Few recipes deliver comfort, flavor, and simplicity the way Slow Cooker Lemon Garlic Chicken does. With minimal prep and the magic of slow cooking, you end up with tender chicken infused with the zesty brightness of lemon and the savory depth of garlic. This dish is perfect for busy days when you want a homemade meal without standing over the stove. By combining a handful of fresh ingredients, you can create a dish that feels gourmet yet requires very little hands-on effort. Whether you’re planning a weeknight dinner, meal prepping, or serving guests, this slow cooker recipe guarantees delicious results every time.
Ingredients
For consistency and flavor, measure ingredients precisely:
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6–7 ounces each)
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 medium onion, sliced thinly
1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
¼ cup fresh lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 teaspoons lemon zest (from 1–2 lemons)
1 teaspoon kosher salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon dried oregano
½ teaspoon dried thyme
½ teaspoon paprika (optional for color)
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, cubed
Optional garnish: fresh parsley, lemon slices
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Drying the meat ensures that seasonings stick and helps create better flavor absorption during cooking.
Step 2: Season Generously
In a small bowl, combine salt, pepper, oregano, thyme, and paprika. Rub this seasoning blend evenly over both sides of the chicken breasts.
Step 3: Layer Ingredients in the Slow Cooker
Place sliced onion and minced garlic at the bottom of the slow cooker. This acts as a flavor base and prevents the chicken from sticking. Arrange the seasoned chicken breasts on top of the onions and garlic.
Step 4: Add Liquids
Pour chicken broth and lemon juice over the chicken. Drizzle olive oil evenly across the top, then sprinkle with lemon zest. Place butter cubes on top of the chicken breasts to enrich the sauce.
Step 5: Cook Low and Slow
Cover the slow cooker with its lid. Cook on low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4 hours, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Step 6: Finish and Serve
Once cooked, remove chicken breasts carefully to avoid breaking them apart. Stir the sauce in the slow cooker, then spoon it over the chicken before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley and lemon slices for presentation.
Tips for Perfecting the Dish
Use fresh lemon juice: Bottled juice lacks the brightness of freshly squeezed lemons.
Don’t skip the zest: Lemon zest adds concentrated citrus flavor that elevates the dish.
Cook on low if possible: Cooking on low heat keeps chicken tender and prevents it from drying out.
Add butter at the end: The butter enriches the sauce and gives it a silky texture.
Check doneness with a thermometer: Always verify the internal temperature for food safety.
Conservation and Storage
Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Allow the chicken to cool before sealing.
Freezing: Place cooled chicken and sauce into freezer-safe bags or containers. Freeze for up to 2 months.
Reheating: Thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of broth to prevent drying.
Variations
Creamy Lemon Garlic Chicken: Stir in ½ cup heavy cream during the last 30 minutes of cooking for a richer sauce.
Herb Lovers’ Version: Add fresh rosemary, basil, or dill to intensify the herbal notes.
Spicy Twist: Add ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes or a sliced fresh chili for heat.
Bone-in Chicken Option: Substitute thighs or drumsticks; just extend cooking time by 30–45 minutes on low.
Vegetable Boost: Add carrots, zucchini, or green beans to the slow cooker for a one-pot meal.
Serving Suggestions
With Rice: Spoon the chicken and lemon-garlic sauce over white rice, jasmine rice, or wild rice.
With Pasta: Pair with angel hair or linguine for a light but filling pasta dinner.
With Potatoes: Serve alongside mashed potatoes or roasted baby potatoes that soak up the sauce.
With Bread: Offer crusty bread or garlic bread to mop up the flavorful juices.
As Meal Prep: Portion into containers with grains and vegetables for easy grab-and-go lunches.
Conclusion
The Slow Cooker Lemon Garlic Chicken proves that delicious meals don’t need to be complicated. With just a few ingredients and the ease of a slow cooker, you can prepare chicken that is tender, juicy, and infused with the perfect balance of citrus and savory flavors. Its versatility allows you to adapt the recipe with cream, spice, or vegetables, making it fit any taste preference. Plus, the simple storage and reheating options make it practical for busy households. Once you try this recipe, it will quickly become a staple in your dinner rotation—comforting, flavorful, and effortlessly satisfying.
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Slow Cooker Lemon Garlic Chicken
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Tender chicken slow-cooked with fresh lemon juice, garlic, herbs, and butter. A zesty, savory, and effortless dish perfect for weeknights, meal prep, or family dinners.
Ingredients
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6–7 ounces each)
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 medium onion, thinly sliced
1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
¼ cup fresh lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 teaspoons lemon zest (from 1–2 lemons)
1 teaspoon kosher salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon dried oregano
½ teaspoon dried thyme
½ teaspoon paprika (optional, for color)
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, cubed
Optional garnish: fresh parsley, lemon slices
Instructions
Prep chicken: Pat chicken dry with paper towels.
Season: Combine salt, pepper, oregano, thyme, and paprika in a bowl. Rub evenly over chicken.
Layer in slow cooker: Place onion and garlic on the bottom. Add seasoned chicken on top.
Add liquids: Pour chicken broth and lemon juice over chicken. Drizzle olive oil and sprinkle lemon zest. Place butter cubes on top.
Cook: Cover and cook on low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4 hours, until chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).
Finish: Remove chicken carefully. Stir sauce in slow cooker and spoon over chicken. Garnish with parsley and lemon slices.
Notes
Use fresh lemon juice for best flavor.
Lemon zest boosts citrus flavor without extra acidity.
Cook on low for juicier chicken.
Add ½ cup heavy cream in last 30 minutes for a creamy version.
Bone-in chicken may be used—extend cooking time slightly.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Category: Dinner, Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce
- Calories: 335 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 680 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 7 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 36 g
- Cholesterol: 125 mg
Keywords: slow cooker lemon garlic chicken, crockpot chicken, lemon garlic chicken slow cooker, easy chicken dinner