SLOW COOKER LEMON GARLIC CHICKEN ULTIMATE

Picture this: succulent chicken, infused with bright lemon and savory garlic, falling off the bone with minimal effort. That’s exactly what you’ll get with this Slow Cooker Lemon Garlic Chicken recipe! It’s the perfect solution for a flavorful, hands-off dinner that will impress your family and friends – I promise you’ll be coming back to this one time and time again!

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 6-8 boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts, see notes)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder

For the Lemon Garlic Sauce:

• 1/4 cup chicken broth
• 1/4 cup lemon juice (freshly squeezed is best!)
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted
• 1 tablespoon honey (or maple syrup)
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little kick!)
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch (mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water to create a slurry)

Optional Garnishes:

• Fresh parsley, chopped
• Lemon slices

Step-by-Step Instructions

Getting Started:

1. Prep the Chicken: Pat the chicken thighs (or breasts) dry with paper towels. This helps them brown better! Season them generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
2. Sear the Chicken (Optional but Recommended): Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken for 2-3 minutes per side, until lightly browned. This step adds a ton of flavor, but if you’re short on time, you can skip it. Don’t overcrowd the pan; sear in batches if necessary.

Making the Lemon Garlic Sauce:

1. Combine Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, lemon juice, minced garlic, melted butter, honey (or maple syrup), oregano, and red pepper flakes (if using).

Slow Cooking:

1. Add Chicken to Slow Cooker: Place the seared chicken (or unseared, if skipping the searing step) in the slow cooker.
2. Pour Sauce Over Chicken: Pour the lemon garlic sauce evenly over the chicken.
3. Cook: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and easily shreds with a fork.

Thickening the Sauce (Optional):

1. Remove Chicken: Once the chicken is cooked, carefully remove it from the slow cooker and set it aside. Shred the chicken with two forks.
2. Thicken Sauce: Turn the slow cooker to high. In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and cold water to create a slurry. Pour the slurry into the sauce in the slow cooker and stir well. Cook for 5-10 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency. Keep a close eye on it, as it can thicken quickly!
3. Return Chicken to Sauce: Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir to coat it in the thickened sauce.

Serving:

1. Garnish and Serve: Serve the Slow Cooker Lemon Garlic Chicken hot, garnished with fresh parsley and lemon slices (optional).

Tips and Tricks for Perfect Slow Cooker Lemon Garlic Chicken

Chicken Choice Matters

I personally prefer using boneless, skinless chicken thighs for this recipe because they stay incredibly moist and tender in the slow cooker. However, boneless, skinless chicken breasts will also work. Just be careful not to overcook them, as they can become dry. If using chicken breasts, check for doneness after 3 hours on high or 5 hours on low. I’ve found that even searing the chicken beforehand, as in my Garlic Parmesan Crockpot Chicken recipe, can help keep moisture locked in during the long cooking process.

Fresh vs. Bottled Lemon Juice

While bottled lemon juice will work in a pinch, I highly recommend using freshly squeezed lemon juice for the best flavor. The taste is much brighter and more vibrant! Plus, you can use the lemon zest for an extra burst of flavor (add the zest to the sauce before cooking).

Don’t Skip the Searing (If You Can!)

Searing the chicken before adding it to the slow cooker adds a beautiful golden-brown color and a delicious depth of flavor. It’s a simple step that makes a big difference! If you’re really pressed for time, though, you can skip it. The chicken will still be flavorful, just not quite as rich.

Adjust the Garlic to Your Liking

I love garlic, so I use 4 cloves in this recipe. But if you’re not a huge garlic fan, you can reduce the amount to 2-3 cloves. Or, if you’re a garlic fanatic like me, feel free to add even more! You could even roast the garlic beforehand for an even sweeter, more mellow garlic flavor. Recipes like Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken & Potatoes really show off the versatility of garlic in slow cooker meals.

Thickening the Sauce

The sauce will be fairly thin after the chicken has cooked. If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can easily thicken it with a cornstarch slurry (as described in the instructions). Alternatively, you can remove some of the sauce from the slow cooker and simmer it in a saucepan on the stovetop until it reduces and thickens. Another trick is to add a tablespoon of cream cheese towards the end of the cooking time, similar to what I do in my Slow Cooker Keto Chicken Cream Cheese Soup for a rich and creamy sauce!

Spice it Up!

If you like a little heat, feel free to add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce. You can also add a diced jalapeño for a more pronounced kick. Or, for a sweeter heat, try adding a tablespoon of sriracha or chili garlic sauce.

Serving Suggestions

Over Rice or Pasta

Slow Cooker Lemon Garlic Chicken is delicious served over rice (white, brown, or jasmine) or pasta (linguine, spaghetti, or fettuccine). The sauce is perfect for soaking into the grains or noodles.

With Roasted Vegetables

Serve the chicken with a side of roasted vegetables, such as broccoli, asparagus, Brussels sprouts, or carrots. The bright lemon flavor pairs beautifully with the earthy vegetables.

In a Salad

Shred the chicken and add it to a salad for a light and healthy meal. Toss it with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and a lemon vinaigrette.

In Sandwiches or Wraps

Use the shredded chicken as a filling for sandwiches or wraps. Add some lettuce, tomato, and a dollop of mayonnaise or Greek yogurt for a delicious and easy lunch.

Make Ahead and Storage Tips

Make Ahead

You can easily prepare the lemon garlic sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to cook the chicken, simply pour the sauce over the chicken in the slow cooker and cook as directed. You can also sear the chicken ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until ready to use.

Storage

Leftover Slow Cooker Lemon Garlic Chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through. You can also freeze the chicken for up to 2-3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Variations

Honey Garlic Lemon Chicken

For a sweeter flavor, increase the amount of honey to 2 tablespoons and reduce the amount of lemon juice to 1/4 cup. This variation is similar to my Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken, but with a lemony twist!

Creamy Lemon Garlic Chicken

Add 1/4 cup of heavy cream or coconut milk to the sauce during the last 30 minutes of cooking for a richer, creamier flavor. You could also stir in a dollop of cream cheese at the end, like in the Keto Chicken Soup I mentioned before.

Lemon Herb Chicken

Add a tablespoon of fresh herbs, such as thyme, rosemary, or parsley, to the sauce for a more herbaceous flavor. Dried herbs will also work; just use about a teaspoon.

So there you have it – a foolproof Slow Cooker Lemon Garlic Chicken recipe that’s guaranteed to become a family favorite. It’s easy, flavorful, and perfect for busy weeknights. Enjoy!