SLOW COOKER LEMON GARLIC CHICKEN BEST

Imagine coming home after a long day to the bright, zesty aroma of lemon and garlic infused into tender, juicy chicken, all thanks to your trusty slow cooker. This Slow Cooker Lemon Garlic Chicken recipe is your ticket to effortless weeknight dinners that taste like a gourmet meal, and I promise you’ll be coming back to it again and again!

The Magic of Slow Cooker Lemon Garlic Chicken

Hey friend! Let’s talk about why this recipe is about to become your new best friend in the kitchen. We all crave those meals that are packed with flavor but don’t require hours of slaving away, right? That’s exactly what Slow Cooker Lemon Garlic Chicken delivers. It’s simple, it’s delicious, and it practically cooks itself. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile – serve it over rice, pasta, mashed potatoes, or even shred it for salads and sandwiches. I’m telling you, the possibilities are endless! I often get asked, “is it possible to make a complete meal in the slow cooker at once?”. Absolutely! This recipe can be adapted to include vegetables like broccoli or carrots. You just have to adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Why Choose Slow Cooker Cooking?

Let’s be honest, life gets busy. That’s why slow cookers are a lifesaver. They allow you to prep a meal in the morning, set it, and forget it until dinnertime. This Slow Cooker Lemon Garlic Chicken is no exception. The low and slow cooking process infuses the chicken with incredible flavor and makes it unbelievably tender. Plus, it’s a great way to cook chicken without drying it out, which can sometimes happen when baking or pan-frying. If you love the idea of effortless cooking, you might also enjoy my Teriyaki Chicken recipe, another slow cooker favorite.

Key to the Best Lemon Garlic Flavor

The secret to truly amazing Lemon Garlic Chicken lies in a few key factors. First, don’t skimp on the garlic! It’s the star of the show, so use fresh garlic for the best flavor. Second, the lemon juice not only adds brightness and acidity but also helps to tenderize the chicken. Finally, a little bit of butter or olive oil adds richness and helps to create a delicious sauce. And here’s a pro tip: adding lemon zest along with the juice will really amplify that lemon flavor. Trust me, it makes all the difference.

Ingredients

Chicken

• 2-3 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs

Lemon Garlic Sauce

• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1/4 cup lemon juice, fresh is best
• 4-6 cloves garlic, minced (yes, really!)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter
• 1 tablespoon dried Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening the sauce)
• 1 tablespoon cold water (optional, for thickening the sauce)
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest (optional, for extra lemon flavor)

Garnish (optional)

• Fresh parsley, chopped
• Lemon slices

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prep the Chicken

1. Trim any excess fat from the chicken breasts or thighs. If using chicken breasts, you can slice them in half horizontally to help them cook more evenly.

Make the Lemon Garlic Sauce

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, lemon juice, minced garlic, olive oil or melted butter, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and lemon zest (if using).

Combine and Cook

1. Place the chicken in the slow cooker. Pour the lemon garlic sauce over the chicken, ensuring that it’s evenly coated.
2. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and easily shreds with a fork.

Thicken the Sauce (Optional)

1. If you want a thicker sauce, remove the chicken from the slow cooker and set it aside.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and cold water until smooth.
3. Pour the cornstarch slurry into the slow cooker and whisk it into the sauce.
4. Cover the slow cooker and cook on high for 15-20 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency.

Shred and Serve

1. Shred the chicken with two forks and return it to the slow cooker to coat it with the sauce.
2. Garnish with fresh parsley and lemon slices, if desired.
3. Serve hot over rice, pasta, mashed potatoes, or your favorite side dish.

Tips for the BEST Slow Cooker Lemon Garlic Chicken

Okay, let’s talk about some insider tips to take your Slow Cooker Lemon Garlic Chicken to the next level:

• Don’t Overcook: Overcooked chicken can become dry and tough, even in a slow cooker. Keep an eye on it and check for doneness using a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
• Adjust the Lemon: If you prefer a milder lemon flavor, start with less lemon juice and add more to taste.
• Add Veggies: Toss in some chopped vegetables like broccoli, carrots, or bell peppers during the last hour of cooking for a complete meal.
• Use a Slow Cooker Liner: For easy cleanup, use a slow cooker liner. It’s a game-changer!
• Brown the Chicken First (Optional): For extra flavor and texture, you can brown the chicken in a skillet before adding it to the slow cooker. This step is optional but can enhance the overall result.

Serving Suggestions for Slow Cooker Lemon Garlic Chicken

This recipe is so versatile, you can serve it in countless ways! Here are a few of my favorite ideas:

• Over Rice or Quinoa: A classic pairing that’s always a crowd-pleaser.
• With Pasta: Toss the shredded chicken with your favorite pasta and a drizzle of olive oil.
• In a Salad: Top a bed of greens with shredded chicken, veggies, and a light vinaigrette.
• In Sandwiches or Wraps: Use the shredded chicken as a filling for sandwiches or wraps, adding your favorite toppings. For a similar recipe, try my Garlic Chicken Wraps.
• With Mashed Potatoes or Cauliflower Mash: A comforting and satisfying meal.
• As a Topping for Pizza: Get creative and use the chicken as a topping for homemade or store-bought pizza.

Variations on Slow Cooker Lemon Garlic Chicken

Want to mix things up a bit? Here are a few variations to try:

• Honey Lemon Garlic Chicken: Add 2-3 tablespoons of honey to the sauce for a touch of sweetness. You may also like my Honey Garlic Chicken recipe.
• Lemon Herb Chicken: Add fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, or oregano to the sauce for a more complex flavor profile. Check out my Lemon Herb Chicken recipe for inspiration.
• Creamy Lemon Garlic Chicken: Stir in 1/2 cup of heavy cream or cream cheese during the last 30 minutes of cooking for a richer, creamier sauce. You might also love my Creamy Garlic Chicken.
• Spicy Lemon Garlic Chicken: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce for a little kick.
• Garlic Parmesan Chicken: Sprinkle some parmesan cheese to the sauce for a flavorful twist. Also, if you’re a Parmesan lover, check out my Garlic Parmesan Chicken recipe.

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply microwave until heated through, or heat in a skillet over medium heat. You can also freeze leftovers for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Final Thoughts on Slow Cooker Lemon Garlic Chicken

So there you have it – a foolproof recipe for Slow Cooker Lemon Garlic Chicken that’s sure to become a family favorite. It’s easy, it’s delicious, and it’s incredibly versatile. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting out, I know you can make this recipe with confidence. Enjoy the process, and savor every bite!

Slow Cooker Lemon Garlic Chicken

This Slow Cooker Lemon Garlic Chicken recipe is an effortless way to enjoy a gourmet-tasting meal any night of the week. The chicken becomes incredibly tender and flavorful as it slowly cooks in a bright and zesty lemon garlic sauce. Serve it over rice, pasta, or your favorite side for a complete and satisfying meal.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 6 hours hrs

Total Time 6 hours hrs 15 minutes mins

Servings: 6

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Calories: 350

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 2-3 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1/4 cup lemon juice, fresh
• 4-6 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter
• 1 tablespoon dried Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch optional
• 1 tablespoon cold water optional
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest optional
• Fresh parsley, chopped optional
• Lemon slices optional

Equipment

• Slow cooker
• Medium bowl
• Whisk
• Small Bowl (optional)
• Fork
• Knife
• Cutting board
• Measuring cups
• Measuring spoons

Method

 

1. Trim any excess fat from the chicken breasts or thighs. If using chicken breasts, you can slice them in half horizontally to help them cook more evenly.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, lemon juice, minced garlic, olive oil or melted butter, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and lemon zest (if using).
3. Place the chicken in the slow cooker.
4. Pour the lemon garlic sauce over the chicken, ensuring that it’s evenly coated.
5. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and easily shreds with a fork.
6. If you want a thicker sauce, remove the chicken from the slow cooker and set it aside.
7. In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and cold water until smooth.
8. Pour the cornstarch slurry into the slow cooker and whisk it into the sauce.
9. Cover the slow cooker and cook on high for 15-20 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency.
10. Shred the chicken with two forks and return it to the slow cooker to coat it with the sauce.
11. Garnish with fresh parsley and lemon slices, if desired.
12. Serve hot over rice, pasta, mashed potatoes, or your favorite side dish.

Notes

Don’t overcook the chicken, use a meat thermometer to check for doneness (165°F). Adjust the lemon juice to your preference. Add vegetables like broccoli or carrots during the last hour of cooking. For easy cleanup, use a slow cooker liner. Browning the chicken before slow cooking is optional but enhances flavor. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days or frozen for up to 2-3 months. Variations include: Honey Lemon Garlic Chicken (add 2-3 tablespoons of honey), Lemon Herb Chicken (add fresh herbs), Creamy Lemon Garlic Chicken (stir in 1/2 cup of heavy cream or cream cheese during the last 30 minutes), Spicy Lemon Garlic Chicken (add a pinch of red pepper flakes), and Garlic Parmesan Chicken (sprinkle with parmesan cheese).