Slow Cooker Lemon Garlic Chicken Recipe
Introduction
This Slow Cooker Lemon Garlic Chicken is a simple, flavorful dish perfect for busy days. Tender chicken breasts simmer in a bright lemon-garlic sauce, creating a juicy and aromatic meal with minimal effort.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/4 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
Instructions
- Step 1: In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Step 2: Place the chicken breasts in the slow cooker and pour the lemon-garlic mixture evenly over them.
- Step 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.
- Step 4: Serve the chicken garnished with fresh parsley and lemon slices, alongside rice or a light salad for a complete meal.
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in the lemon-garlic mixture for 1-2 hours before cooking.
- Use chicken thighs instead of breasts for a juicier, more forgiving option.
- Add vegetables like baby potatoes or carrots to the slow cooker for a one-pot meal.
- Fresh herbs like thyme or oregano can be used instead of dried for a brighter taste.
Storage
Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or in a covered pan over low heat to keep the chicken moist. You can also freeze cooked chicken for up to 2 months; thaw overnight before reheating.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken breasts in this recipe?
It’s best to use thawed chicken breasts to ensure even cooking. If using frozen, increase the cooking time and check doneness carefully.
What can I serve with this lemon garlic chicken?
This dish pairs well with steamed rice, quinoa, roasted vegetables, or a fresh green salad for a light and balanced meal.
PrintSlow Cooker Lemon Garlic Chicken Recipe
This Slow Cooker Lemon Garlic Chicken is a simple, flavorful, and tender dish that combines zesty lemon, fresh garlic, and aromatic herbs. Perfect for a hands-off meal, the chicken braises slowly to absorb the vibrant citrus and herb flavors, resulting in juicy, succulent chicken breasts ideal for pairing with rice or a fresh salad.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours 30 minutes (low) or 3 hours 30 minutes (high)
- Total Time: 6 hours 40 minutes (low) or 3 hours 40 minutes (high)
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Marinade
- 1/4 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
Garnish
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
- Optional: Lemon slices for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the marinade: In a bowl, whisk together the olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, dried oregano, dried thyme, salt, and pepper until well combined to create a flavorful marinade.
- Place chicken in slow cooker: Arrange the boneless, skinless chicken breasts evenly in the slow cooker, making sure they are in a single layer to cook evenly.
- Add marinade over chicken: Pour the lemon-garlic marinade over the chicken breasts, ensuring each piece is coated with the mixture to infuse flavor during cooking.
- Cook the chicken: Cover the slow cooker with its lid and cook on low heat for 6-7 hours or on high heat for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is thoroughly cooked, tender, and easy to shred or slice.
- Serve: Once cooked, transfer the chicken to plates, garnish generously with fresh parsley and optional lemon slices, and serve alongside your choice of rice or a light salad for a complete meal.
Notes
- For more intense lemon flavor, add extra lemon zest to the marinade.
- Ensure the chicken is fully submerged in the marinade for even flavor distribution.
- Do not overcook the chicken to prevent drying; keep an eye on the time when using the high setting.
- This dish pairs excellently with steamed rice, quinoa, or mixed green salad.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Keywords: slow cooker chicken, lemon garlic chicken, easy slow cooker recipe, tender chicken breasts, lemon herb chicken
