Name: Slow Cooker Lemon Garlic Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: PT-489580H59M1S
Total time: PT-489580H59M1S
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 1/4 cup olive oil; 4 cloves garlic, minced; Juice and zest of 2 lemons; 1 tsp dried oregano; 1 tsp dried thyme; Salt and pepper, to taste; Fresh parsley, for garnish; Optional: Lemon slices for serving

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If you’re looking for a comforting yet vibrant dish to brighten up any day, this Slow Cooker Lemon Garlic Chicken is an absolute game changer. It combines tender, juicy chicken infused with sharp lemon zest and fragrant garlic, all slow-cooked to perfection so the flavors meld beautifully. Every bite offers a delightful balance of citrusy brightness, herbaceous notes, and garlicky warmth, making it a beloved favorite that’s as easy to prepare as it is delicious to serve. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a relaxed weekend meal, this Slow Cooker Lemon Garlic Chicken will quickly become one of your go-to dishes.

Slow Cooker Lemon Garlic Chicken Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the quality of each ingredient. Each component plays a crucial role, from the aromatic garlic which gives the dish a soulful depth, to the zesty lemons that add a fresh pop of flavor, and the herbs that bring everything together in a warm embrace.

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The perfect blank canvas to soak up all the lemon-garlic goodness while keeping the dish lean and tender.
1/4 cup olive oil: Adds richness and helps carry the flavors evenly across the chicken.
4 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic gives the chicken a wonderful, aromatic kick.
Juice and zest of 2 lemons: Both juice and zest provide a bright citrus punch that wakes up the palate.
1 tsp dried oregano: This herb delivers a subtle earthiness and Mediterranean flair.
1 tsp dried thyme: Adds a delicate, woodsy aroma that perfectly complements the lemon and garlic.
Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential seasonings that enhance every other ingredient.
Fresh parsley, for garnish: Adds a pop of color and a fresh, grassy note at the end.
Optional: Lemon slices for serving: Beautiful and functional, lemon slices make the dish look inviting while inviting an extra citrus burst.

How to Make Slow Cooker Lemon Garlic Chicken

Step 1: Prepare the Lemon-Garlic Marinade

Start by whisking together the olive oil, minced garlic, fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, dried oregano, dried thyme, and a generous pinch of salt and pepper in a bowl. This marinade is your flavor powerhouse, blending brightness and earthiness that will soak deep into the chicken as it cooks.

Step 2: Add Chicken to the Slow Cooker

Place the boneless, skinless chicken breasts in the bottom of your slow cooker. Pour the lemon-garlic marinade evenly over the chicken, making sure every piece gets bathed in that gorgeous mixture. The slow cooker will gently infuse the chicken with all those vibrant and savory notes.

Step 3: Slow Cook to Tender Perfection

Cover the slow cooker and cook your chicken on low heat for 6 to 7 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours. This slow cooking process is what transforms the chicken into succulent, melt-in-your-mouth bites while allowing the lemon and garlic to penetrate fully so the flavors sing.

Step 4: Finish and Garnish

Once cooked through and tender, carefully transfer the chicken to your serving plate. Sprinkle fresh parsley and, if you like, garnish with thin lemon slices to add a refreshing touch and make the dish visually irresistible.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Lemon Garlic Chicken

Garnishes

Fresh parsley is a must for adding a burst of color and a hint of herbaceous brightness that cuts through the rich lemon and garlic flavors. Optional lemon slices not only look stunning but allow your guests to squeeze extra lemon juice to their liking for a personal citrus boost.

Side Dishes

Because this chicken is beautifully flavorful and juicy on its own, it pairs wonderfully with simple sides like fluffy rice, which soaks up the tangy juices or a crisp green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette. Roasted vegetables or creamy mashed potatoes also make for comforting companions to round out your meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving your Slow Cooker Lemon Garlic Chicken over a bed of creamy polenta or accompanied by buttered couscous to add some textural variety. You can also shred the chicken and toss it into warm pita pockets with fresh greens and a drizzle of tzatziki for a fresh Mediterranean-inspired twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Slow Cooker Lemon Garlic Chicken is a real treasure. Once cooled, place the chicken and any juices it cooked in into an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This makes for quick lunches or dinner solutions during a busy week.

