Slow Cooker Lemon Garlic Chicken: A Flavorful and Easy Dinner

Slow Cooker Lemon Garlic Chicken is a simple, flavorful dish that’s perfect for a busy weeknight or a relaxed weekend meal. The chicken is cooked low and slow in a mix of lemon juice, garlic, and herbs, resulting in tender, juicy meat infused with bright, zesty flavors. The best part? The slow cooker does all the work for you!

What Makes Lemon Garlic Chicken Great

• Easy to Make: With just a few ingredients and minimal prep, this dish comes together effortlessly.
• Tender and Juicy: The slow cooker ensures that the chicken is cooked to perfection, resulting in moist, flavorful meat.
• Healthy and Fresh: Lemon and garlic add a burst of fresh flavor without the need for heavy sauces, making this dish light and nutritious.
• Versatile: You can serve this dish over rice, mashed potatoes, or with a side of veggies for a complete meal.

Ingredients for Lemon Garlic Chicken

• Chicken: Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs or breasts work best, but you can also use boneless options.
• Lemon: Fresh lemon juice and zest add brightness to the dish.
• Garlic: Plenty of minced garlic enhances the flavor with its rich, aromatic taste.
• Olive Oil: Adds richness and helps the chicken brown.
• Herbs: Fresh thyme or rosemary bring an earthy depth to the chicken. You can also use dried herbs if fresh isn’t available.
• Chicken Broth: Adds moisture and helps create a flavorful sauce as the chicken cooks.
• Salt and Pepper: Simple seasoning that allows the lemon and garlic flavors to shine.

How to Make Slow Cooker Lemon Garlic Chicken

1. Prepare the Chicken:
   • Pat the chicken dry with paper towels and season generously with salt and pepper on both sides.
2. Sear the Chicken (Optional):
   • For extra flavor, heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken on both sides until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per side. This step is optional but adds a nice depth of flavor.
3. Assemble in the Slow Cooker:
   • Place the chicken in the slow cooker. Add minced garlic, fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, chicken broth, and herbs over the top. If you seared the chicken, pour any pan juices into the slow cooker as well.
4. Cook:
   • Cover and cook on low for 5-6 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is tender and fully cooked (internal temperature of 165°F or 75°C).
5. Finish and Serve:
   • Once the chicken is done, you can serve it as is, or for a crispy skin, transfer the chicken to a baking sheet and broil for 2-3 minutes. Serve the chicken with the lemon garlic sauce spooned over the top.

Tips for the Best Lemon Garlic Chicken

• Don’t Skip the Sear: If you have time, searing the chicken before adding it to the slow cooker adds a deeper flavor and a slightly crisp texture.
• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic, lemon juice, and herbs will give the best flavor. While dried herbs can be used in a pinch, fresh is always more vibrant.
• Add Vegetables: For a complete meal, add potatoes, carrots, or green beans to the slow cooker for the last couple of hours of cooking.

Slow Cooker Lemon Garlic Chicken Recipe

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 4 hours hrs

Servings 5 people

Calories 300 kcal

Ingredients

  

• 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
• 4 cloves garlic minced
• 1 lemon zested and juiced
• 1/3 cup chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley optional, for garnish
• Lemon slices optional, for garnish

Instructions

 

• Prepare the chicken:
• Season the chicken breasts with salt, black pepper, paprika, oregano, and thyme.
• Assemble in the slow cooker:
• Place the seasoned chicken breasts in the bottom of the slow cooker.
• Add the minced garlic, lemon zest, and lemon juice over the chicken.
• Pour the chicken broth and olive oil over the chicken.
• Cook the chicken:
• Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
• Serve:
• Once the chicken is cooked, garnish with fresh parsley and lemon slices if desired.
• Serve with your choice of side dishes such as rice, mashed potatoes, or steamed vegetables.

Notes

This Slow Cooker Lemon Garlic Chicken is a light, flavorful dish that requires minimal prep time. The combination of lemon and garlic creates a refreshing and aromatic flavor, making this dish perfect for a satisfying and easy-to-make meal.

Why You’ll Love Lemon Garlic Chicken

This Slow Cooker Lemon Garlic Chicken is perfect for when you want a flavorful, satisfying meal without spending hours in the kitchen. The bright lemon flavor pairs perfectly with the richness of the chicken, while the garlic and herbs bring it all together. It’s healthy, delicious, and incredibly easy to make, making it a great go-to dinner option for any night of the week.

Ready to Dig In?

Serve this lemon garlic chicken with your favorite sides, such as steamed rice, roasted vegetables, or a simple green salad. It’s a versatile and foolproof dish that will quickly become a family favorite!