Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This dish is a wonderful combination of simplicity and sophistication. The lemon-garlic sauce adds a burst of freshness to the chicken, making it juicy and full of flavor. The slow cooker ensures the chicken remains tender, and the minimal prep time allows you to focus on other aspects of your meal or enjoy a leisurely evening. It’s an ideal choice for dinner parties, family meals, or when you want to treat yourself to something delicious without a lot of effort.
Ingredients
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4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
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1/4 cup olive oil
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4 cloves garlic, minced
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Juice and zest of 2 lemons
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1 tsp dried oregano
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1 tsp dried thyme
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Salt and pepper, to taste
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Fresh parsley, for garnish
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Optional: Lemon slices for serving
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
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Prepare the lemon-garlic mixture: In a bowl, whisk together the olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper.
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Prepare the chicken: Place the chicken breasts in the slow cooker and pour the lemon-garlic mixture over the top, ensuring the chicken is well-coated.
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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 cooked through and tender.
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Garnish and serve: Once the chicken is done, serve it garnished with fresh parsley and lemon slices for an extra burst of flavor. Pair it with rice, a light salad, or your favorite side dish.
Servings and Timing
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Servings: 4
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Prep Time: 10 minutes
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Cook Time: 6-7 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high
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Total Time: 6-7 hours (slow cooker time)
Variations
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Add Veggies: Toss in some vegetables like carrots, potatoes, or bell peppers in the slow cooker for a complete one-pot meal.
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Use Chicken Thighs: For a juicier result, try using chicken thighs instead of breasts.
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Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a sliced jalapeño to the mixture for some heat.
Storage/Reheating
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Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
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Reheating: Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a little water or broth to keep the chicken moist.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken breasts?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts, but you may need to add an extra hour or so of cooking time.
Can I make this recipe in the oven?
Yes, you can bake the chicken at 375°F for 25-30 minutes, basting occasionally with the lemon-garlic sauce.
How do I know when the chicken is done?
The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and is tender enough to shred easily.
Can I use a different herb?
Yes! You can substitute oregano and thyme with other herbs like rosemary or basil for a different flavor.
Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely! Just be sure to adjust the cooking time if necessary and make sure the chicken is cooked through.
Conclusion
This Slow Cooker Lemon Garlic Chicken is the perfect mix of bright flavors and effortless preparation. The lemon and garlic marinade infuse the chicken with mouthwatering taste, and the slow cooker makes it easy to prepare. Whether you’re serving it for a special dinner or a casual meal, it’s guaranteed to impress.
Print
Slow Cooker Lemon Garlic Chicken
- Total Time: 6-7 hours (slow cooker time)
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Slow Cooker Lemon Garlic Chicken is an easy, flavorful dish that combines the brightness of lemon with the savory aroma of garlic. With minimal prep and the convenience of the slow cooker, this recipe makes tender, juicy chicken that’s bursting with fresh, zesty flavor. Perfect for a weeknight meal, family dinners, or a dinner party, this dish is simple to prepare and sure to impress your guests.
Ingredients
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
¼ cup olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
Juice and zest of 2 lemons
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp dried thyme
Salt and pepper, to taste
Fresh parsley, for garnish
Optional: Lemon slices for serving
Instructions
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Prepare the lemon-garlic mixture: In a bowl, whisk together the olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper.
-
Prepare the chicken: Place the chicken breasts in the slow cooker and pour the lemon-garlic mixture over the top, ensuring the chicken is well-coated.
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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 cooked through and tender.
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Garnish and serve: Once the chicken is done, serve it garnished with fresh parsley and lemon slices for an extra burst of flavor. Pair it with rice, a light salad, or your favorite side dish.
Notes
Add Veggies: Toss in some vegetables like carrots, potatoes, or bell peppers for a complete one-pot meal.
Use Chicken Thighs: For a juicier result, try using chicken thighs instead of breasts.
Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a sliced jalapeño to the mixture for some heat.
Storage/Reheating: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a little water or broth to keep the chicken moist.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-7 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high
- Category: Chicken, Slow Cooker, Comfort Food
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American