Are you craving a delicious, healthy, and incredibly easy dinner? Look no further! This crock pot chicken leg quarters recipe is your answer. Forget complicated techniques and long cooking times; this recipe delivers fall-apart tender, juicy chicken with minimal effort. Perfect for busy weeknights or a relaxed weekend meal, this recipe is a staple for anyone looking for easy recipes and quick dinner ideas. It's a fantastic example of homemade cooking at its finest, resulting in a truly delicious dish.
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs bone-in, skin-on chicken leg quarters
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried rosemary
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 cup chicken broth
Instructions:
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Prep the Chicken: Rinse the chicken leg quarters under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. This helps achieve nice browning and crispy skin if desired.
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Sauté the Vegetables: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery and sauté for about 5-7 minutes, until the vegetables are softened. This simple step adds depth of flavor to the entire dish.
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Season the Chicken: In a small bowl, combine the thyme, rosemary, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Rub this spice mixture generously all over the chicken leg quarters.
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Layer in the Crock Pot: Place the sautéed vegetables in the bottom of your slow cooker. Arrange the seasoned chicken leg quarters on top of the vegetables. Pour the chicken broth into the slow cooker.
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Cook: Cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and easily shreds with a fork. The longer it cooks, the more tender it becomes.
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Serve: Once cooked, carefully remove the chicken from the crock pot. You can shred the chicken using two forks or leave it whole, depending on your preference. Serve the chicken over rice, mashed potatoes, or alongside your favorite vegetables for a complete and satisfying meal.
Cooking Tips for the Best Results:
- Don't overcrowd the crock pot: Ensure there's enough space between the chicken pieces for even cooking.
- Adjust seasoning to your taste: Feel free to experiment with different herbs and spices to create your own unique flavor profile.
- Thicken the sauce: If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can remove some of the cooking liquid and mix it with a tablespoon of cornstarch before adding it back to the crock pot during the last hour of cooking.
- Crisp up the skin (optional): For extra crispy skin, broil the chicken for a few minutes after cooking in the crock pot. Keep a close eye on it to prevent burning.
Variations:
- Spicy Chicken: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce for a spicy kick.
- Lemon Herb Chicken: Add the zest and juice of one lemon along with your herbs for a bright and zesty flavor.
- BBQ Chicken: During the last hour of cooking, add your favorite BBQ sauce to the crock pot for delicious BBQ chicken leg quarters.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Protein: 35-40g
- Fat: 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: 5-10g
This recipe offers a fantastic way to enjoy a healthy and delicious meal using easily accessible ingredients. Whether you're a seasoned cook or just starting out, this crock pot chicken leg quarters recipe is a winner for its simplicity, flavor, and nutritional value. It's a perfect example of how easy it can be to prepare healthy meals and delicious dishes, making it an ideal addition to your repertoire of quick dinner ideas and best recipes. Enjoy!