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 cooked in a zesty lemon and garlic sauce make for a delicious 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 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.
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in the lemon-garlic mixture for a few hours before slow cooking.
- Swap dried oregano and thyme for fresh herbs if available for a brighter taste.
- Add vegetables like potatoes or carrots to the slow cooker for a complete meal.
Storage
Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop to keep it moist.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use bone-in chicken for this recipe?
Yes, bone-in chicken breasts or thighs can be used, but they may require longer cooking times to become fully tender.
Is it possible to freeze the cooked chicken?
Absolutely. Store the cooled chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
PrintSlow Cooker Lemon Garlic Chicken Recipe
This Slow Cooker Lemon Garlic Chicken is a flavorful and tender dish perfect for an easy, hands-off meal. The chicken breasts are slow-cooked in a zesty lemon and garlic marinade infused with oregano and thyme, resulting in juicy, aromatic chicken that’s ideal for serving with rice or a fresh salad.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-7 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high
- Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes to 7 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
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 to create a fragrant, flavorful marinade.
- Arrange the chicken: Place the boneless, skinless chicken breasts in the bottom of the slow cooker in a single layer to ensure even cooking.
- Add the marinade: Pour the lemon-garlic mixture evenly over the chicken breasts, making sure each piece is well coated with the marinade for maximum flavor absorption.
- Cook the chicken: Cover the slow cooker with the lid and cook on low heat for 6 to 7 hours, or on high heat for 3 to 4 hours. The chicken should be fully cooked through and tender when done.
- Serve: Once cooked, serve the chicken breasts garnished with fresh parsley and optional lemon slices. Pair with rice or a light salad for a complete meal.
Notes
- For a more pronounced lemon flavor, add extra lemon zest or a splash of lemon juice before serving.
- Ensure chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to guarantee food safety.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, remove the chicken after cooking and simmer the liquid on the stovetop until reduced.
- This recipe can be easily doubled for larger gatherings using a larger slow cooker or cooking in batches.
Keywords: slow cooker chicken, lemon garlic chicken, easy slow cooker recipe, healthy chicken dinner, tender chicken breasts, comfort food
