Slow Cooker Lemon Garlic Chicken: A Bright & Easy Weeknight Dinner
There’s something magical about coming home to a meal that’s been simmering away all day, filling the house with irresistible aromas. This Slow Cooker Lemon Garlic Chicken is one of those dishes—simple, flavorful, and practically hands-off. Whether you’re juggling work, kids, or just life’s endless to-do list, this recipe is your ticket to a stress-free dinner that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen (when really, you just tossed everything in the crockpot and walked away).
Lemon and garlic are a match made in culinary heaven, and when paired with tender chicken thighs or breasts, they create a dish that’s bright, savory, and deeply satisfying. The slow cooker does all the heavy lifting, infusing the chicken with tangy citrus and aromatic garlic while keeping it juicy. Serve it over fluffy rice, buttered noodles, or a crisp salad—it’s versatile enough to please everyone at the table. Plus, leftovers (if you’re lucky enough to have any) taste even better the next day!
Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Lemon Garlic Chicken
If you’re on the fence about trying this recipe, here are a few reasons it’s about to become a regular in your rotation:
- Effortless Prep: Just 10 minutes of prep, and the slow cooker handles the rest.
- Bold, Fresh Flavors: Zesty lemon and punchy garlic elevate simple chicken into something special.
- Meal Prep Friendly: Cook once and enjoy leftovers for lunches or quick dinners.
- Crowd-Pleasing: Even picky eaters can’t resist this cozy, flavorful dish.
How to Make Slow Cooker Lemon Garlic Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lemon, thinly sliced (plus extra for garnish)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Season the Chicken: Pat the chicken dry and season generously with salt, pepper, and oregano.
- Sear (Optional but Recommended): Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken for 2–3 minutes per side for extra flavor.
- Layer in the Slow Cooker: Place chicken in the crockpot, scatter garlic over the top, and arrange lemon slices on top. Pour in chicken broth.
- Cook: Cover and cook on LOW for 4–5 hours or HIGH for 2–3 hours, until chicken is tender.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley and extra lemon slices. Spoon the cooking juices over the chicken for extra flavor.
Tips for the Best Lemon Garlic Chicken
Here are a few tricks I’ve learned after making this dish countless times:
- Don’t Skip the Sear: A quick sear adds depth of flavor, but if you’re truly pressed for time, you can skip it.
- Adjust the Zest: Love lemon? Add a teaspoon of lemon zest for an extra punch.
- Thicken the Sauce: If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix 1 tbsp cornstarch with 2 tbsp cold water and stir it into the cooking juices after removing the chicken. Simmer for 5 minutes.
What to Serve With Lemon Garlic Chicken
This dish pairs beautifully with so many sides! Try it with:
- Fluffy white rice or quinoa to soak up the juices
- Roasted asparagus or green beans for a crisp contrast
- Crusty bread to mop up every last bit of sauce
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen chicken? Yes, but thaw it first for even cooking. Frozen chicken may release excess liquid and dilute flavors.
How long can I store leftovers? Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently to avoid drying out the chicken.
Can I make this with bone-in chicken? Absolutely! Just increase the cooking time by 1–2 hours on LOW.
Is this recipe gluten-free? Yes, as long as you use gluten-free chicken broth (check labels).
Can I add vegetables? Definitely! Toss in baby potatoes, carrots, or bell peppers for a one-pot meal.
What’s the best lemon substitute? Try lime for a different twist, or a splash of white wine vinegar for acidity.
There you have it—a fuss-free, flavor-packed dinner that’s as easy as it is delicious. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or just craving a cozy, citrusy dish, this Slow Cooker Lemon Garlic Chicken delivers every time. For more easy slow cooker recipes, check out my favorite weeknight wins. Now, go set that crockpot and let dinner practically make itself!
PrintSlow Cooker Lemon Garlic Chicken
Description
Tender, juicy chicken infused with bright lemon and aromatic garlic, cooked effortlessly in a slow cooker for maximum flavor. Perfect for busy weeknights!
Ingredients
For the Crust:
- For the chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- For the sauce:
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 lemons (juiced and zested)
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- For garnish:
- Fresh parsley (chopped)
- Lemon slices
Instructions
1. Prepare the Crust:
- 1. Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and oregano. Place in slow cooker.
- 2. In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, chicken broth, garlic, lemon juice, zest, honey, and red pepper flakes (if using).
- 3. Pour sauce over chicken, ensuring it’s evenly coated.
- 4. Cover and cook on LOW for 4-5 hours or HIGH for 2-3 hours until chicken reaches 165°F internally.
- 5. Remove chicken and shred or slice. Return to slow cooker and mix with juices.
- 6. Garnish with parsley and lemon slices before serving.
Notes
For crispier texture, broil cooked chicken for 2-3 minutes before serving. Adjust red pepper flakes for desired spice level.
