2 tsp
  • 1 tsp minced fresh thyme
  • 30 minutes before serving: juice of ½ lemon approx. 2 tbsp
  • Fresh parsley chopped (for garnish)
  • Thin lemon slices for garnish

Instructions
 

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

  • First, grab those chicken thighs. Rinse them under cold water and pat them dry with a paper towel. Let's face it—nobody likes soggy chicken. Once dried, season them with salt and pepper lightly. This is your blank canvas.

Step 2: The Flavor Base

  • Next, in a bowl, mix the minced garlic, chopped shallot, dried sweet basil, thyme, chicken broth, chicken bouillon powder, and white wine. Give it a good stir. This mixture packs a punch and will be the foundation of your dish.

Step 3: Assemble in the Freezer Bag

  • Here’s where the freezer magic happens. Take a large resealable freezer bag. Pour in the garlic and herb mixture. Then add the chicken thighs.
  • Now, for the not-so-secret ingredient: the butter. Toss the diced butter into the bag. Don’t worry about being too neat; it will all come together in the end. Before sealing, sprinkle that zesty lemon peel inside.
  • Seal your bag and give it a good massage. That's right! Squeeze and knead the bag to evenly coat the chicken in the mixture. Once mixed, lay the bag flat in your freezer. It can stay there for up to three months.

Step 4: The Cooking Process

  • On the day of cooking, remove your freezer bag from the freezer and let it thaw overnight in the fridge. The next day, it’s time to cook!
  • Pour everything from the bag into your slow cooker. Place your crock pot on low and set it for 6-8 hours or on high for about 3-4 hours. The beauty of slow cooking is that it turns even the toughest meat tender.

Step 5: Finishing Touches

  • About 30 minutes before serving, take a minute to squeeze that half lemon you reserved. Pour the juice over the chicken—it’ll brighten and enhance everything. When it's done, garnish with fresh parsley and lemon slices.

Notes

  •  Choose the Right Chicken: Opt for thighs instead of breasts for better flavor.
  •  Thaw Properly: Always thaw your ingredients overnight in the fridge to ensure even cooking.
  • Adjust the Zest: If you love lemon, feel free to up the zest for an extra citrus kick.
  •  Don’t Skip the Wine: If you can, include the dry white wine. It enhances the dish significantly.
  • Use Fresh Herbs: Whenever possible, fresh herbs bring a vibrancy that dried can't match.

Nutrition

Serving: 476gCalories: 184kcalCarbohydrates: 36gProtein: 4gFat: 5.4gSaturated Fat: 2.7gCholesterol: 7mgSodium: 184mgFiber: 2gSugar: 10g
Keyword Slow Cooker Lemon Garlic Chicken Thighs Freezer To Crock Pot
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