In today’s fast-aced world, it’s easy to reach for takeout or microwave meals. But what if you could enjoy a homemade dinner that’s as easy as pressing a button? That’s where this Slow Cooker Lemon Garlic Chicken comes in.
This recipe is:
✅ Effortless – Just toss everything into the slow cooker.
✅ Healthy – No heavy sauces, just real ingredients.
✅ Flavorful – Zesty lemon, bold garlic, and herbs.
✅ Flexible – Serve with pasta, rice, or salad.
✅ Freezer-Friendly – Perfect for batch cooking.
Whether you’re feeding toddlers or picky teenagers, this dish hits the mark every time.
How This Recipe Was Born
Hi, I’m Elena, and I created Elena Cooks because I wanted to help home cooks feel confident and relaxed in the kitchen. One hectic evening, I had a leftover rotisserie chicken in the fridge, a lemon on the counter, and a half-empty jar of minced garlic. With no time or energy to cook from scratch, I threw everything into my slow cooker… and magic happened.
The result? Tender, juicy lemon garlic chicken that tasted like I spent hours preparing it.
Since then, I’ve tested and perfected this version using fresh chicken breasts—so you can replicate that rotisserie-style taste from scratch, using fresh ingredients.
Ingredients Breakdown
Here’s what you’ll need for this dish, along with why each ingredient matters:
🐔 Chicken
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs) – High in protein and perfect for slow cooking. Thighs yield a richer taste, while breasts are leaner.
🍋 Lemon
- Fresh lemon juice – Adds brightness and cuts through the richness.
- Lemon zest – Provides intense citrus aroma.
🧄 Garlic
- Minced garlic – Essential for bold flavor. You can use fresh cloves or pre-minced.
🧂 Seasoning
- Salt and black pepper – Simple, effective seasoning.
- Italian seasoning – A balanced blend of basil, oregano, thyme, and rosemary. Adds depth.
🫒 Olive Oil
- Keeps the chicken moist and creates a silky texture in the sauce.
🍗 Chicken Broth
- Keeps the meat juicy and creates a light sauce base that’s perfect for spooning over rice or veggies.
🌿 Fresh Parsley (optional)
- A pop of freshness and color right before serving.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Chicken
- Trim any fat from the chicken breasts or thighs.
- Pat dry with paper towels for better seasoning adherence.
Step 2: Mix the Sauce
In a bowl, combine:
- 1/3 cup chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 2 tablespoons garlic
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Whisk until well combined.
Step 3: Assemble in the Slow Cooker
- Place chicken into the bottom of your slow cooker.
- Pour the lemon-garlic mixture over the top.
- Drizzle with 2 tablespoons of olive oil.
Step 4: Cook
- Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours.
- Chicken is done when it’s fork-tender and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Step 5: Finish and Serve
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley.
- Serve warm with your favorite sides.
Tips for Perfect Results Every Time
- Marinate Overnight: If you have time, marinate the chicken in the lemon-garlic mix the night before. It boosts flavor significantly.
- Don’t Overcook: Use a meat thermometer to avoid dry chicken. Thighs are more forgiving if you need longer cook times.
- Make It Saucy: Double the broth if you want extra sauce for rice or pasta.
- Use Rotisserie Chicken Shortcuts: Have leftover rotisserie chicken? Use it and cook everything on low for just 1–1.5 hours to heat and blend flavors.
Serving Suggestions
Pair this dish with:
- Garlic mashed potatoes
- Lemon herb rice
- Steamed broccoli or green beans
- Quinoa salad
- Buttered noodles
- Grilled asparagus
For low-carb options, serve over:
- Cauliflower rice
- Zucchini noodles
- A bed of baby spinach or arugula
Storage and Reheating
🧊 Storing:
- Let the chicken cool completely.
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Freeze portions for up to 3 months.
🔥 Reheating:
- Reheat in microwave or stovetop with a splash of broth to keep moist.
- For frozen portions, thaw overnight in the fridge first.
Easy Variations and Customizations
🧀 Creamy Twist:
- Add 1/4 cup of cream cheese or heavy cream in the last 30 minutes for a creamy lemon garlic sauce.
🍅 Mediterranean:
- Add olives, cherry tomatoes, and a few capers before cooking.
🌶️ Spicy Kick:
- Add red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne to the sauce mix.
🥦 Hidden Veggies:
- Add sliced bell peppers, carrots, or baby spinach in the last hour of cooking.
🧄 Extra Garlic Lovers:
- Double the garlic! It won’t overpower the dish and adds richness.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make this in the Instant Pot?
Yes! Use the sauté setting to sear the chicken, then pressure cook on high for 8 minutes. Let it naturally release for 5–10 minutes.
Q: Is it okay to use frozen chicken?
Yes, but make sure it’s fully thawed before slow cooking. Slow cookers don’t heat quickly enough to safely thaw frozen meat.
Q: What if I don’t have lemon zest?
You can use a splash of lemon extract or skip it—the juice adds plenty of flavor.
Q: Can I prep this in advance?
Absolutely. You can mix everything in a zip-top bag and refrigerate overnight, or freeze it for future use.
Q: Is this keto or gluten-free?
Yes! Just ensure your chicken broth is gluten-free and skip starchy sides.
Q: What’s the best substitute for Italian seasoning?
Mix equal parts of dried basil, oregano, thyme, and rosemary. Even dried parsley or dill works well.
Printable Recipe Card
Slow Cooker Lemon Garlic Chicken – Easy Recipes with Rotisserie Chicken
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 6 hours
Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
Servings: 4
Author: Elena | Elena Cooks
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/3 cup chicken broth
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tbsp lemon zest
- 2 tbsp minced garlic
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions:
- In a bowl, whisk together broth, lemon juice, zest, garlic, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Place chicken in the slow cooker. Pour mixture on top.
- Drizzle with olive oil. Cover and cook on low for 6 hours (or high for 3).
- Garnish with parsley and serve.
Notes:
- Marinate chicken overnight for best results.
- Great with rice, roasted potatoes, or veggies.
Final Thoughts
Slow Cooker Lemon Garlic Chicken is more than a recipe—it’s a kitchen secret for effortless meals that wow. Whether you’re trying to simplify dinner or impress guests without stress, this dish delivers every time. Add it to your weekly rotation, and enjoy restaurant-quality results from the comfort of your home.
