EASY SLOW-COOKER LEMON CHICKEN: A Flavorful & Fuss-Free Dinner

Table of Contents: Easy Slow-Cooker Lemon Chicken

Easy Slow-Cooker Lemon Chicken

Remember when family dinners felt…doable? When a delicious, home-cooked meal didn’t require hours in the kitchen? This Easy Slow-Cooker Lemon Chicken recipe brings back that feeling.

It’s a classic comfort food, simplified for today’s busy lives, and guaranteed to become a new favorite. If you’re looking for a quick chicken dinner that doesn’t compromise on taste, look no further!

This isn’t just another chicken recipe; it’s a little bit of sunshine in a bowl. The bright, zesty lemon sauce perfectly complements tender, fall-off-the-bone chicken. It’s a dish that appeals to all ages, and it’s surprisingly healthy slow cooker option, especially when paired with a side of rice and some steamed vegetables.

Forget slaving over a hot stove – let your slow cooker do the work while you relax and enjoy your evening. This recipe is perfect for holidays when you need to free up oven space, for those cozy family dinners, or simply for a stress-free weeknight meal.

We all deserve a break sometimes, and this recipe delivers. It’s incredibly simple to prepare, requiring minimal hands-on time. The result? A restaurant-quality meal that tastes like you spent all day making it, but in reality, it was a breeze.

This lemon chicken crockpot recipe is a lifesaver for busy schedules and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Alternate Names & Variations

This recipe goes by many names! You might also find it referred to as:

* Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken
* Crockpot Lemon Chicken and Rice (when served together)
* Slow-Cooked Lemon Chicken Breast
* Easy Lemon Chicken
* Lemon Garlic Chicken (if you increase the garlic!)

For a slightly different flavor profile, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat. You can also explore other herbs like thyme or rosemary alongside the oregano for a more complex taste. This is a very adaptable quick chicken dinner!

Ingredients: Easy Slow-Cooker Lemon Chicken

Here’s what you’ll need to create this delicious Easy Slow-Cooker Lemon Chicken:

• * 6 bone-in chicken breast halves (approximately 12 ounces each), skin removed
• * 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• * 1/2 teaspoon seasoned salt
• * 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• * 2 tablespoons butter
• * 1/4 cup water
• * 3 tablespoons lemon juice (freshly squeezed is best!)
• * 2 garlic cloves, minced
• * 1 teaspoon chicken bouillon granules
• * 2 teaspoons minced fresh parsley
• * Hot cooked rice, for serving

Step-by-Step Instructions

Let’s get cooking! Here’s how to make this incredibly Easy Slow-Cooker Lemon Chicken:

1. Season the Chicken: In a bowl, combine the dried oregano, seasoned salt, and pepper. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over both sides of the chicken breast halves, ensuring they are well coated.
Chef Tip: Don’t be afraid to be generous with the seasoning! It’s what gives the chicken its flavor.

2. Layer in the Slow Cooker: Place the seasoned chicken breasts in the bottom of your slow cooker.

3. Add Flavor Boosters: Dot the chicken with the butter. This adds richness and helps keep the chicken moist during the slow cooking process.

4. Create the Lemon Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the water, lemon juice, minced garlic, and chicken bouillon granules. Pour this mixture evenly over the chicken.
Shortcut: If you’re short on time, you can use pre-minced garlic.

5. Slow Cook to Perfection: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. The chicken is done when it’s easily shredded with a fork. How long does chicken take in a slow cooker? It depends on the setting, but this recipe provides a good guideline.

6. Shred and Serve: Once the chicken is cooked through, carefully remove it from the slow cooker and shred it with two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir to coat it in the flavorful lemon sauce.

7. Garnish and Enjoy: Sprinkle with the minced fresh parsley before serving. Serve hot over a bed of fluffy rice.

Recipe Card Block (Quick Reference)

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time (Low): 6-8 hours
Cook Time (High): 3-4 hours
Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes – 8 hours 10 minutes
Servings: 4
Approximate Calories: 350 per serving (without rice)

Why This Recipe Works & Expert Tips

This Easy Slow-Cooker Lemon Chicken works so well because the slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld together beautifully. The lemon juice tenderizes the chicken, while the oregano, garlic, and chicken bouillon create a savory and aromatic sauce.

It’s truly easy comfort food for family dinners that everyone will love.

The key to a flavorful result is using good quality ingredients. Fresh lemon juice makes a noticeable difference, and don’t skimp on the garlic! Also, remember that slow cookers can vary in temperature, so it’s always best to check the chicken for doneness using a fork. If it’s not shredding easily, continue cooking for another 30-60 minutes.

Storage, Freezing, and Reheating Tips

Leftover lemon chicken crockpot goodness can be enjoyed for days!

* Storage: Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
* Freezing: This recipe freezes beautifully! Allow the chicken to cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe bag or container. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.
* Reheating: Reheat the chicken in the microwave, on the stovetop, or in the oven. If reheating on the stovetop or in the oven, add a splash of water or chicken broth to prevent it from drying out. This is a great way to enjoy a healthy slow cooker meal even when you’re short on time.

People Also Ask: Easy Slow-Cooker Lemon Chicken

Here are some frequently asked questions about this Easy Slow-Cooker Lemon Chicken recipe:

How do you make easy slow-cooker lemon chicken?

This recipe is incredibly simple! You start by seasoning bone-in chicken breasts with oregano, seasoned salt, and pepper. Then, you place them in the slow cooker with butter, and a sauce made from water, lemon juice, minced garlic, and chicken bouillon. Finally, you cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours, shred the chicken, and serve. It’s a fantastic quick chicken dinner option for busy weeknights.

What ingredients are needed for lemon chicken?

You’ll need 6 bone-in chicken breast halves, 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, 1/2 teaspoon of seasoned salt, 1/4 teaspoon of pepper, 2 tablespoons of butter, 1/4 cup of water, 3 tablespoons of lemon juice, 2 cloves of garlic, 1 teaspoon of chicken bouillon granules, and 2 teaspoons of minced fresh parsley. These simple ingredients come together to create a flavorful and satisfying meal.

How long does chicken take in a slow cooker?

Generally, chicken takes 6-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high in a slow cooker. However, cooking time can vary depending on your slow cooker and the thickness of the chicken breasts. Always ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safety. This Easy Slow-Cooker Lemon Chicken recipe provides a good estimate, but checking for doneness is crucial.

Can I add vegetables to this recipe?

Absolutely! This recipe is a great base for adding vegetables. You can add chopped carrots, potatoes, or celery to the slow cooker along with the chicken. Broccoli florets or green beans can be added during the last hour of cooking to prevent them from becoming mushy. Adding vegetables makes this an even more complete and healthy slow cooker meal.

Conclusion: Easy Slow-Cooker Lemon Chicken

So there you have it – a truly Easy Slow-Cooker Lemon Chicken recipe that will become a staple in your kitchen. It’s a delicious, healthy, and incredibly convenient way to get a home-cooked meal on the table. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different herbs and spices to make it your own!

I hope you give this recipe a try. I’d love to hear how it turns out for you! Please leave a comment below and let me know your thoughts. And don’t forget to share this recipe with your friends and family – everyone deserves a little bit of easy deliciousness in their lives.

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