Slow Cooker Lemon Garlic Chicken Recipe

Looking for a flavorful and fuss-free dinner? This Slow Cooker Lemon Garlic Chicken recipe is your answer! This recipe results in tender, juicy chicken infused with bright lemon and savory garlic flavors, all with minimal effort. Perfect for busy weeknights, this simple dish will become a family favorite in no time.

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What is Slow Cooker Lemon Garlic Chicken?

Slow Cooker Lemon Garlic Chicken is a delightful and easy-to-prepare meal that involves cooking chicken in a slow cooker with lemon, garlic, and herbs. The low and slow cooking method ensures that the chicken becomes incredibly tender and absorbs all the wonderful flavors of the sauce.

This recipe is incredibly versatile and can be served with a variety of sides, making it a complete and satisfying meal. The tangy lemon perfectly complements the savory garlic, creating a balanced and delicious flavor profile that appeals to a wide range of palates.

Ready to enjoy tender, flavorful chicken with minimal effort? Give this Slow Cooker Lemon Garlic Chicken recipe a try!

Key Ingredients for Slow Cooker Lemon Garlic Chicken:

Here’s what you’ll need to create this flavorful dish:

3-4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5-2 lbs): Ensure they are defrosted completely. You can also use bone-in chicken thighs for richer flavor.
1/4 cup chicken broth: Use low-sodium to control the saltiness.
1/4 cup lemon juice: Freshly squeezed is always best for the brightest flavor, about 2 lemons.
3 cloves garlic, minced: Freshly minced garlic provides the most potent flavor.
2 tablespoons olive oil: This will help add moisture and richness to the chicken.
1 tablespoon dried Italian seasoning: A mix of herbs like oregano, basil, rosemary, and thyme.
1/2 teaspoon salt: Adjust to taste.
1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Freshly ground pepper is preferred.
1 lemon, sliced: Adds both flavor and visual appeal to the dish.
2 tablespoons butter: Adds richness and is added at the end, optional but recommended.
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish): Adds freshness and a pop of color.

How to Make Slow Cooker Lemon Garlic Chicken:

This Slow Cooker Lemon Garlic Chicken recipe is incredibly easy and delicious, perfect for a busy weeknight meal. With just a few simple steps, you can have a mouthwatering dish that’s both tasty and tender. The chicken is slow-cooked to perfection, absorbing the vibrant flavors of lemon and garlic.

It requires only about 10 minutes of prep time, and you can let the slow cooker do all the work while you relax or tackle other tasks. Once cooked, it’s a satisfying, flavorful, and healthy chicken the whole family will love.

Preparation Time: 10 minutes

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. This helps them brown better and absorb the flavors of the marinade.
Combine Ingredients in Slow Cooker: In the slow cooker, pour in the chicken broth, lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine everything well.
Add Chicken to Slow Cooker: Place the chicken breasts in the slow cooker, ensuring they are fully submerged in the liquid mixture.
Arrange Lemon Slices: Place lemon slices on top of the chicken breasts. This will infuse the chicken with lemon flavor during the cooking process.
Cook the Chicken: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and easily shreds with a fork. Cooking times can vary depending on your slow cooker, so check for doneness after the minimum cooking time.
Shred the Chicken (Optional): Once cooked, use two forks to shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker. This allows the shredded chicken to absorb more of the flavorful sauce.
Stir in Butter (Optional): Stir in the butter until melted. This adds richness and creaminess to the sauce.
Serve and Garnish: Serve the Slow Cooker Lemon Garlic Chicken over rice, pasta, quinoa, or mashed potatoes. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Lemon Garlic Chicken:

This Slow Cooker Lemon Garlic Chicken recipe is a winner for so many reasons! First off, the flavor is incredible. The combination of zesty lemon, savory garlic, and aromatic Italian herbs creates a taste sensation that’s both refreshing and comforting. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!

Secondly, making this at home saves you money and delivers better quality. Ordering similar dishes at restaurants can quickly add up, and often the quality isn’t as good. When you make it yourself, you control the ingredients and ensure you’re using fresh, high-quality items.

Finally, the simple preparation and hands-off cooking are huge advantages. Just toss everything in the slow cooker and let it work its magic. Don’t forget to garnish with fresh parsley for added freshness and visual appeal. It’s the perfect set-it-and-forget-it meal for busy weeknights.

