Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken is a dish that brings bright flavors and tender meat to your dinner table. It is simple to make and requires very little time and effort. The tangy lemon and fragrant herbs create a delicious sauce that makes the chicken moist and flavorful. This dish is perfect for busy days when you want a hearty meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
WHY YOU WILL LOVE THIS RECIPE
There are many reasons to love Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken. First, it is incredibly easy to prepare. You can simply toss all the ingredients into the slow cooker and let it do the work for you. It is a great meal for families, as it is packed with protein and can be served over rice or with a side of vegetables. The bright flavors make it a refreshing choice, and the cooking process ensures the chicken remains juicy and tender. Plus, the leftovers make for excellent meals the next day!
HOW TO MAKE Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken
Making Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken is a breeze. With just a few simple steps, you will have a tasty meal ready for your family or friends. The slow cooker allows the flavors to meld together, creating a savory sauce that enhances the natural taste of the chicken.
EQUIPMENT NEEDED
To prepare Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken, you will need the following items:
- Slow cooker
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Knife and cutting board
- Mixing bowl
- Serving dish or platter
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 lemons (juiced and zested)
- 1 tablespoon dried Italian herbs
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups cooked fluffy rice (for serving)
STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS
- In a slow cooker, combine the lemon juice, lemon zest, Italian herbs, minced garlic, chicken broth, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Add the chicken breasts to the slow cooker, ensuring they are coated with the sauce.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
- Serve the chicken over fluffy rice, drizzled with the cooking liquid.
HOW TO SERVE Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken
Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken is best served over a bed of fluffy rice. The rice soaks up the delicious sauce from the chicken, making every bite flavorful. You could also serve it with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh green salad to balance the meal. Garnish each plate with a slice of lemon or a sprinkle of fresh herbs for added color and freshness.
STORAGE & FREEZING: Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken
If you have any leftovers, they can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The chicken will keep well for 3-4 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the microwave or on the stove until heated throughout. If you wish to freeze the chicken, place it in a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and reheat as needed.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS
There are several tasty ways to enjoy Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken. Some delicious serving suggestions include:
- Pairing it with garlic bread for a hearty meal.
- Adding a side of roasted vegetables for extra nutrition.
- Serving it in a tortilla with salsa for a chicken wrap.
- Combining with pasta and a sprinkle of parmesan cheese for a different twist.
VARIATIONS
You can easily adapt this recipe to suit your preferences. Here are a few variations to consider:
- Herb Change: Substitute the dried Italian herbs with fresh thyme or rosemary for a different flavor.
- Add Vegetables: Toss in chopped vegetables like carrots, bell peppers, or green beans to cook with the chicken.
- Spicy Kick: Add chili flakes or diced jalapeños if you like a bit of heat.
- Crockpot with Corn: Try adding corn for a touch of sweetness and added texture.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken. Just ensure it is cooked for a longer duration as it may take additional time to reach the proper temperature.
2. Can I cook this on the stove instead?
Yes, you can make this recipe on the stovetop in a heavy pot. Cook on low heat for about 1.5-2 hours.
3. What sides go well with Lemon Herb Chicken?
Rice, quinoa, steamed vegetables, or a green salad are great options to serve with this dish.
4. Can I prepare this dish in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare all the ingredients ahead of time and store them in the fridge. Just add them to the slow cooker in the morning, and you’ll have a delicious meal ready by dinner time.
MAKE-AHEAD TIPS FOR Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken
If you want to make things even easier, you can prepare the chicken and sauce the night before. Mix all the ingredients in the slow cooker insert and store it in the fridge. In the morning, just place the insert in the slow cooker and set it to cook. This will save you time and helps you enjoy a hearty meal after a busy day!
PrintSlow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken
A simple, flavorful dish that combines tender chicken with tangy lemon and fragrant herbs, perfect for busy days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 240 minutes
- Total Time: 255 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten-Free
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 lemons (juiced and zested)
- 1 tablespoon dried Italian herbs
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups cooked fluffy rice (for serving)
Instructions
- In a slow cooker, combine the lemon juice, lemon zest, Italian herbs, minced garlic, chicken broth, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Add the chicken breasts to the slow cooker, ensuring they are coated with the sauce.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
- Serve the chicken over fluffy rice, drizzled with the cooking liquid.
Notes
This dish can be served with steamed vegetables or a fresh green salad. Leftovers are great for meals the next day.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
Keywords: slow cooker, chicken, lemon herb, easy dinner, healthy meal
