Olivia Carter
Are you looking for a delicious and easy weeknight dinner? Look no further than this lemon chicken recipe cooked in a slow cooker. Not only is it incredibly flavorful, but it’s also a breeze to prepare. With just a few simple ingredients, you can have a mouthwatering meal that will impress your family and friends.
This lemon chicken is tender, juicy, and bursting with citrusy flavors. The slow cooker does all the work, infusing the chicken with the bright taste of lemons and the subtle hints of herbs and spices. The result is a dish that is both comforting and refreshing at the same time.
Whether you’re a busy parent looking for a quick and easy dinner or a beginner cook wanting to try something new, this lemon chicken recipe is perfect for you. Not only is it foolproof, but the slow cooker also allows you to set it and forget it, leaving you with extra time to relax and unwind after a long day.
So, grab your slow cooker and get ready to enjoy a mouthwatering lemon chicken dish that will have everyone asking for seconds. Let’s dive into the recipe and discover how to make this flavorful and tender chicken that will become a staple in your weekly menu.
Gather the Ingredients
Before starting to cook lemon chicken in a slow cooker, gather all the necessary ingredients. Make sure you have the following items:
1. Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper for seasoning
2. Lemon Sauce:
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
3. Chicken Broth:
- 1/4 cup low-sodium chicken broth
4. Thickening Agent:
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
- 3 tablespoons water
5. Garnish (optional):
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Lemon slices
Once you have gathered all the ingredients, you are ready to proceed with the recipe!
Prepare the Chicken
Before you can start cooking your lemon chicken in the slow cooker, you need to prepare the chicken itself. Follow these steps to ensure your chicken is ready to be cooked:
- First, rinse the chicken under cold water to remove any excess dirt or debris.
- Pat the chicken dry using paper towels to remove any excess moisture.
- Next, season the chicken with salt and pepper, or any other desired seasonings to taste. Make sure to thoroughly coat the chicken on both sides.
- If you prefer, you can marinate the chicken overnight in a mixture of lemon juice, garlic, and herbs. This will infuse the chicken with extra flavor.
- Once the chicken is seasoned or marinated, you can choose to brown it before placing it in the slow cooker. This step is optional, but it can help to enhance the flavor of the final dish.
By following these simple steps, you will have properly prepared your chicken for cooking in the slow cooker. Now you are ready to move on to the next step of the lemon chicken recipe!
Prepare the Marinade
Before you start cooking the lemon chicken, it’s important to prepare the marinade. The marinade will infuse the chicken with flavor and help to tenderize the meat. Here’s how to make the marinade:
- Begin by juicing the lemons to extract the fresh lemon juice. You will need the juice of about 4 lemons for this recipe.
- In a medium-sized bowl, combine the lemon juice with olive oil, minced garlic, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix well to ensure that all the ingredients are fully incorporated.
- If desired, you can add additional herbs or spices to the marinade to customize the flavor. Some good options include rosemary, oregano, or paprika.
- Place the chicken pieces in a large resealable plastic bag, then pour the marinade over the chicken. Seal the bag and massage the marinade into the chicken, ensuring that it is evenly coated.
- Marinate the chicken in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or overnight for maximum flavor. This will give the chicken enough time to absorb the flavors from the marinade.
Once the chicken has marinated, it’s time to cook it in the slow cooker. The marinade will add a bright and zesty flavor to the chicken that pairs perfectly with the slow cooking process. Get ready to enjoy a tender and flavorful lemon chicken dish!
Marinate the Chicken
Marinating the chicken is an important step to infuse it with flavor and ensure it remains juicy and tender as it slow cooks. Here’s how to do it:
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 lemons, juiced and zested
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
- In a bowl, combine the lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, olive oil, dried oregano, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. Mix well.
- Place the chicken breasts in a ziplock bag or a glass container with a lid.
- Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring that it coats each piece evenly. Seal the bag or cover the container and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight.
Marinating the chicken for a longer period will enhance the flavor, so if you have the time, it’s worth marinating it overnight. The acidity from the lemon juice will help tenderize the chicken and infuse it with a delightful citrusy taste.
