If you’re looking for something that’s gloriously easy to prep but feels downright gourmet by dinnertime, Slow Cooker Lemon Garlic Chicken is about to become your new go-to comfort dish. Imagine juicy, fork-tender chicken bathed in zesty lemon and fragrant garlic, all kissed by Mediterranean herbs—and you barely had to lift a finger! This recipe is sunshine on a plate, perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends, and it’s endlessly versatile for family dinners or meal prep. I can’t wait to show you just how effortless and delicious Slow Cooker Lemon Garlic Chicken can be!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what you’ll need to make this tasty dish. Every ingredient is a star—each one brings a burst of flavor, a hint of aromatics, or a splash of color that makes this meal truly special. Best of all, the ingredients are simple pantry essentials you might already have!
- Chicken Thighs or Breasts: Choose boneless, skinless chicken thighs for maximum juiciness, but breasts work beautifully if you prefer a leaner cut.
- Fresh Lemon Juice: Adds vibrant tang and balances the richness of the chicken so the whole dish tastes fresh and light.
- Lemon Zest: Incorporates the intense citrus aroma that brightens every bite—use a microplane for best results.
- Garlic: Six cloves, freshly minced, bring unmistakable flavor depth and warmth; there’s no such thing as too much garlic here!
- Olive Oil: A splash helps the seasonings cling to the chicken and adds a subtle fruitiness.
- Dried Oregano: Classic Mediterranean herb that perfectly complements both lemon and garlic, giving you fragrant, rustic notes.
- Dried Thyme: Offers a gentle woodsy flavor that grounds the zesty lemon and sharp garlic.
- Salt: Essential for bringing out all the flavors—don’t skip or skimp!
- Black Pepper: Adds gentle heat and rounds out the seasoning profile—fresh-cracked if you can.
- Low-Sodium Chicken Broth: Keeps the chicken moist as it simmers and forms the base of the irresistible sauce.
- Fresh Parsley (for garnish): A sprinkle at the end infuses a burst of color and an herby freshness that really wakes up the dish.
- Lemon Slices (optional, for serving): Beautiful as a garnish, these extra slices signal the tangy goodness inside and brighten your plate.
How to Make Slow Cooker Lemon Garlic Chicken
Step 1: Mix the Flavor Base
First, grab a small bowl and whisk together your lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, olive oil, oregano, thyme, salt, black pepper, and chicken broth. This little bowl of sunshine is where all the big flavors start, and the zesty fragrance will tell you you’re on the right track! Make sure to zest your lemon before juicing—it makes things a whole lot easier.
Step 2: Arrange Chicken in the Slow Cooker
Place your chicken thighs or breasts snugly in the bottom of your slow cooker. Give them a little room but don’t worry if they overlap slightly—the slow, gentle heat will cook them evenly and keep everything tender.
Step 3: Pour Over the Lemon Garlic Mixture
Now pour that bright, aromatic lemon garlic mixture evenly over the chicken. Tilt the bowl around and make sure every last drop of flavor makes it into the pot! Spoon the marinade over any exposed chicken so it’s all nicely coated.
Step 4: Slow Cook to Perfection
Set your slow cooker to low for 4–5 hours or high for 2–3 hours. (Thighs are extra forgiving, but if you use thick chicken breasts, start checking for doneness at the lower end of the suggested time.) You’ll know things are ready when the chicken pulls apart easily with a fork and the kitchen smells amazing!
Step 5: Optional Golden Finish
If you’d like a golden, slightly crispy finish, transfer the cooked chicken to a baking sheet and broil for 2–3 minutes. Drizzle a little of the cooking liquid over the top to keep it juicy and flavorful—you’ll love the added texture and color.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Before serving, spoon some of the luscious lemon garlic sauce from the slow cooker over the chicken. Sprinkle generously with chopped fresh parsley and, if you like, top with a few lemon slices for an extra pop of color and zest. Your Slow Cooker Lemon Garlic Chicken masterpiece is ready!
How to Serve Slow Cooker Lemon Garlic Chicken
Garnishes
A final flourish of chopped fresh parsley makes a world of difference, bringing a fresh, herbaceous edge that really brightens up the dish. Add thin lemon slices or wedges just before serving for extra flair and an extra punch of citrus aroma—the whole plate instantly looks more vibrant and inviting.
