Savory Slow Cooker Garlic Herb Chicken
Elevate your dinner game with this Savory Slow Cooker Garlic Herb Chicken, where succulent chicken leg quarters are slow-cooked to perfection in a rich and aromatic sauce. Infused with the robust flavors of unpeeled garlic cloves and a hint of dry white wine, this delicious dish is perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy family gathering. With minimal prep time, simply set it and forget it, allowing the slow cooker to work its magic. Serve this mouthwatering chicken with steamed vegetables or a fluffy rice pilaf to soak up all the delightful sauce. Make it a point to share this recipe with friends and family as they'll be asking for seconds!
4
Servings
500
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
chicken leg quarters
4 (whole)
chicken broth
1/2 cup (liquid)
dry white wine
1/3 cup (liquid)
garlic cloves
30 (unpeeled)
salt
1 teaspoon (to taste)
black pepper
1/4 teaspoon (to taste)
herbes de Provence
1 teaspoon (dried herb blend)
Instructions
1
In the base of your slow cooker, pour in the chicken broth and dry white wine, creating a flavorful foundation for the dish.
2
In a small bowl, combine the salt, black pepper, and herbes de Provence, mixing well to ensure an even seasoning.
3
Rub the seasoning blend generously over both sides of the chicken leg quarters, ensuring they are well-coated for maximum flavor.
4
Place the seasoned chicken leg quarters into the slow cooker, arranging them for even cooking, and then scatter the unpeeled garlic cloves around the chicken.
5
Cover the slow cooker with its lid and cook on the low setting for 8 hours, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully and the chicken to become tender and juicy.
6
Once cooking time is complete, carefully remove the chicken and garlic from the cooker. Serve hot with your favorite sides.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Slow Cooker Garlic Herb Chicken?
It is a succulent chicken dish where leg quarters are slow-cooked in a sauce of chicken broth, white wine, and 30 garlic cloves.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe is designed to serve 4 people.
What are the primary ingredients?
The main ingredients include chicken leg quarters, chicken broth, dry white wine, garlic cloves, salt, black pepper, and herbes de Provence.
How many calories are in one serving?
Each serving contains approximately 500 calories.
How long does it take to cook this recipe?
The chicken should be cooked on the low setting of your slow cooker for 8 hours.
Do I need to peel the garlic cloves?
No, the recipe calls for 30 unpeeled garlic cloves which mellow and sweeten during the long cooking process.
Can I use chicken breasts instead of leg quarters?
Yes, but leg quarters are recommended as they remain more tender and juicy during the 8-hour cooking cycle.
What is a good substitute for dry white wine?
You can substitute the wine with an equal amount of chicken broth or a mix of white grape juice and a teaspoon of vinegar.
What are herbes de Provence?
It is a traditional French dried herb blend typically containing rosemary, thyme, oregano, and savory.
What should I serve with this chicken?
It pairs perfectly with steamed vegetables, rice pilaf, or mashed potatoes to soak up the aromatic sauce.
Can I cook this dish on the high setting?
While low is recommended for the best texture, you can cook it on high for about 4 hours.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes, the flavors meld beautifully and it can be stored and reheated easily for busy weeknights.
Is the garlic flavor too strong with 30 cloves?
No, because the garlic is slow-cooked unpeeled, the flavor becomes very mild, sweet, and buttery rather than pungent.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days.
Can I freeze this chicken?
Yes, the cooked chicken and sauce can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Should I sear the chicken before putting it in the slow cooker?
Searing is not required for this recipe, making it a simple 'set it and forget it' meal.
Can I add vegetables to the slow cooker?
Yes, adding root vegetables like carrots or potatoes at the beginning of the cooking process works well.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
As long as you ensure your chicken broth is certified gluten-free, the rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
How do I eat the unpeeled garlic?
Once cooked, the garlic becomes soft; you can squeeze the softened garlic out of the skins onto the chicken or bread.
What if I don't have herbes de Provence?
You can use a mix of dried thyme and rosemary as a quick substitute.
Do I need to add any oil?
No, the fat from the chicken leg quarters provides enough richness for the sauce.
Can I use frozen chicken quarters?
It is safest to thaw the chicken completely in the refrigerator before placing it in the slow cooker.
What kind of white wine is best?
A dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio is ideal for savory cooking.
Can I make the skin crispy?
To crisp the skin, place the cooked chicken under a broiler for 3-5 minutes after removing it from the slow cooker.
Is this recipe low carb?
Yes, the ingredients are naturally low in carbohydrates, making it suitable for keto or low-carb diets.
How much chicken broth is needed?
The recipe requires 1/2 cup of chicken broth.
What is the serving size?
The serving size is one chicken leg quarter with a portion of the garlic and sauce.
Is this dish family-friendly?
Yes, the mild flavors and tender meat make it a favorite for both children and adults.
Can I use a slow cooker liner?
Yes, using a liner can make cleanup much easier for this recipe.
What is the internal temperature the chicken should reach?
The chicken is safely cooked once it reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.