Indulge in the effortless delight of this Crock Pot Lemon Garlic Chicken, a recipe featuring tender chicken breasts infused with bright lemon juice, aromatic garlic, savory Italian seasonings, and rich chicken broth. It’s a truly delicious and satisfying meal!
Elevate Your Weeknight with This Delicious Slow Cooker Chicken Recipe
In the quest for convenient yet flavorful dinner solutions, chicken often takes center stage. But how do you keep things fresh and exciting without falling into a rut of the same old preparations? That’s where the magic of slow cooking comes in, especially with this Lemon Garlic Chicken recipe. It’s an ideal choice for anyone looking to transform simple ingredients into an extraordinary meal with minimal effort.
I’m always exploring new ways to prepare chicken, and this slow cooker method consistently delivers incredible results. The combination of zesty lemon and pungent garlic creates a vibrant flavor profile that deeply penetrates the chicken, ensuring every bite is bursting with taste. If you’ve enjoyed recipes like my Perfect Roast Chicken, you’ll appreciate the similar concept here: allowing core ingredients to infuse the meat for maximum deliciousness, but with the added convenience of your crock pot.
“Delicious recipe, and no adjustments needed. We’re making it again this weekend and can’t wait!”
– Billy
Expert Tips for Crafting the Perfect Slow Cooker Lemon Garlic Chicken
Achieving a truly remarkable slow cooker chicken dish is simpler than you might think, especially with a few key insights. Here are some tips to ensure your Lemon Garlic Chicken is nothing short of perfection:
- Mastering Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: Many people seek healthier, yet still incredibly delicious, chicken preparations. Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are a popular choice, but they can sometimes be tricky to cook, often drying out if not handled correctly. The slow cooker is a game-changer for these cuts! It infuses the chicken with abundant flavor while gently cooking it to an unparalleled tenderness, ensuring a moist and juicy result every time. You can also opt for boneless, skinless chicken thighs for an even richer flavor and more forgiving texture.
- The Power of Lemon: Lemon isn’t just for zest and brightness; it’s also a fantastic natural tenderizer. In recipes like this Crock Pot Lemon Garlic Chicken, the acidity of the lemon juice works to break down the chicken fibers, resulting in exceptionally tender meat. Beyond its tenderizing properties, lemon provides a vibrant, fresh counterpoint to the savory garlic and herbs, elevating the overall taste profile.
- Carb-Conscious Adjustments: If you’re looking to reduce the carbohydrate content of this meal even further, there are easy substitutions for the flour. Almond flour or coconut flour can serve as excellent low-carb alternatives for coating the chicken. Alternatively, you can simply skip the flour altogether. Be aware that omitting the flour might result in a thinner sauce, but the flavor will remain just as robust. If you prefer a slightly thicker sauce without flour, consider adding a cornstarch or arrowroot slurry at the end of the cooking process (mix 1 tbsp starch with 2 tbsp cold water, stir into the sauce, and cook on high for 15-20 minutes until thickened).
- Browning for Depth of Flavor: While this is a slow cooker recipe, taking a few extra minutes to brown the chicken pieces in a skillet before transferring them to the crock pot makes a significant difference. This step, known as the Maillard reaction, creates a rich, caramelized crust on the chicken, adding incredible depth and complexity to the final dish. Don’t skip it if you have the time!
- Don’t Overcrowd the Slow Cooker: For best results, avoid packing too much chicken into your crock pot. Overcrowding can lower the temperature and lead to uneven cooking. If you have a large batch, consider cooking it in two shifts or using a larger slow cooker.
What Side Dishes Perfectly Complement Lemon Garlic Chicken?
One of the best aspects of this Crock Pot Lemon Garlic Chicken is its versatility when it comes to pairings. The bright, savory flavors make it an excellent partner for a wide array of side dishes. Here are some delectable options to inspire your next meal:
- Classic Carbohydrate Companions: This chicken is absolutely delicious served alongside fluffy white or brown rice, which soaks up the exquisite lemon garlic sauce beautifully. Creamy mashed potatoes, like our Ranch Roasted Potatoes, are another comforting choice, providing a perfect balance to the tender chicken. For a healthier grain option, consider quinoa or couscous.
- Vibrant Vegetable Pairings: To add freshness and a nutritional boost, pair this dish with a green vegetable. Our Brussel Sprouts with Bacon offer a smoky, savory counterpoint, while Italian Green Beans bring a simple, crisp texture. Steamed asparagus, broccoli, or a medley of roasted root vegetables would also be fantastic choices.
- Light & Refreshing Salads: For a lighter meal, consider chopping up the cooked lemon garlic chicken and serving it over a crisp, green salad. A simple vinaigrette dressing will complement the chicken’s flavors without overpowering them. Add some cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion for extra crunch and color.
- Bread for Sopping: Don’t forget a good crusty bread or garlic bread to soak up every last drop of the flavorful sauce!
No matter what you choose, this chicken is sure to be a hit. It is definitely a keeper for your rotation of favorite recipes!
