Imagine coming home to the irresistible aroma of tender, juicy chicken thighs infused with the delightful flavors of artichokes and garlic, all thanks to your trusty slow cooker! This Italian-inspired dish not only promises a hearty meal but also offers a hands-off cooking experience that fits perfectly into your busy lifestyle. With just 15 minutes of prep time, you can set it and forget it, letting the slow cooker do all the work while you go about your day. Ready to impress your family or guests with a comforting dinner that’s as easy as it is delicious? Let’s dive into this mouthwatering recipe for Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs with Artichokes!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 6 hrs
Total Time: 6 hrs 15 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 chicken thighs
- 1 can artichoke hearts, drained
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare ingredients by patting chicken thighs dry with paper towels and seasoning generously with salt, pepper, and dried oregano on both sides.
- Chop onion into medium-sized pieces and mince garlic cloves finely to ensure even flavor distribution.
- Place chopped onions and minced garlic at the bottom of the slow cooker to create a flavorful base for the chicken.
- Arrange seasoned chicken thighs on top of the onion and garlic layer, ensuring they are not overlapping.
- Drain artichoke hearts and gently place them around and between the chicken thighs in the slow cooker.
- Pour chicken broth carefully around the sides of the slow cooker, ensuring it doesn't wash away the seasonings from the chicken.
- Cover slow cooker and set to low heat setting, cooking for 6 hours until chicken is tender and easily falls apart.
- After cooking time is complete, check internal temperature of chicken thighs reaches 165°F (74°C) for food safety.
- Optional: For crispy skin, transfer chicken thighs to a baking sheet and broil for 3-5 minutes before serving.
- Serve hot, spooning artichokes and cooking liquid over the chicken thighs for added moisture and flavor.
Tips
- Season Generously: Don’t be shy with the salt, pepper, and oregano! Proper seasoning is key to bringing out the rich flavors of the chicken and artichokes.
- Layering Matters: Make sure to place the onions and garlic at the bottom of the slow cooker. This creates a flavorful base and prevents the chicken from sticking.
- Avoid Overlapping: Arrange the chicken thighs in a single layer without overlapping them to ensure even cooking and maximum flavor absorption.
- Broil for Crispiness: If you love crispy skin, consider broiling the cooked chicken thighs for 3-5 minutes after they’re done in the slow cooker. This adds a delightful crunch to the dish!
- Serve with Style: Spoon the artichokes and cooking liquid over the chicken when serving. This not only adds moisture but also enhances the presentation for a restaurant-quality look.
- Pairing Suggestions: This dish pairs wonderfully with a side of crusty bread or a fresh salad, making for a complete and satisfying meal.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 253kcal
Carbohydrates: 11g
Protein: 26g
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 90mg
