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Slow Cooker Dijon-Thyme Chicken Legs Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.8 from 77 reviews
  • Author: Emily
  • Prep Time: 25 minutes
  • Cook Time: 5 hours
  • Total Time: 5 hours 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings (4-5 people) 1x
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Whole30

Description

These Slow Cooker Dijon-Thyme Chicken Legs feature tender, flavorful chicken drumsticks cooked low and slow in a rich, savory sauce made with Dijon mustard, bone broth, and aromatic spices. Perfect for an effortless weeknight dinner, this recipe offers a delicious, wholesome meal that pleases the whole family with minimal prep and maximum taste.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Marinade

  • 8-10 skin-on chicken drumsticks (about 2 lbs.)
  • 1 Tbsp. ghee (or avocado oil for dairy-free), divided
  • 3 Tbsp. Tessemae’s Dijon Mustard
  • 3/4 cup bone broth (homemade or store-bought)
  • 2-3 dates, pitted and finely chopped (may substitute 1 Tbsp. honey if not Whole30)
  • 1 tsp. ground cumin
  • 1½ tsp. dried thyme
  • ½ tsp. paprika (smoked or sweet)
  • Salt & pepper to taste
  • Optional: Arrowroot starch (for Whole30) or corn starch for thickening the gravy

Instructions

  1. Prepare the chicken: Pat the chicken drumsticks dry with paper towels. Season them lightly with salt and pepper to enhance the flavor.
  2. Sear the chicken: In a skillet, heat half of the ghee or avocado oil over medium-high heat. Sear the drumsticks on all sides until they develop a golden-brown crust, approximately 3-4 minutes per side. This step locks in juices and adds flavor.
  3. Make the sauce: In a bowl, combine the Dijon mustard, bone broth, chopped dates (or honey), ground cumin, dried thyme, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Whisk these ingredients until fully incorporated.
  4. Transfer to slow cooker: Place the seared chicken legs into the slow cooker. Pour the prepared sauce over the chicken, ensuring all pieces are well-coated.
  5. Cook low and slow: Cover and cook on low for 5 hours, allowing the chicken to become tender and absorb the aromatic flavors of the sauce.
  6. Optional gravy thickening: If desired, at the end of cooking, remove the chicken and stir in a slurry made from arrowroot starch (for Whole30) or corn starch mixed with cold water into the sauce. Cook on high for an additional 10-15 minutes until thickened.
  7. Serve: Return chicken to the slow cooker to coat in the thickened sauce or serve immediately with the sauce spooned over the top. Enjoy warm.

Notes

  • Slow Cooker Dijon-Thyme Chicken Legs are simple to make and sure to please the whole family.
  • For a dairy-free option, substitute ghee with avocado oil.
  • Dates provide natural sweetness for a Whole30-compliant sauce, but honey works if not following Whole30.
  • Searing the chicken before slow cooking enhances flavor and texture but can be skipped for convenience.
  • Use arrowroot starch for thickening if adhering to Whole30 guidelines.
  • Serve with your choice of vegetables or a light salad for a complete meal.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 2 chicken legs + 3 Tbsp. sauce
  • Calories: 304
  • Sugar: 6g
  • Sodium: 375mg
  • Fat: 14g
  • Saturated Fat: 6g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 8g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 30g
  • Cholesterol: 85mg

Find it online: https://emilyquickdinners.com/slow-cooker-dijon-thyme-chicken-legs-recipe/