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need:
Gathering your ingredients is the first step to creating this delectable meal. Here’s what you’ll need to prepare this Crock Pot Lemon Garlic Chicken. For precise measurements and the complete recipe, please refer to the detailed recipe card below.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs or chicken tenderloins for versatility)
- All-purpose flour (or a low-carb alternative like almond flour)
- Vegetable oil (or butter for a richer flavor)
- Salt & freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Good Seasons Italian dressing mix (the dry packet provides a concentrated burst of herbs and spices)
- Minced fresh garlic (fresh is always best for maximum aroma and flavor)
- Fresh-squeezed lemon juice (key for that bright, zesty tang)
- Chicken broth (to create a flavorful cooking liquid and sauce)
Simple Steps to Make Crock Pot Lemon Garlic Chicken
Creating this flavorful lemon garlic chicken in your slow cooker is incredibly straightforward. Follow these steps for a tender, juicy, and delicious meal:
- Prepare the Chicken: Begin by cutting your boneless, skinless chicken breasts into thirds. This helps them cook more evenly and absorb the flavors better. While you can certainly leave chicken breasts whole, adjusting the cooking time will be necessary (typically an additional 30-60 minutes). Lightly coat each chicken piece in all-purpose flour, shaking off any excess. This thin coating aids in browning and slightly thickens the sauce later.
- Sear for Flavor: Heat 2-3 tablespoons of vegetable oil (or butter for extra richness) in a large skillet over high heat until it’s shimmering hot. Add about half of the floured chicken pieces to the hot pan, being careful not to overcrowd. Brown the chicken for approximately 3 minutes per side, until it develops a beautiful golden crust. This crucial browning step creates a deep, complex flavor that cannot be achieved by slow cooking alone. Season the chicken lightly with salt and pepper as it sears.
- Repeat Searing (if necessary): Remove the browned chicken from the skillet and set aside. If needed, add a touch more oil to the pan before browning the remaining chicken pieces. Remember, you’re not cooking the chicken through at this stage; the goal is solely to achieve that gorgeous color and develop flavor.
- Transfer to Slow Cooker: Once all chicken pieces are beautifully browned, transfer them directly into your 4-quart (or larger) slow cooker.
- Layer the Flavors: Evenly sprinkle the dry Good Seasons Italian dressing mix over the chicken. This packet is a powerhouse of herbs and spices that will infuse the chicken with classic Italian flavor. Next, add the minced fresh garlic, distributing it around the chicken.
- Add Liquids: Finally, pour the fresh-squeezed lemon juice and chicken broth over the chicken and seasonings in the slow cooker. Ensure the liquid covers most of the chicken.
Then put browned chicken into a 4-quart crock pot. Sprinkle chicken with dry Italian dressing mix. Add in minced garlic. Then pour in lemon juice and chicken broth.
Cover with the lid and cook on the LOW setting for approximately 3 to 3½ hours. The exact cooking time may vary slightly depending on your slow cooker model and the size of your chicken pieces. The chicken is ready when it’s incredibly tender and easily pulls apart. Exercise care when removing the delicate chicken from the crock pot to prevent it from shredding if you prefer whole pieces. Before serving, spoon a generous amount of the aromatic lemon garlic sauce directly over the chicken to enhance its flavor and moisture. Garnish with fresh parsley or lemon slices for an added touch of freshness and visual appeal.
Craving More Delicious Chicken Recipes?
If you loved this Crock Pot Lemon Garlic Chicken, you’re in for a treat! We have a treasure trove of other fantastic chicken recipes, ranging from quick weeknight meals to impressive dishes perfect for entertaining. Explore some of our other favorites:
- Asian Lemon Chicken
- Lemon Garlic Chicken Bites
- Lemon Chicken Pasta
- Lemon Rosemary Chicken
- Honey Lime Chicken Skewers
- Air Fryer Chicken Crispers
- The Best Ever Chicken Marinade
- Creamy Lemon Chicken Skillet
- Crock Pot Garlic Parmesan Chicken
- Crock Pot Angel Chicken
- Crock Pot Chicken and Gravy
- Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken
- Chicken Étouffée
- Crock Pot Mississippi Chicken
- Crock Pot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
- Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken
- Stick of Butter Rice
Crock Pot Lemon Garlic Chicken
Print
Pin
Rate
25 minutes
3 hours
30 minutes
3 hours
55 minutes
4
Brandie Skibinski
Prevent your screen from going dark
Ingredients
-
3-4
boneless, skinless chicken breasts
cut into thirds (or chicken tenders) -
¼
cup
all-purpose flour
-
2-3
Tablespoons
oil
(or butter) -
salt and pepper,
to taste -
1
packet
Good Seasons Italian dressing mix -
1
teaspoon
minced garlic
-
¼
cup
lemon juice
-
½
cup
chicken broth
Instructions
- Coat chicken breast pieces lightly in flour, shaking off excess, and place on a plate.
- Heat 2 -3 tbsp. oil in a large skillet over high heat. Get the pan nice and hot!
- Add in half the chicken pieces and brown on both sides (about 3 minutes per side).
- Season chicken with a bit of salt and pepper while it’s in the pan.
- Take those pieces out, add in more oil if needed, and brown last batch of chicken.
- Put chicken into the crock pot.
- Sprinkle chicken with dry Italian dressing mix. Add in minced garlic.
- Then pour in chicken broth and lemon juice.
- Cover with lid and cook on low for about 3 to 3 1/2 hours.
Video
Notes
Main Course
American
Nutrition
Calories:
227
kcal
|
Carbohydrates:
7
g
|
Protein:
25
g
|
Fat:
10
g
|
Sodium:
343
mg
Nutritional Disclaimer
“The Country Cook” is not a dietician or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is an estimate. If calorie count and other nutritional values are important to you, we recommend running the ingredients through whichever online nutritional calculator you prefer. Calories and other nutritional values can vary quite a bit depending on which brands were used.
Did you make this recipe?
Share it on Instagram @thecountrycook and mention us #thecountrycook!
Originally published: April 2013
Updated & Republished: April 2021