Tired of complicated dinners? Craving a healthy and flavorful meal that doesn't require hours in the kitchen? Then look no further! This crock pot chicken quarters recipe is your answer. It's unbelievably easy, incredibly delicious, and perfect for busy weeknights. Get ready to experience the ultimate in comfort food, made effortlessly in your slow cooker. This recipe is a fantastic example of how homemade cooking can be both quick and satisfying.
Ingredients:
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken quarters (about 2 lbs)
- 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
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- Salt to taste
- 1 cup chicken broth
Instructions:
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Prep the chicken: Pat the chicken quarters dry with paper towels. Season generously with salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, thyme, and rosemary. This simple seasoning blend creates a wonderfully aromatic and flavorful chicken.
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Sauté the vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes, until the vegetables are softened. This step adds depth of flavor to the finished dish.
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Assemble in the crock pot: Transfer the sautéed vegetables to your slow cooker. Place the seasoned chicken quarters on top of the vegetables. Pour the chicken broth around the chicken.
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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 of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C).
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Serve: Once cooked, remove the chicken from the crock pot and let it rest for a few minutes before shredding or serving whole. The vegetables will be tender and flavorful, perfect as a side dish.
Tips for the Best Crock Pot Chicken:
- Don't overcrowd the slow cooker: Ensure there's enough space for the chicken and vegetables to cook evenly.
- Adjust seasonings to your taste: Feel free to experiment with different herbs and spices to create your own unique flavor profile.
- Thicken the juices: For a richer sauce, remove the chicken and vegetables, then whisk together 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water. Stir this mixture into the cooking juices in the slow cooker and cook for another 10 minutes, or until thickened.
- Make it a complete meal: Serve the chicken and vegetables with your favorite sides like mashed potatoes, rice, or crusty bread to soak up the delicious juices.
Variations:
- Lemon Herb Chicken: Add the juice and zest of one lemon to the crock pot along with the other ingredients.
- Spicy Chicken: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce for a spicy kick.
- BBQ Chicken: Replace the chicken broth with your favorite BBQ sauce during the last hour of cooking.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This information is an estimate and will vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Protein: Approximately 35-40g
- Fat: Approximately 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 10-15g
This crock pot chicken quarters recipe is a fantastic example of delicious and easy recipes that are perfect for healthy meals and quick dinner ideas. Enjoy!