Description
This Slow Cooker Lemon Garlic Chicken recipe is a simple and vibrant dish perfect for busy weeknights. Tender, juicy chicken is infused with fresh lemon, garlic, and herbs, delivering bright citrus notes and comforting flavors. The slow cooker does the work, resulting in a wholesome, flavorful meal that pairs well with a variety of sides.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 4–6 chicken thighs or breasts, bone-in or boneless
Marinade
- Juice and zest of 2 fresh lemons
- 4 garlic cloves, minced or smashed
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons fresh herbs (thyme, rosemary, parsley), chopped
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Slow Cooker Base
- 1 large onion, sliced
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken dry and season generously with salt and pepper on both sides to enhance flavor penetration.
- Mix the Marinade: In a bowl, whisk together lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, olive oil, vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), apple cider vinegar, and chopped fresh herbs until combined.
- Combine Ingredients in the Slow Cooker: Place sliced onions at the bottom of the slow cooker. Arrange the seasoned chicken on top. Pour the lemon garlic marinade evenly over the chicken, making sure every piece is coated well.
- Cook Low and Slow: Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, until the chicken is tender and easily pulls apart with a fork.
- Finish and Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. For a thicker sauce, stir in a small amount of natural gelling agent dissolved in warm water and cook uncovered for an additional 15 minutes. Serve warm, garnished with fresh herbs and lemon wedges.
Notes
- Use bone-in chicken for extra flavor and juiciness.
- Don’t skip the lemon zest; it adds essential bright citrus aroma.
- Check chicken early to avoid overcooking, especially with breasts.
- Layer flavors by placing onions and herbs beneath the chicken.
- Double the sauce to use as a tasty leftover drizzle.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4-6 hours on low or 2-3 hours on high
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 115mg
Keywords: slow cooker chicken, lemon garlic chicken, easy chicken recipe, healthy chicken dinner, gluten free chicken