Easy Slow Cooker Lemon Garlic Chicken

Highlighted under: Quick & Easy

Enjoy a flavorful and tender chicken dish with minimal effort using this easy slow cooker recipe.

Fiona Carter

Created by

Fiona Carter

Last updated on 2025-12-30T01:46:13.769Z

This Easy Slow Cooker Lemon Garlic Chicken is perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends. The chicken becomes incredibly tender and flavorful, infused with bright lemon and aromatic garlic.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Tender chicken cooked to perfection with zesty lemon flavor
  • Minimal prep time, just set and forget in the slow cooker
  • Healthy and satisfying meal for the whole family

The Magic of Slow Cooking

Slow cooking is a culinary technique that allows for deep flavors and tender textures to develop over time. This method is particularly beneficial for chicken, as it retains moisture and infuses the meat with the aromatic ingredients you choose. With the Easy Slow Cooker Lemon Garlic Chicken recipe, you can set your slow cooker in the morning and return home to a deliciously fragrant meal that feels like it took all day to prepare.

One of the biggest advantages of slow cooking is its hands-off approach. You won't need to hover over the stove or check on the dish constantly. Instead, this recipe lets you focus on your day while the slow cooker does all the work. It’s perfect for busy individuals or families looking to enjoy a homemade meal without the fuss.

Flavor Profile

Lemon and garlic are a classic combination that elevates the taste of chicken to new heights. The acidity of the lemon juice balances the savory notes of garlic, creating a vibrant and refreshing flavor profile. Each bite of this dish is a delightful mix of zesty and aromatic, ensuring that your taste buds are thoroughly satisfied.

Additionally, the herbs—oregano and thyme—add an earthy depth to the dish. They complement the bright lemon and pungent garlic, creating a well-rounded taste experience that appeals to a wide audience. Whether you're serving this dish at a family dinner or a casual gathering, it’s sure to impress everyone at the table.

Healthy and Wholesome Meal

This Easy Slow Cooker Lemon Garlic Chicken recipe is not only delicious but also a nutritious option for your family. Chicken breasts are a great source of lean protein, which is essential for muscle repair and overall health. By using fresh ingredients like lemon and garlic, you are also boosting the meal with vitamins and antioxidants that contribute to a balanced diet.

Furthermore, this recipe allows you to control the amount of salt and fat used, making it easier to create a healthy meal that fits your dietary needs. Serve it with a side of vegetables or whole grains for a complete meal that nourishes both the body and the soul.

Ingredients

Gather these simple ingredients for a delicious meal:

Ingredients

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 lemon, sliced (for garnish)
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

These ingredients will create a delightful dish that everyone will enjoy!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to prepare your chicken:

Prepare the Chicken

Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, oregano, and thyme.

Combine Ingredients

In a bowl, mix the lemon juice and minced garlic. Pour this mixture over the seasoned chicken.

Cook in Slow Cooker

Drizzle olive oil in the slow cooker, add the chicken, and cook on low for 6 hours.

Serve

Once cooked, serve the chicken garnished with lemon slices and chopped parsley.

Enjoy your delicious slow-cooked lemon garlic chicken!

Tips for Perfect Chicken

To ensure your chicken turns out perfectly tender and juicy, consider using a meat thermometer. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (75°C) to be fully cooked while remaining moist. Checking the temperature in the thickest part of the breast will help you avoid overcooking, which can lead to dry meat.

For added flavor, marinate the chicken in the lemon juice and garlic mixture for a few hours before cooking. This extra step infuses the meat with flavor even more intensively and can lead to an even more delicious result.

Serving Suggestions

This lemon garlic chicken pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Consider serving it over a bed of fluffy quinoa or brown rice, which will soak up the delicious juices. Roasted vegetables or a fresh salad with a light vinaigrette also make excellent accompaniments, adding both color and nutrition to your meal.

For a touch of elegance, serve the chicken with a sprinkle of additional fresh parsley and a wedge of lemon on the side. This not only enhances the presentation but also allows each guest to add an extra burst of citrus flavor to their plate.

Storage and Reheating

Leftover Easy Slow Cooker Lemon Garlic Chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. This makes it a fantastic option for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy delicious leftovers throughout the week. When stored properly, the flavors continue to develop, making the second-day meal just as tasty as the first.

To reheat, place the chicken in a microwave-safe dish and cover it with a damp paper towel to keep it moist. Heat it in short intervals until warmed through, or you can reheat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or chicken broth to prevent drying out. Enjoy your flavorful chicken meal again with minimal effort!

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Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen chicken breasts?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts, but the cooking time may need to be adjusted.

→ What can I serve with this dish?

This chicken pairs well with rice, quinoa, or a fresh salad.

→ Can I use other herbs?

Absolutely! Feel free to substitute with your favorite herbs like rosemary or basil.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Easy Slow Cooker Lemon Garlic Chicken

Enjoy a flavorful and tender chicken dish with minimal effort using this easy slow cooker recipe.

Prep Time15 minutes
Cooking Duration6 hours
Overall Time6 hours 15 minutes

Created by: Fiona Carter

Recipe Type: Quick & Easy

Skill Level: Beginner

Final Quantity: 4 servings

What You'll Need

Ingredients

  1. 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  2. 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
  3. 4 cloves garlic, minced
  4. 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  5. 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  6. Salt and pepper to taste
  7. 1 tablespoon olive oil
  8. 1 lemon, sliced (for garnish)
  9. Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

How-To Steps

Step 01

Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, oregano, and thyme.

Step 02

In a bowl, mix the lemon juice and minced garlic. Pour this mixture over the seasoned chicken.

Step 03

Drizzle olive oil in the slow cooker, add the chicken, and cook on low for 6 hours.

Step 04

Once cooked, serve the chicken garnished with lemon slices and chopped parsley.

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 350 kcal
  • Total Fat: 10g
  • Saturated Fat: 1.5g
  • Cholesterol: 90mg
  • Sodium: 220mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 5g
  • Dietary Fiber: 0g
  • Sugars: 1g
  • Protein: 60g