Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken

Why Make This Recipe

Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken is a fantastic dish for busy days. It’s simple to prepare and packs a punch of flavor with lemon and herbs. The slow cooker does all the work for you, making the chicken juicy and tender. This recipe is perfect for family dinners or meal prepping for the week. You can enjoy it served over rice, making it a complete and satisfying meal.

How to Make Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken

Ingredients

  • 4 chicken breasts
  • 2 lemons (juiced and zested)
  • 3 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 2 cups rice (for serving)
  • Fresh herbs (for garnish, optional)

Directions

  1. In a bowl, mix together lemon juice, lemon zest, garlic, olive oil, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper.
  2. Place the chicken breasts in a slow cooker and pour the lemon herb mixture over the top.
  3. Add chicken broth to the slow cooker.
  4. Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
  5. Cook rice according to package instructions.
  6. Serve the lemon herb chicken over fluffy rice and garnish with fresh herbs if desired.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken

Serve the chicken hot over a bed of delicious, fluffy rice. This dish pairs well with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad. If you like, add some fresh herbs on top for extra flavor and color.

How to Store Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken

To store leftover lemon herb chicken, let it cool completely. Place it in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze it for longer storage. Just make sure to use a freezer-safe container or bag. It should keep well for up to 3 months in the freezer.

Tips to Make Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken

  • For extra lemon flavor, add more lemon zest or slices to the slow cooker.
  • You can swap the chicken breasts for thighs if you prefer dark meat.
  • Feel free to experiment with different herbs, like rosemary or parsley, to suit your taste.

Variation

Try adding vegetables like carrots, potatoes, or green beans to the slow cooker. They will cook alongside the chicken and absorb the delicious flavors of the lemon herb mixture.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts. Just increase the cooking time by an hour or so.

Can I cook this on the stovetop instead?
Yes, you can make it on the stovetop. Sauté the chicken and garlic, then add the other ingredients and simmer until cooked through.

What should I serve with Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken?
This chicken is great with rice, but you can also serve it with quinoa, pasta, or a fresh salad for a balanced meal.

Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken

A flavorful and easy slow cooker meal featuring juicy chicken breasts coated in lemon and herbs, served over rice.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 6 hours 30 minutes
Total Time 6 hours 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 4 pieces chicken breasts Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts for best results.
  • 2 pieces lemons (juiced and zested) Fresh lemons are best for flavor.
  • 3 cloves garlic (minced) Adjust garlic to taste.
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 cups chicken broth Low-sodium chicken broth is a healthier option.
  • 2 cups rice (for serving) Cooked according to package instructions.
  • Fresh herbs (for garnish, optional) Parsley or thyme works great.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. In a bowl, mix together lemon juice, lemon zest, garlic, olive oil, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper.
  2. Place the chicken breasts in a slow cooker and pour the lemon herb mixture over the top.
  3. Add chicken broth to the slow cooker.
Cooking
  1. Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
  2. Cook rice according to package instructions.
Serving
  1. Serve the lemon herb chicken over fluffy rice and garnish with fresh herbs if desired.

Notes

For extra lemon flavor, add more lemon zest or slices to the slow cooker. You can swap the chicken breasts for thighs if you prefer dark meat. Feel free to experiment with different herbs, like rosemary or parsley, to suit your taste. To store leftovers, let it cool completely and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.