If you enjoy easy chicken recipes, you might also like our Creamy Tuscan Chicken recipe. But trust us, this Slow Cooker Lemon Garlic Chicken is a must-try! Ready to give your taste buds a treat? Try making this delicious Lemon Garlic Chicken at home tonight!

What to Serve Slow Cooker Lemon Garlic Chicken With:

Here are some delicious side dish options to complement your Slow Cooker Lemon Garlic Chicken:

Rice: Fluffy white rice or brown rice is a classic choice to soak up the flavorful sauce.
Pasta: Serve over your favorite pasta, like spaghetti, penne, or linguine, for a hearty meal.
Quinoa: A healthy and nutritious alternative to rice.
Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes pair perfectly with the tangy lemon sauce.
Roasted Vegetables: Broccoli, asparagus, carrots, or green beans roasted with olive oil, salt, and pepper are a great healthy option.
Side Salad: A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette dressing will add a refreshing contrast to the rich chicken.
Crusty Bread: For soaking up all that delicious lemon garlic sauce, a slice of crusty bread is a must!

Top Tips for Perfecting Slow Cooker Lemon Garlic Chicken:

Use Fresh Lemon Juice: Bottled lemon juice can sometimes have a slightly artificial taste. Freshly squeezed lemon juice will give your chicken the brightest and most authentic flavor.
Don’t Overcook: Overcooked chicken can become dry and tough. Check for doneness after the minimum cooking time. The chicken should be easily shreddable with a fork.
Adjust Garlic to Taste: If you’re not a huge fan of garlic, start with 2 cloves and add more if desired.
Add Vegetables: Feel free to add vegetables like sliced onions, bell peppers, or zucchini to the slow cooker for a more complete meal. Add them at the beginning of the cooking process.
Thicken the Sauce (If Needed): If the sauce is too thin for your liking, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water to create a slurry. Stir the slurry into the sauce during the last 30 minutes of cooking time.

5 Facts About Slow Cooker Lemon Garlic Chicken:

It’s a versatile recipe: Easily adaptable with different herbs, spices and vegetables.
Great for meal prep: Make a big batch on Sunday and enjoy throughout the week.
Suitable for various diets: Can be made gluten-free, low-carb, or dairy-free with minor adjustments.
Family-friendly: A crowd-pleasing dish that appeals to both kids and adults.
Low-maintenance: Hands-off cooking allows you to focus on other tasks while it cooks.

Storing and Reheating Tips:

Storing: Allow the Slow Cooker Lemon Garlic Chicken to cool completely before storing it. Transfer the chicken and sauce to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing: To freeze, place the cooled chicken and sauce in freezer-safe bags or containers. Remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Reheating:

Stovetop: Reheat the chicken and sauce in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
Microwave: Place the chicken and sauce in a microwave-safe dish. Cover and microwave on medium power in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between, until heated through.
Slow Cooker: If you have time, you can also reheat the chicken in the slow cooker on low heat for 1-2 hours, or until heated through.

Final Thoughts:

Slow Cooker Lemon Garlic Chicken is the perfect solution for a delicious, easy meal that fits into a busy lifestyle. The tangy lemon and savory garlic create a flavor profile that’s both satisfying and refreshing, making it a hit with the whole family. The slow cooker does all the work, leaving you with tender, flavorful chicken and minimal cleanup.

Whether you’re looking for a convenient weeknight dinner or a meal to prep ahead for the week, this recipe is a winner. Give it a try, and enjoy the incredible flavors and ease that this dish brings to your table!

try also : Easy Pumpkin Dump Cake Recipe and find more in pinterest

Slow Cooker Lemon Garlic Chicken FAQs:

Q: Can I use bone-in chicken for this recipe?
A: Yes, you can use bone-in chicken thighs or drumsticks. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly, as bone-in chicken may take longer to cook.

Q: Can I use different herbs?
A: Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with other herbs like rosemary, thyme, or oregano, based on your flavor preferences.

Q: Can I make this in an Instant Pot?
A: Yes, you can adapt this recipe for an Instant Pot. Cook on high pressure for 10-12 minutes, followed by a natural pressure release for 10 minutes.

Q: Can I add heavy cream to the sauce?
A: Yes, adding a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half during the last 30 minutes of cooking can make the sauce extra creamy and rich.

Q: Is this recipe gluten-free?
A: Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free. Ensure you use gluten-free chicken broth to be completely sure.

Enjoy your deliciously easy Slow Cooker Lemon Garlic Chicken!