Freezing

If you want to enjoy this delightful dish later, you can freeze cooked chicken portions. Wrap them tightly in freezer-safe bags or containers, keeping the marinade juices to preserve moisture, and freeze for up to 3 months. When thawed, the chicken remains juicy and flavorful.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently in a microwave or on the stove to avoid drying out the chicken. To keep it moist, reheat it covered and consider adding a splash of water or broth to mimic the slow cooker’s cozy environment and keep each bite tender.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs work wonderfully in this recipe, because they tend to stay extra juicy and absorb flavors beautifully during the slow cooking process. Just adjust the cooking time slightly, as thighs may require a little less time on high or low settings.

Is it necessary to use fresh lemons?

Fresh lemons are highly recommended here because their zest and juice provide a brightness and freshness you just can’t replicate with bottled lemon juice. The zest especially adds an aromatic punch that’s essential to the dish’s vibrant flavor.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free since it uses whole, simple ingredients without any added wheat or gluten-containing components. Just be sure any sides you pair it with also meet your dietary needs.

How can I make the dish more spicy?

If you enjoy a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce to the lemon-garlic marinade before cooking. This will give your Slow Cooker Lemon Garlic Chicken a subtle yet lively kick without overpowering the citrus-herb balance.

Can I double the recipe for a larger crowd?

Yes, you can double the ingredients quite easily. If your slow cooker is large enough, be sure to arrange the chicken in a single layer as much as possible and increase the cooking time slightly to ensure everything cooks evenly and thoroughly.

Final Thoughts

This Slow Cooker Lemon Garlic Chicken is one of those rare recipes that combines effortless preparation with truly show-stopping flavor. It feels like a warm hug on a plate—bright, tender, and full of character. I’m genuinely excited for you to try it because it’s not only a fantastic meal but also a wonderful way to bring a little joy and ease to your cooking. Give this delicious slow cooker recipe a chance, and it’ll quickly earn a permanent place in your culinary rotation.

Slow Cooker Lemon Garlic Chicken Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 20 reviews

Author: Simon
Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes to 7 hours 10 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Low Fat

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Description

A flavorful and tender Slow Cooker Lemon Garlic Chicken recipe featuring juicy chicken breasts cooked in a zesty lemon, garlic, and herb sauce. Perfect for an easy, hands-off meal that pairs beautifully with rice or a fresh salad.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Marinade

1/4 cup olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
Juice and zest of 2 lemons
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp dried thyme
Salt and pepper, to taste

Garnish

Fresh parsley, for garnish
Optional: Lemon slices for serving

Instructions

Prepare the marinade: In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, dried oregano, dried thyme, salt, and pepper until well combined.
Arrange chicken in slow cooker: Place the boneless, skinless chicken breasts at the bottom of the slow cooker in a single layer.
Add the marinade: Pour the prepared lemon-garlic mixture evenly over the chicken breasts, ensuring all are well coated.
Cook the chicken: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6 to 7 hours, or on high for 3 to 4 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked and tender throughout.
Serve: Carefully remove the chicken from the slow cooker and garnish with freshly chopped parsley and optional lemon slices for added flavor and presentation. Serve alongside rice or a light salad.

Notes

You can substitute fresh herbs for dried if desired, but adjust quantities accordingly.
For a thicker sauce, remove the chicken after cooking and reduce the liquid on the stovetop.
Make sure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) before serving.
This dish freezes well—store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 months.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 6 to 7 hours on low or 3 to 4 hours on high
Category: Main Course
Method: Slow Cooking
Cuisine: Mediterranean