Are you ready for a dish that fills your home with an irresistible aroma and infuses mouthwatering flavor into every bite? Enter the Slow Cooker 30 Clove Garlic Chicken Extravaganza. This hearty meal puts your slow cooker to work, so you can relax while the chicken turns fork-tender and bathes in a garlicky, savory sauce. It’s a comfort-food dream come true!
Ingredients
- 8 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 30 cloves of garlic (peeled)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ cup chicken broth (or white wine, if you prefer)
- Juice of half a lemon
Instructions
Warm the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken thighs with salt, pepper, thyme, and rosemary, then place them skin-side down into the skillet. Sear them for about 3-4 minutes on each side until they develop a light golden color. This step locks in flavor and helps render any excess fat.
Transfer the seared chicken to your slow cooker. Toss in the garlic cloves, making sure to scatter them around and over the chicken. Drizzle in the lemon juice, then pour the chicken broth (or wine) around the edges. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for about 3-4 hours, until the chicken is extremely tender and the garlic has softened into a delicious spreadable consistency.
When you’re ready to serve, carefully remove the chicken and garlic. The garlic cloves will be almost caramelized, ready for mashing into the sauce or even spreading on bread. If you’d like a thicker sauce, quickly reduce the cooking liquids on the stovetop until it becomes luscious and velvety. Plate the chicken with your favorite side—think mashed potatoes, crusty bread, or roasted vegetables—then spoon the reduced sauce over everything for a blissful finish.
This slow cooker wonder is perfect for busy weeknights, weekend gatherings, or whenever you need a cozy culinary hug. The beauty lies in letting the slow cooker do most of the work while keeping your kitchen pleasantly filled with the scent of herbs and garlic.
Why is this recipe so beloved? It’s high in protein, low in fuss, and loaded with fragrance. Those 30 cloves of garlic might sound intense, but their long, gentle simmer turns them sweet and mild. Feel free to swap rosemary for other favorite herbs (like oregano or basil), or use boneless chicken thighs if you prefer a lighter option.
For those watching their sodium intake, opt for reduced-salt chicken broth and reduce the salt measurement a pinch. Whether you’re seeking warm comfort, convenient cooking, or just a satisfying meal, this Slow Cooker 30 Clove Garlic Chicken ticks every box!
Nathaniel Lee is an avid cook, drawing on his decades of home cooking and fine dining experience. He is a contributing chef at Mashed, and his recipes and contributions have been featured in Tasting Table, Edible Arrangements, Insanely Good Recipes, and The Daily Meal.
