Are you dreaming of a delicious, comforting meal that requires minimal effort? Look no further! This crockpot leg quarter recipe delivers fall-off-the-bone tender chicken with incredible flavor, perfect for a busy weeknight or a relaxed weekend dinner. It's one of those easy recipes that's surprisingly impressive, making it a staple in my healthy meals repertoire. Get ready to elevate your homemade cooking game!
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs bone-in, skin-on 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 kind!)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
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Sear the Chicken (Optional but Recommended): Before tossing everything into the slow cooker, give your chicken a quick sear. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the chicken leg quarters on all sides for about 2-3 minutes per side. This step adds depth of flavor and a beautiful crust.
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Layer the Crockpot: Place the chopped onion, carrots, and celery in the bottom of your slow cooker. Top with the seared chicken leg quarters. Sprinkle the minced garlic, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper over the chicken.
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Add Liquid and Sauce: Pour the chicken broth and barbecue sauce over the chicken and vegetables.
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Cook Low and Slow: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the chicken is easily falling off the bone. The longer it cooks, the more tender it will be.
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Shred and Serve: Once the chicken is cooked through, remove it from the slow cooker and shred the meat with two forks. You can either serve the shredded chicken on its own, or return it to the slow cooker with the cooking liquid for a saucier dish. Serve over rice, mashed potatoes, or your favorite sides.
Cooking Tips for Extra Deliciousness:
- Bone-in vs. Boneless: Bone-in chicken leg quarters are best for this recipe because they stay moist and flavorful during the long cooking time.
- Don't Overcrowd: Make sure your slow cooker isn't overcrowded. This ensures even cooking and prevents the chicken from steaming instead of braising.
- Adjust the Spice: Feel free to adjust the spices to your liking. Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a little heat, or use different herbs like thyme or rosemary.
- Make it a Meal Prep Star: This recipe is perfect for meal prepping. Prepare a large batch on the weekend and enjoy delicious, healthy meals throughout the week.
Variations:
- Spicy Crockpot Leg Quarters: Add a tablespoon or two of your favorite hot sauce to the slow cooker for a spicy kick.
- Lemon Herb Crockpot Leg Quarters: Substitute the barbecue sauce with lemon juice and add fresh herbs like thyme and rosemary.
- Honey Garlic Crockpot Leg Quarters: Combine honey and soy sauce with garlic for a sweet and savory flavor profile.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Protein: Approximately 35-40g
- Fat: Approximately 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 10-15g
This crockpot leg quarter recipe is a fantastic example of how quick dinner ideas can be both delicious and healthy. It's a surefire way to impress your family and friends with minimal effort. Enjoy this simple yet flavorful dish, perfect for those looking for easy recipes and best recipes without sacrificing taste or nutrition!