Slow-cooking dark leg meat results in incredibly tender, flavorful chicken. However, if you prefer white meat you can substitute bone-in chicken breasts. Placing the onions on the bottom of the slow cooker will ensure that they become silky soft as the chicken releases its juices, creating a heady sauce.

　　This recipe was originally part of a feature on slow cooking. For additional recipes and tips for using a slow cooker, click here.

　　

Ingredients

Makes 4 to 6 servings

　　2 medium onions, thinly sliced

　　1 teaspoon kosher salt

　　1 tablespoon sweet paprika

　　1 teaspoon hot paprika

　　1 garlic clove, peeled and halved

　　3 pounds chicken legs

　　1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

　　1 1/2 teaspoons olive oil

　　1 1/2 teaspoons unsalted butter

　　1/2 cup chicken stock or low-sodium chicken broth

　　1/4 cup sour cream

　　Fresh dill, chopped, for garnish

　　

Special equipment:

Slow cooker

　　

Step 1

In slow cooker, stir together onions, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and paprika. Spread mixture evenly over bottom of insert.

　　

Step 2

Rub garlic halves over chicken, then sprinkle chicken with pepper and remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt. In medium saucepan over moderately high heat, heat butter and oil until hot but not smoking. Add chicken pieces and brown, turning occasionally, until golden, about 6 minutes. Transfer to slow cooker (do not clean pan), layering chicken on top of onion mixture.

　　

Step 3

In same saucepan over high heat, bring stock to simmer, scraping up browned bits from bottom of pan. Pour over chicken in slow cooker, cover, and cook on low until chicken is tender but not falling off bone, 5 to 6 hours.

　　

Step 4

Stir sour cream into sauce. Garnish with dill and serve.

　　Cook's note:

　　This recipe was originally prepared in an oval, 6-quart slow cooker.