Crockpot Lemon Chicken – This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you want a hearty meal with minimal effort. With tender, juicy chicken infused with the bright, tangy flavors of lemon, garlic, and herbs, this dish is a crowd-pleaser.
What Is Crockpot Lemon Chicken?
Crockpot Lemon Chicken is a slow-cooked dish featuring chicken (usually thighs or breasts) seasoned with lemon juice, zest, garlic, and herbs like rosemary, thyme, or parsley. The slow cooking process allows the chicken to become tender and flavorful, soaking up the citrusy, savory broth created during cooking.
The beauty of this recipe is its versatility—it pairs wonderfully with rice, pasta, or veggies, making it an all-in-one solution for a healthy, satisfying meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy Prep: Just a few minutes of prep and your Crockpot does the rest.
- Healthy & Nutritious: Packed with protein and light, fresh flavors.
- Customizable: Works with different cuts of chicken and variations.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: Stores and reheats beautifully.
Tips and Tricks for Making the Best Crockpot Lemon Chicken
- Choose the Right Chicken Cuts: Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs add extra flavor and moisture, but boneless, skinless chicken breasts work for a leaner option.
- Sear the Chicken First: Browning the chicken in a skillet before adding it to the Crockpot enhances the flavor and gives the meat a better texture.
- Layer Flavors: Use fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, and aromatic herbs like thyme or rosemary for a more complex citrusy aroma.
- Avoid Overcooking: Chicken breasts can become dry if cooked too long. Check for doneness around 3–4 hours on low or 2 hours on high.
- Thicken the Sauce: For a creamier finish, stir in a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water) in the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Variations of Crockpot Lemon Chicken
- Creamy Lemon Chicken: Add a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of cream cheese during the last 30 minutes of cooking for a richer sauce.
- Garlic Butter Lemon Chicken: Use melted butter instead of olive oil for a buttery twist, and add extra garlic for a punchy flavor.
- Mediterranean Style: Toss in kalamata olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and artichoke hearts for a Mediterranean flair.
- Spicy Lemon Chicken: Add red pepper flakes or sliced chili peppers to give the dish a spicy kick.
- Herb-Infused Lemon Chicken: Experiment with fresh herbs like dill, parsley, or oregano for unique flavor profiles.
How to Serve Crockpot Lemon Chicken
This dish is incredibly versatile and pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Here are some serving suggestions:
- Over Rice or Quinoa: The lemony sauce acts as a flavorful “gravy” for grains.
- With Pasta: Toss the chicken and sauce with cooked pasta for an easy one-dish meal.
- With Vegetables: Pair with roasted asparagus, steamed broccoli, or a crisp salad for a low-carb option.
- In Wraps or Sandwiches: Shred the chicken and serve it in wraps or on a crusty roll for a hearty sandwich.
How to Store and Reheat Crockpot Lemon Chicken
Storage:
- Let the chicken cool to room temperature before storing.
- Transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3–4 days.
- For longer storage, freeze in individual portions with sauce for up to 3 months.
Reheating:
- Reheat in a saucepan over medium heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water to maintain moisture.
- Microwave individual portions on medium power for 2–3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
Recipe FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken in this recipe?
Yes, you can, but it’s best to thaw the chicken first for even cooking. If using frozen chicken, make sure it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F to ensure it’s safe to eat.
What’s the best type of Crockpot to use?
Any slow cooker will work, but for even cooking, a 6-quart Crockpot is ideal for this recipe. Look for models with a “keep warm” setting for convenience.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! This dish is perfect for meal prep. Cook it a day ahead and store it in the fridge for easy reheating.
How can I thicken the sauce without cornstarch?
You can use arrowroot powder or a few mashed potatoes to achieve a similar thickening effect.
Can I add vegetables to the Crockpot?
Yes, vegetables like carrots, potatoes, or green beans can be added during cooking. Place them at the bottom of the Crockpot for even cooking.
Crockpot Lemon Chicken
Crockpot Lemon Chicken - This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you want a hearty meal with minimal effort. With tender, juicy chicken infused with the bright, tangy flavors of lemon, garlic, and herbs, this dish is a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
- 5 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup half-and-half
- 1/4 tsp coarse ground black pepper
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 6 tbsp unsalted butter, divided
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt
- 2 lemons, juiced and zested
- 1 tbsp chicken base (optional)
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
Instructions
- Season chicken breasts with kosher salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- In a cast-iron skillet, melt 1 tbsp butter over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken for 4-6 minutes per side until golden.
- Place the seared chicken in the slow cooker. Top with lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, and the remaining butter in small pieces (note: don’t cook the lemon halves).
- Cover and cook on low for 4 hours or high for 2 hours.
- In a measuring cup, whisk together the half-and-half, cornstarch, and chicken base. Pour the mixture over the chicken and stir.
- Cook on high for an additional hour until the sauce thickens and coats the chicken.
Nutrition Information
Yield
5Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 402Total Fat 23gSaturated Fat 13gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 9gCholesterol 157mgSodium 248mgCarbohydrates 7gFiber 1gSugar 3gProtein 40g
All Chicken Recipes.com, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although allchickenrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Final Thoughts: Why Crockpot Lemon Chicken Deserves a Spot on Your Menu
Crockpot Lemon Chicken is a perfect blend of simplicity, flavor, and versatility. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight family dinner or prepping meals for the week, this dish fits the bill. The vibrant lemony sauce combined with tender, slow-cooked chicken ensures every bite is flavorful and satisfying.
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