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    Zesty Lemon Herb Chicken Thighs

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    Pixicook editorial team

    Tender slow-cooked chicken thighs infused with the bright, rich flavors of lemon and herbs.

    Ingredients for Zesty Lemon Herb Chicken Thighs

    units in
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    units in
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    serves
    6 peoplechevron
    serves
    6 peoplechevron

    Bone-in Chicken Thighs, skin removed, trimmed

    0 oz

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    Extra Virgin Olive Oil

    cups

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    Table Salt

    teaspoons

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    Black Pepper

    teaspoons

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    Paprika

    teaspoons

    Substitute chevron-down

    Dried Oregano

    teaspoons

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    Granulated Garlic

    teaspoons

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    Fresh Thyme

    sprigs

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    Lemon Zest, finely grated

    teaspoons

    Substitute chevron-down

    Lemon Juice, freshly squeezed

    cups

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    Flat Leaf Parsley, coarsely chopped

    tablespoons

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    How to Make Zesty Lemon Herb Chicken Thighs

    1. Prepare Chicken Thighs

    Begin by placing the chicken thighs in your slow cooker. Drizzle the extra-virgin olive oil over the chicken, then sprinkle with the table salt, black pepper, paprika, dried oregano, and granulated garlic. Toss everything together right in the slow cooker until each piece of chicken is well coated with the spices.

    2. Add Thyme and Lemon Juice

    Next, nestle the thyme sprigs among the chicken thighs. Carefully pour the lemon juice around the edges of the slow cooker, taking care not to wash the spices off the top of the chicken. Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set it to cook on low for 4 to 6 hours.

    3. Finish and Serve

    Once the chicken has cooked through and is tender, remove the thyme sprigs and discard them. Transfer the chicken thighs to a shallow serving dish. In a small bowl, stir together the chopped parsley and lemon zest, then sprinkle this mixture over the chicken. Finally, spoon some of the flavorful sauce from the slow cooker over the chicken to serve.

    Variations

    Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken

    Instead of finishing the chicken in the oven, you can grill it to add a smoky flavor.

    Soy Citrus Glaze

    Combine soy sauce with lemon juice and a hint of brown sugar for an Asian-inspired umami-rich glaze.

    Grilled Perfection

    Instead of roasting, grill the chicken thighs over medium heat to add a smoky flavor.

    Balsamic Glaze

    Drizzle a balsamic reduction over the cooked chicken thighs for a sweet and tangy finish.

    Asian-Style Lemon Basil Chicken

    Use basil as the primary herb, add a touch of soy sauce and sesame oil to the marinade, and you have a dish with an Asian twist.

    Pitfalls and tips

    Quality of Ingredients

    Use the best quality chicken, ideally free-range or organic, along with fresh herbs and high-quality olive oil for the best flavor.

    Cooking Technique

    Sear the chicken skin-side down in a hot, oven-proof skillet without moving it to develop a good crust before flipping.

    Chicken Preparation

    Pat the chicken dry before seasoning to help the skin get crispy and consider salting and refrigerating it uncovered to dry the skin further.

    Oven Finishing

    Finish cooking in the oven and use a meat thermometer to check for doneness at 165°F (74°C).

    Marinade

    Use freshly squeezed lemon juice and finely grated zest, avoiding the white pith, for a brighter and more intense lemon flavor.


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