Slow Cooker Lemon Garlic Chicken

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Slow Cooker Lemon Garlic Chicken is the ideal combination of tangy, savory, and tender. The lemon and garlic meld together to create a fragrant sauce that infuses the chicken with flavor as it slowly cooks. The best part? It's a no-fuss recipe that requires very little active cooking time, leaving you free to relax and enjoy your meal. The slow cooker does all the work, making this a perfect choice for busy weeknights or a special dinner. Plus, it pairs wonderfully with rice, a light salad, or roasted vegetables, making it a versatile dish for any occasion.

Ingredients

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

• ¼ cup olive oil

• 4 cloves garlic, minced

• Juice and zest of 2 lemons

• 1 teaspoon dried oregano

• 1 teaspoon dried thyme

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• Fresh parsley, for garnish

• Optional: Lemon slices for serving

Directions

1. In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper.

2. Place the chicken breasts into the slow cooker and pour the lemon-garlic mixture over the chicken.

3. Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and tender.

4. Once the chicken is ready, serve it garnished with fresh parsley and optional lemon slices for an extra pop of flavor. You can pair it with rice, a light salad, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4

• Cooking Time: 6-7 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high

Variations

• Chicken Thighs: You can substitute chicken breasts with boneless, skinless chicken thighs for a juicier result.

• Vegetables: Add some vegetables like baby potatoes, carrots, or bell peppers to the slow cooker for a one-pot meal.

• Herbs: Swap out dried oregano and thyme for fresh herbs, such as rosemary or basil, for a different twist on the flavor.

• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic mixture for a little heat.

• Creamy Sauce: For a creamy sauce, stir in a few tablespoons of heavy cream or cream cheese in the last 30 minutes of cooking.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

• Reheating: Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until the chicken is heated through. You can also add a splash of chicken broth to the slow cooker to help maintain moisture when reheating.

FAQs

How long should I cook the chicken on low in the slow cooker?

For tender chicken, cook on low for 6-7 hours. If you're short on time, you can cook it on high for 3-4 hours.

Can I use frozen chicken breasts for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts, but be sure to cook it on high for 4-5 hours. You may also need to increase the cooking time slightly.

Can I add vegetables to the slow cooker with the chicken?

Absolutely! You can add vegetables like carrots, potatoes, or bell peppers. Just make sure they are cut into chunks so they cook evenly with the chicken.

How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F. You can also test it with a fork—if the chicken shreds easily, it’s done.

Can I make this recipe without lemon?

Lemon adds a key flavor to the dish, but if you're not a fan, you can try substituting it with lime or vinegar for a similar tang.

Can I use bone-in chicken for this recipe?

You can use bone-in chicken, but it will take a little longer to cook. If using bone-in, cook on low for 7-8 hours or high for 4-5 hours.

Is it possible to cook this dish on high?

Yes, cooking the chicken on high for 3-4 hours will work, but be careful not to overcook it. Check at the 3-hour mark for tenderness.

How should I serve this chicken?

Serve this chicken with rice, quinoa, or a light salad. It’s also great with roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes.

Can I freeze the leftovers?

Yes, you can freeze the leftovers for up to 3 months. Be sure to store the chicken in an airtight container or freezer bag.

How can I thicken the sauce?

If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with a little water and stir it into the sauce during the last 30 minutes of cooking.

Conclusion

Slow Cooker Lemon Garlic Chicken is a crowd-pleasing dish that's as simple as it is flavorful. The zesty lemon and aromatic garlic perfectly complement the tender chicken, making it a great choice for both everyday meals and special occasions. With minimal prep and easy ingredients, this dish will quickly become a go-to favorite for your family or guests. Enjoy the convenience and taste of this slow cooker recipe!

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Slow Cooker Lemon Garlic Chicken is a flavorful and simple dish that combines the brightness of lemon with the aromatic warmth of garlic. It's tender and easy to make, perfect for busy weeknights or impressing guests.

• Author: Janet
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 6-7 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high
• Total Time: 6-7 hours 10 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Slow Cooker
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

¼ cup olive oil

4 cloves garlic, minced

Juice and zest of 2 lemons

1 tsp dried oregano

1 tsp dried thyme

Salt and pepper, to taste

Fresh parsley, for garnish

Optional: Lemon slices for serving

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Instructions

1. In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper.
2. Place the chicken breasts into the slow cooker and pour the lemon-garlic mixture over the chicken.
3. Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
4. Once the chicken is ready, serve it garnished with fresh parsley and optional lemon slices for an extra pop of flavor.

Notes

• You can substitute chicken breasts with boneless, skinless chicken thighs for a juicier result.
• Feel free to add vegetables like carrots, potatoes, or bell peppers to the slow cooker for a one-pot meal.
• For a spicy kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic mixture.
• For a creamy sauce, stir in a few tablespoons of heavy cream or cream cheese in the last 30 minutes of cooking.
• Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 330
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 450mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 16g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 3g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 35g
• Cholesterol: 75mg