The Best Slow Cooker Lemon Chicken for Busy Weeknights

Tender, juicy, and infused with bright citrus flavors, this slow cooker lemon chicken is a simple yet elegant dish perfect for any day of the week. The slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld beautifully, creating a dish that is both light and satisfying. With minimal prep and a handful of wholesome ingredients, this recipe is an effortless way to enjoy a healthy, flavorful meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy & Hands-Off: Just set it in the slow cooker and let it do the work.
Bright & Refreshing: The fresh lemon juice and zest add a tangy, aromatic touch.
Tender & Juicy: Slow cooking ensures perfectly moist chicken.
Great for Meal Prep: Stores well and can be used in various dishes throughout the week.

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
• 2 lemons (zest and juice)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• ½ tsp paprika
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp butter (optional, for extra richness)
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

Prep the Ingredients

1. Zest and juice both lemons. Set aside.
2. Mince the garlic and chop the parsley.

Arrange in the Slow Cooker

1. Place chicken breasts in the slow cooker.
2. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt, black pepper, oregano, and paprika.
3. Add the garlic, lemon zest, and lemon juice on top.
4. Pour in the chicken broth around the chicken.

Cook Low & Slow

1. Cover and cook on LOW for 4-6 hours or HIGH for 2-3 hours, until the chicken is tender and fully cooked.
2. If desired, stir in butter during the last 15 minutes for a richer flavor.

Serve & Enjoy

1. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
2. Serve with steamed vegetables, rice, or a fresh salad.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Approximate)

Calories: 220 | Protein: 30g | Carbs: 4g | Fat: 8g | Fiber: 1g

Tips for Success

• Use Fresh Lemon Juice: Bottled lemon juice won’t provide the same fresh citrus flavor.
• Don’t Overcook: Check at the 4-hour mark to prevent dry chicken.
• Thicken the Sauce: For a thicker sauce, remove chicken and mix 1 tsp cornstarch with 1 tbsp water into the slow cooker. Cook on HIGH for 10 minutes until slightly thickened.
• Add More Veggies: Toss in baby potatoes or green beans for a complete one-pot meal.

Why This Recipe Works

• Citrus & Garlic Infusion: The slow cooking process allows the lemon and garlic to penetrate deep into the chicken, creating incredible flavor.
• Perfectly Moist Chicken: Cooking at a low temperature keeps the chicken tender and juicy.
• Versatile & Light: Great as a main dish, shredded for salads, or served over grains.

This slow cooker lemon chicken is the perfect balance of fresh citrus, savory herbs, and tender protein, making it a fantastic dish for busy nights or meal prepping. With minimal effort and maximum flavor, it’s a go-to recipe for a wholesome, comforting meal. Enjoy every bite!