Are you dreaming of a ridiculously tender, juicy chicken dinner that practically falls off the bone? And what if that dinner required minimal effort on your part? Then you've come to the right place! This slow cooker chicken leg quarters recipe is the answer to your weeknight dinner prayers. It's a simple, healthy, and incredibly flavorful meal perfect for busy families or anyone who appreciates easy, delicious food. Forget complicated recipes; this is one of those best recipes that delivers maximum taste with minimum fuss.
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 BBQ sauce (your favorite kind!)
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
- Prep the chicken: Pat the chicken leg quarters dry with paper towels. This helps them brown better and develop a crispier skin later (if you choose to broil them).
- Sauté aromatics (optional but recommended): In a large skillet over medium heat, lightly sauté the chopped onion, carrots, and celery until slightly softened. This step adds a depth of flavor to your dish. If you're short on time, you can skip this and add the vegetables directly to the slow cooker.
- Layer in the slow cooker: Place the sautéed vegetables (or just the raw vegetables) in the bottom of your slow cooker. Place the chicken leg quarters on top of the vegetables.
- Make the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, BBQ sauce, paprika, thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Pour and cook: Pour the sauce evenly over the chicken. 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. Internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
- Optional broil for crispy skin: If you desire extra crispy skin, transfer the chicken to a baking sheet and broil for 2-3 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
Tips for the Best Slow Cooker Chicken:
- Don't overcrowd the slow cooker: Ensure there's enough space for the chicken and vegetables to cook evenly. If necessary, cook in batches.
- Use a good quality BBQ sauce: The BBQ sauce is a key flavor component, so choose one you love.
- Adjust seasonings to your taste: Feel free to experiment with different herbs and spices. A dash of cayenne pepper adds a nice kick!
- Thicken the sauce (optional): If you prefer a thicker sauce, remove the chicken and vegetables from the slow cooker and simmer the sauce on the stovetop for a few minutes until it reduces. You can also mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water and stir into the sauce during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Variations:
- Spicy Chicken: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce to the sauce for a spicy twist.
- Lemon Herb Chicken: Substitute lemon juice for some of the chicken broth and add fresh herbs like rosemary and oregano.
- Honey Garlic Chicken: Stir in 1/4 cup of honey and 2 tablespoons of minced garlic along with the BBQ sauce.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Protein: Approximately 35-40g
- Fat: Approximately 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 10-15g
This easy recipe is perfect for quick dinner ideas, healthy meals, and homemade cooking. Enjoy this delicious dish – a true testament to the power of slow cooking! It’s guaranteed to become one of your go-to food recipes.