Are you tired of complicated recipes and endless meal prep? Craving a delicious, healthy, and incredibly easy dinner that the whole family will love? Then look no further! This crock pot chicken leg quarters recipe is your new go-to for weeknight meals. Tender, juicy chicken, bursting with flavor – all with minimal effort. It's the perfect example of homemade cooking made simple. This recipe is perfect for those busy weeknights when you need a quick dinner idea, but still want a healthy and satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
- 4 large chicken leg quarters
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup barbecue sauce (your favorite!)
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
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 ensure they brown nicely.
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Sauté the Veggies (Optional but Recommended): For even deeper flavor, sauté the chopped onion, carrots, and celery in a little olive oil in a large skillet until slightly softened. This step adds a wonderful depth of flavor to the final dish.
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Combine Ingredients: Place the sautéed vegetables (or just the raw chopped vegetables) in the bottom of your slow cooker. Add the minced garlic, chicken broth, barbecue sauce, paprika, thyme, salt, and pepper.
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Add the Chicken: Arrange the chicken leg quarters on top of the vegetables. Make sure they aren't overcrowded; you may need to cook them in batches depending on your crockpot size.
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Cook It Low and Slow: Cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and easily pulls apart with a fork. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
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Shred and Serve: Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the slow cooker and let it rest for a few minutes. Shred the chicken meat from the bones. You can then either serve the shredded chicken over rice, mashed potatoes, or alongside your favorite sides. The delicious juices from the crock pot make a fantastic gravy!
Tips for Crock Pot Perfection:
- Don't overcrowd your slow cooker: Overcrowding can prevent the chicken from cooking evenly. If necessary, cook in batches.
- Adjust the seasonings: Feel free to adjust the seasonings to your liking. Add a dash of cayenne pepper for a little heat, or use different herbs and spices for a unique flavor profile.
- Make it a complete meal: Add other vegetables to your slow cooker, such as potatoes, sweet potatoes, or green beans.
- Use bone-in chicken: Bone-in chicken leg quarters are ideal for slow cooking as they retain more moisture and develop richer flavor.
Delicious Variations:
- Lemon Herb Chicken: Replace the barbecue sauce with lemon juice, lemon zest, and fresh herbs like rosemary and oregano.
- Spicy Chicken: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce for a spicy kick.
- Honey Garlic Chicken: Use honey instead of barbecue sauce and add extra garlic for a sweet and savory dish.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving, approximate):
This information is approximate 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 leg quarters recipe is a fantastic example of easy recipes and healthy meals that are perfect for busy weeknights. Enjoy!