Side Dishes
Slow Cooker Lemon Garlic Chicken’s flavors are lively yet mellow, so it’s wonderful with a heap of fluffy rice, some nutty quinoa, or even a bowl of garlicky mashed potatoes to soak up the sauce. For a lighter plate, roasted vegetables or a simple side salad with cucumbers and tomatoes keep things crisp and refreshing. You seriously can’t go wrong!
Creative Ways to Present
If you’d like to impress at a dinner party or just want dinner to feel a bit special, serve the chicken family-style right out of the slow cooker with lemon slices layered on top. Or, shred the chicken and stuff it into toasted pita pockets with leafy greens and a dollop of Greek yogurt for a Mediterranean-inspired twist. Any way you plate it, this recipe shines!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with extra Slow Cooker Lemon Garlic Chicken (lucky you!), cool it to room temperature, then transfer to an airtight container. It will keep perfectly in the fridge for up to 4 days, making it ideal for meal prep or quick lunches throughout the week.
Freezing
Slow Cooker Lemon Garlic Chicken freezes beautifully! Arrange cooled chicken with some of the sauce in a freezer-safe container or zip bag, removing as much air as possible. Store for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating and you’ll have a fresh, tangy dinner ready in a snap.
Reheating
For best results, reheat gently on the stovetop in a covered pan over low heat, adding a splash of broth if needed to keep things saucy and moist. The microwave works just fine too—just cover to prevent drying out and heat in short bursts, stirring as needed.
FAQs
Can I use bone-in chicken instead of boneless?
Absolutely! Bone-in chicken thighs or breasts add more flavor and richness to the dish, though you’ll want to increase the cooking time slightly. Make sure the internal temperature reaches 165°F for perfectly cooked, juicy results.
What if I don’t have fresh lemon juice?
Bottled lemon juice works in a pinch, but fresh is ideal for the brightest, most zippy flavor. If you use bottled, try to at least include fresh lemon zest to boost the citrus aroma and taste.
Can I make Slow Cooker Lemon Garlic Chicken ahead for meal prep?
Definitely! This dish is a meal prep dream. Just store the cooked chicken with its sauce in individual containers with your favorite sides, and you’ll have flavorful meals all week long.
Is there a way to thicken the sauce?
If you’d like a thicker sauce, remove the chicken after cooking and stir a cornstarch slurry (1 teaspoon cornstarch and 2 teaspoons water) into the liquid. Heat on high with the lid off for 10–15 minutes, stirring until the sauce thickens to your liking.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes! Just make sure not to crowd the slow cooker too much so the chicken cooks evenly. You may need to increase the cooking time slightly, especially if you’re stacking the chicken pieces.
Final Thoughts
Slow Cooker Lemon Garlic Chicken is the kind of dinner that makes cozy nights feel special and weeknights easy. The fresh, sun-kissed flavors and “set-it-and-forget-it” approach make it irresistible for busy cooks and flavor-lovers alike. Give it a try—there’s a good chance it’ll become a regular favorite at your table, too!
Print
Slow Cooker Lemon Garlic Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Slow Cooker Lemon Garlic Chicken is a flavorful and easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for a busy day. Tender chicken thighs cooked in a lemony garlic sauce, garnished with fresh parsley, and served with optional lemon slices for a bright finish.
Ingredients
Chicken:
- 4 boneless skinless chicken thighs (or breasts)
Lemon Garlic Sauce:
- ¼ cup fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ cup low-sodium chicken broth
Garnish:
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- lemon slices (optional, for serving)
Instructions
- In a small bowl, prepare the lemon garlic mixture: Whisk together lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, olive oil, oregano, thyme, salt, pepper, and chicken broth.
- Cook the chicken: Place the chicken in the slow cooker. Pour the lemon garlic mixture over the chicken, ensuring it’s evenly coated. Cover and cook on low for 4–5 hours or on high for 2–3 hours until the chicken is tender and fully cooked.
- Optional broiling: For a golden finish, transfer the cooked chicken to a baking sheet and broil for 2–3 minutes. Spoon some cooking liquid over the chicken before serving.
- Serve: Garnish with chopped parsley and lemon slices, if desired.
Notes
- This dish pairs well with rice, quinoa, or roasted vegetables.
- You can use bone-in chicken for added flavor, adjusting the cook time slightly.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh
- Calories: 240
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 320 mg
- Fat: 13 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 3 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 27 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg
