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Slow Cooker Lemon Garlic Chicken, a flavorful and easy dinner, is showcased as the featured image.

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.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 6 hours
Total Time 6 hours 15 minutes
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).