Are you looking for an easy, healthy, and incredibly delicious dinner recipe that requires minimal effort? Look no further! This crockpot chicken leg quarters recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or a relaxed weekend meal. Tender, juicy chicken with perfectly seasoned skin – it's a crowd-pleaser guaranteed to become a staple in your homemade cooking repertoire. Get ready to experience the magic of slow cooking with this quick dinner idea!
Ingredients:
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken leg quarters
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
Instructions:
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Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken leg quarters dry with paper towels. This helps the skin crisp up nicely during cooking. In a small bowl, combine paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, salt, and pepper. Rub this spice mixture all over the chicken legs, ensuring they're evenly coated.
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Sear the Chicken (Optional): For extra flavor and a crispier skin, heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken leg quarters for 2-3 minutes per side, until lightly browned. This step isn't essential but adds a delicious depth of flavor.
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Crockpot Magic: Place the chopped onion, carrots, and celery in the bottom of your slow cooker. Arrange the seasoned chicken leg quarters on top of the vegetables. Pour the chicken broth around the chicken.
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Slow Cook: Cover and 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 internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
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Serve: Once cooked, carefully remove the chicken from the slow cooker. You can shred the chicken or serve it whole, depending on your preference. Serve the chicken with the delicious vegetables and pan juices.
Cooking Tips for Best Results:
- Don't overcrowd the crockpot: 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 gravy: If you prefer a thicker gravy, you can remove the chicken and vegetables from the slow cooker and simmer the remaining liquid on the stovetop for a few minutes, or use a cornstarch slurry.
- Make it a complete meal: Serve this delicious dish with your favorite sides, such as mashed potatoes, rice, or roasted vegetables.
Variations:
- Lemon Herb Chicken: Add the zest and juice of one lemon to the crockpot along with the chicken broth.
- Spicy Chicken: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce to the spice rub.
- BBQ Chicken: Replace the chicken broth with your favorite BBQ sauce during the last hour of cooking.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Protein: Approximately 35-40g
- Fat: Approximately 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 5-10g
This recipe is a fantastic example of easy recipes and healthy meals that are perfect for busy weeknights. The best recipes are often the simplest, and this one delivers on both flavor and convenience. Enjoy!