Imagine coming home to a kitchen filled with the irresistible aroma of tender chicken legs, infused with the rich, tangy essence of sun-dried tomatoes. This Italian-inspired slow cooker recipe is about to transform your ordinary dinner into a gourmet experience that requires minimal effort but delivers maximum flavor. Whether you're a busy professional or a home cook looking to impress, these chicken legs will become your new go-to comfort meal that promises to tantalize your senses and leave everyone asking for seconds.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 6 hrs
Total Time: 6 hrs 15 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 chicken legs
- 1 cup sun dried tomatoes
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup chicken broth
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken legs by patting them dry with paper towels and seasoning generously with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning on all sides.
- Chop the onion into medium-sized pieces and mince the garlic cloves finely. Roughly chop the sun-dried tomatoes into smaller bits to distribute flavor evenly.
- Lightly grease the inside of your slow cooker with cooking spray or olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Layer the chopped onions at the bottom of the slow cooker, creating a flavorful base for the chicken legs.
- Arrange the seasoned chicken legs on top of the onions, ensuring they are not overcrowded and have some space between them.
- Sprinkle the minced garlic and chopped sun-dried tomatoes over and around the chicken legs.
- Pour the chicken broth carefully around the sides of the chicken, making sure not to wash off the seasonings.
- Cover the slow cooker and set to low heat. Cook for 6 hours, allowing the chicken to become tender and absorb the rich flavors of sun-dried tomatoes and herbs.
- After cooking time is complete, check the internal temperature of the chicken legs, which should reach 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
- Optional: For crispy skin, transfer chicken legs to a baking sheet and broil for 3-5 minutes before serving.
- Serve hot, spooning the sun-dried tomatoes and cooking liquid over the chicken legs as a flavorful sauce.
Tips
- Pat the chicken legs completely dry before seasoning to ensure maximum flavor absorption and better browning.
- Don't skip the broiling step - it adds a delightful crispy texture to the chicken skin that will elevate the entire dish.
- Use high-quality sun-dried tomatoes for the most intense flavor profile.
- If possible, season the chicken legs the night before and let them marinate in the refrigerator for even deeper flavor penetration.
- Always use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches the safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- For a richer sauce, you can deglaze the slow cooker with a splash of white wine before adding the broth.
- Leftover chicken can be shredded and used in salads, sandwiches, or pasta dishes for up to 3-4 days when stored properly in the refrigerator.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 252kcal
Carbohydrates: 11g
Protein: 24g
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 70mg
