Slow 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
Scale
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
