Crockpot Lemon Chicken is a zesty, tender, and effortless dish that’s perfect for busy days. With juicy chicken slow-cooked in a tangy lemon sauce infused with garlic, herbs, and a hint of butter, this recipe delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort. Serve it over rice, pasta, or roasted vegetables for a comforting and wholesome meal the whole family will love.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortless Cooking: Let the slow cooker do all the work while you go about your day.
- Bursting with Flavor: The combination of fresh lemon juice, garlic, and herbs creates a bright, savory profile.
- Healthy and Nutritious: Lean chicken breast or thighs, fresh ingredients, and minimal oil make this dish a guilt-free indulgence.
- Family-Friendly: Mild yet flavorful, it’s a hit with kids and adults alike.
Tips and Tricks for Success
- Use Fresh Lemons: Freshly squeezed lemon juice delivers the best flavor—avoid bottled juice.
- Don’t Skip the Sear: While optional, searing adds depth and enhances the overall flavor.
- Thicken the Sauce: If you prefer a thicker sauce, whisk in a slurry of cornstarch and water during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- Adjust to Taste: Add extra lemon juice at the end for more tang or a touch of honey for sweetness.
- Layer Ingredients Wisely: Place the chicken at the bottom of the crockpot to ensure it cooks evenly.
Variations to Try
- Creamy Lemon Chicken: Stir in heavy cream or coconut milk during the last 30 minutes for a rich, creamy sauce.
- Lemon Garlic Chicken with Vegetables: Add baby potatoes, carrots, or green beans to the crockpot for a complete one-pot meal.
- Spicy Lemon Chicken: Include red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper for a hint of heat.
- Mediterranean-Style: Add olives, artichoke hearts, and sun-dried tomatoes for a Mediterranean twist.
How to Serve Crockpot Lemon Chicken
- Over Grains: Serve over steamed rice, quinoa, or couscous to soak up the flavorful sauce.
- With Vegetables: Pair with roasted asparagus, sautéed spinach, or steamed broccoli.
- On Pasta: Toss with your favorite pasta for a hearty, comforting meal.
- In Wraps or Sandwiches: Shred the chicken and use it as a filling for pita wraps or sandwiches.
How to Store and Reheat
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Freeze: Freeze for up to 3 months in a freezer-safe container. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
- Reheat: Warm in the microwave or on the stovetop. Add a splash of chicken broth or water to keep the chicken moist.
Recipe FAQs
Can I Use Bone-In Chicken?
Yes! Bone-in chicken thighs or drumsticks work well but may require a slightly longer cooking time.
What if I Don’t Have a Crockpot?
You can adapt this recipe for the oven. Bake covered at 350°F (175°C) for 45–60 minutes, checking for doneness.
Can I Make It Ahead?
Absolutely! Prepare all the ingredients the night before, store them in the fridge, and start cooking in the morning.
How Do I Avoid Overcooking?
Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. The chicken is done when it reaches 165°F (74°C).
Can I Double the Recipe?
Yes, as long as your crockpot is large enough. Ensure the chicken is arranged in a single layer for even cooking.
Crockpot Lemon Chicken
Crockpot Lemon Chicken is a zesty, tender, and effortless dish that’s perfect for busy days. With juicy chicken slow-cooked in a tangy lemon sauce infused with garlic, herbs, and a hint of butter, this recipe delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort.
Ingredients
- 5 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 lemons (juiced and zested)
- 6 tbsp unsalted butter, divided
- 1 cup half-and-half
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- ½ tsp kosher salt
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- ¼ tsp coarse ground black pepper
- 1 tbsp chicken base (optional but highly recommended)
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
Instructions
- Melt 1 tbsp of butter in a cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Sear for 4–6 minutes per side.
- Transfer chicken to the slow cooker. Top with lemon juice, zest, minced garlic, and the remaining butter (cut into small pieces). Tip:
- Don't cook the lemon slices; they're just for garnish!
Set your slow cooker to low for 4 hours or high for 2 hours. - In a large measuring cup, whisk together half-and-half, cornstarch, and chicken base. Pour this mixture over the chicken.
- Cook on high for an additional hour to thicken the sauce. Serve warm with your favorite sides.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 5 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 402Total Fat: 23gSaturated Fat: 13gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 9gCholesterol: 157mgSodium: 248mgCarbohydrates: 7gFiber: 1gSugar: 3gProtein: 40g
Chickenrecipes.blog, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although allchickenrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Final Thoughts
Crockpot Lemon Chicken is a versatile and foolproof recipe that’s as delicious as it is easy to make. Whether you’re feeding a family, meal prepping for the week, or simply craving a comforting dish, this recipe has you covered.
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