Cook the Chicken in Slow Cooker
1. Start by preparing the chicken for cooking. Rinse the chicken pieces under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. Season the chicken with salt and pepper to taste.
2. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add a small amount of oil. Once the oil is hot, add the seasoned chicken pieces to the skillet and cook them until they are browned on all sides, about 2-3 minutes per side.
3. Transfer the browned chicken pieces to the slow cooker.
4. In the same skillet, add diced onions and minced garlic. Cook them until they are softened and fragrant, about 2-3 minutes.
5. Add lemon juice, lemon zest, chicken broth, and dried herbs, such as thyme or rosemary, to the skillet. Stir to combine the ingredients and bring the mixture to a simmer.
6. Pour the lemon and herb mixture over the chicken in the slow cooker.
7. Cover the slow cooker and cook the chicken on low heat for 4-6 hours or on high heat for 2-3 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
8. Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the slow cooker and transfer it to a serving platter.
9. Optional: If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can remove some of the liquid from the slow cooker and simmer it on the stovetop until it reduces and thickens slightly. Pour the sauce over the chicken before serving.
10. Serve the lemon chicken hot, garnished with fresh herbs or lemon slices, if desired.
Enjoy your delicious lemon chicken, cooked to perfection in the slow cooker!
Serve and Enjoy!
Once the lemon chicken is cooked to perfection in the slow cooker, it’s time to serve it up and enjoy the delicious flavors. Start by carefully removing the chicken from the slow cooker and placing it on a serving platter. Make sure to take note of the beautifully tender and juicy meat.
Next, garnish the chicken with fresh lemon slices and chopped parsley for an extra burst of flavor and a pop of color. The bright citrusy aroma combined with the fragrant herb will make your mouth water in anticipation.
Pair the lemon chicken with your favorite sides such as rice, roasted vegetables, or a crisp green salad. The dish is versatile and can be customized to suit different preferences and dietary needs.
Before digging in, take a moment to appreciate the hard work and time that went into preparing this delightful meal. Admire the golden-brown skin on the chicken and the tantalizing aromas that fill the air.
Once you’ve savored the visual appeal, grab your fork and knife and dig in. The tender chicken practically falls off the bone, and each bite is bursting with tangy lemon flavor and fragrant herbs.
Take your time to savor each mouthful, letting the flavors dance on your taste buds. Enjoy the tender texture and the exquisite combination of savory and citrusy notes.
Don’t forget to pair your meal with a refreshing beverage such as a crisp white wine, a tangy lemonade, or even just a tall glass of water. The beverage will complement the flavors of the lemon chicken and cleanse your palate between bites.
Whether you’re enjoying a family dinner or hosting a dinner party, this lemon chicken recipe is sure to impress. Serve it up with confidence and watch as your guests savor each bite with delight.
Now that you know how to cook lemon chicken in a slow cooker and serve it up to perfection, it’s time to gather your ingredients and get started. Enjoy the process, relish the aromas, and indulge in the flavors. Cooking and eating should always be an enjoyable experience, and with this lemon chicken recipe, it certainly will be!
Questions and answers
What is a slow cooker?
A slow cooker, also known as a crock-pot, is an electrical appliance that is used for slow cooking food over a long period of time.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes, you can use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts in this recipe. Chicken thighs tend to have more flavor and stay juicier in the slow cooker.
Do I need to marinate the chicken before putting it in the slow cooker?
No, marinating the chicken is not necessary for this recipe. The lemon juice and other ingredients will infuse the chicken with flavor as it cooks in the slow cooker.
Can I cook the lemon chicken on high heat instead of low heat?
Yes, you can cook the lemon chicken on high heat in the slow cooker. However, cooking it on low heat will result in more tender and flavorful chicken.
How long should I cook the lemon chicken in the slow cooker?
You should cook the lemon chicken in the slow cooker for about 4-6 hours on low heat or 2-3 hours on high heat, until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
