Imagine coming home to the aroma of incredibly tender, juicy chicken, infused with bright lemon, rich garlic butter, and savory herbs, all cooked to perfection with minimal effort. This Slow Cooker Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken is a weeknight dream come true! Chicken breasts or thighs slowly cook in a luscious, aromatic sauce, making them wonderfully tender and flavorful. It’s a simple, comforting, and incredibly versatile meal that’s perfect for busy families or feeding a crowd without the fuss.
Why I Love This Recipe
I’m a huge fan of “set it and forget it” meals that deliver big on flavor, and this Slow Cooker Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken absolutely nails it! What I truly adore is how the slow cooker transforms simple chicken into incredibly tender, fall-apart perfection, absorbing all that bright lemon, pungent garlic, and rich butter. The sauce is a delicious bonus, perfect for spooning over sides. It feels incredibly comforting and gourmet, yet the active prep time is minimal, making it a fantastic, fuss-free option for busy weeknights. It’s a true weeknight hero in my kitchen that always gets rave reviews!
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- ½ cup chicken broth (low-sodium recommended)
- ¼ cup fresh lemon juice
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup unsalted butter, cut into pieces
- 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Optional: fresh parsley or thyme for garnish
- Optional: Lemon slices for garnish
Swaps and Notes
- Chicken: Both boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs work perfectly here. Thighs tend to stay a bit juicier and are more forgiving if cooked longer. Chicken cutlets or tenderloins can also be used, but adjust cooking times slightly.
- Chicken Broth: Use a good quality low-sodium chicken broth to control saltiness. White wine can be substituted for half of the broth for added depth.
- Fresh Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice is crucial for the bright, zesty flavor. Bottled lemon juice won’t provide the same vibrancy.
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic provides the best pungent aroma and flavor.
- Butter: Unsalted butter is preferred to control saltiness. The butter melts down to create a rich, luxurious sauce.
- Italian Seasoning: This blend typically includes dried basil, oregano, rosemary, thyme, and marjoram, adding a classic herbaceous note. You can use individual dried herbs like oregano or thyme.
- Seasoning: Adjust salt and pepper to taste. Remember that chicken broth can also contribute to saltiness.
- Garnish (Optional): Fresh parsley, thyme sprigs, or thin lemon slices add a beautiful finishing touch and fresh aroma.
- Thickening Sauce (Optional): If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can remove the chicken at the end, then whisk 1 tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water into the hot liquid in the slow cooker. Cook on high for 15-20 minutes until thickened.
Instructions:
1. Combine Ingredients in Slow Cooker: Place the 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs in the bottom of your slow cooker. Pour the ½ cup chicken broth and ¼ cup fresh lemon juice over the chicken. Scatter the 4 cloves minced garlic evenly over the chicken. Place the cut pieces of ½ cup unsalted butter on top of the chicken. Sprinkle with 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning, and a generous amount of salt and black pepper to taste.
2. Cook: Cover the slow cooker with its lid. Cook on LOW for 3-4 hours or on HIGH for 1.5-2.5 hours, or until the chicken is incredibly tender and easily shreds with a fork. The exact time will depend on your slow cooker and chicken thickness. Avoid overcooking, especially for chicken breasts, to prevent them from drying out.
3. Shred (Optional) & Serve: Once the chicken is cooked through and tender, you can either remove it and serve the fillets whole, or (for easier serving and saucing) shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces directly in the slow cooker with two forks. Stir the shredded chicken into the flavorful lemon garlic butter sauce. Serve the tender chicken and sauce over your preferred side dish. Garnish with fresh parsley or thyme, and lemon slices if desired. Enjoy your effortless and delicious Slow Cooker Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken!
Tips for Success
- Don’t Overcook Chicken Breasts: Chicken breasts are lean and can dry out if overcooked. Check for doneness earlier rather than later. Thighs are more forgiving.
- Fresh Lemon & Garlic: Essential for the vibrant, aromatic flavor.
- Low and Slow: Cooking on LOW for the longer duration helps keep chicken breasts juicy, but HIGH is fine for thighs or when time is short.
- Resting Chicken (Optional): If serving whole fillets, letting them rest for 5 minutes after cooking can help retain juices.
- Use a Meat Thermometer: Ensure chicken is cooked to 165°F (74°C) for food safety.
- Taste and Adjust: Always taste the sauce before serving and adjust salt, pepper, or lemon juice as needed.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
This Slow Cooker Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken is a complete, flavorful main dish that pairs wonderfully with simple sides.
- Starches: Serve over fluffy white rice, creamy mashed potatoes, or couscous to soak up the delicious sauce.
- Vegetables: Accompany with steamed green beans, roasted asparagus, or a light side salad.
- Pasta: Serve with a side of plain pasta tossed with a bit of olive oil. For a similar dish already with pasta, check out Creamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta.
- Bread: Crusty bread or dinner rolls for dipping into the sauce.
- Wine Pairing: A crisp, dry Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc, or an unoaked Chardonnay would complement the lemon and garlic flavors beautifully.
- For other easy and flavorful chicken-based meals, explore these Chefmaniac.com favorites:
Storage and Leftover Tips
This slow cooker chicken dish is excellent for meal prepping and storing as leftovers.
- Refrigeration: Store any leftover Slow Cooker Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken (chicken and sauce) in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The sauce may thicken upon cooling.
- Reheating: Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. You may need to add a splash of extra chicken broth or water to re-loosen the sauce if it’s too thick.
- Freezing: The cooked chicken and sauce freeze beautifully! Once completely cooled, transfer to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently.
Final Thoughts
This Slow Cooker Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken is a true weeknight hero, delivering incredible flavor and convenience in one delicious package. With tender, juicy chicken infused with bright lemon, garlic, and butter, it’s a perfect solution for busy evenings that calls for a satisfying and effortlessly gourmet meal. Get ready to add this fantastic slow cooker wonder to your dinner rotation!
What are your go-to slow cooker chicken recipes, or do you have a secret ingredient that makes your chicken extra flavorful? Share your insights and feedback in the comments below, and don’t forget to follow Chefmaniac for more exciting and delicious recipes!
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