Description
This Slow Cooker Lemon Garlic Chicken is an effortless and comforting meal featuring tender, juicy chicken infused with zesty lemon, aromatic garlic, and savory herbs. Perfect for busy weeknights or relaxed weekends, it delivers rich, vibrant flavors with minimal prep and slow cooking that ensures moist, flavorful chicken everyone will love.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
Sauce and Seasonings
- 4–5 fresh garlic cloves, minced
- Juice of 2 lemons
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 2 tablespoons vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Optional for Thickening
- 1 teaspoon natural gelling agent dissolved in a little water
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken pieces dry using paper towels to ensure even seasoning and better absorption. Season both sides generously with salt, black pepper, and dried oregano.
- Make the Garlic Lemon Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together minced garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), olive oil, and vegetable broth. This mixture will marinate and cook with the chicken, delivering vibrant flavor.
- Layer Ingredients in the Slow Cooker: Place the seasoned chicken pieces in the slow cooker. Pour the garlic lemon sauce evenly over the chicken. Sprinkle dried thyme on top to add aromatic notes.
- Cook Low and Slow: Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the chicken is tender and infused with all the flavors.
- Finish and Serve: Once cooking is complete, taste the sauce and adjust seasoning if needed. For a thicker sauce, stir in the natural gelling agent mixture and cook uncovered for an additional 15 minutes to achieve desired consistency. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or cilantro and thin lemon slices before serving.
Notes
- Use chicken thighs for juicier, richer flavor; breasts may cook faster and can dry out.
- Optional pre-sear of chicken in a pan adds extra depth of flavor.
- Fresh herbs will provide brighter aroma and taste compared to dried.
- Monitor chicken towards the end of cooking to avoid overcooking.
- Allow chicken to rest a few minutes after cooking so juices redistribute.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-7 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 350 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 4 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 34 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg
Keywords: slow cooker lemon garlic chicken, easy chicken recipe, comfort food, slow cooker dinner, chicken thighs recipe, lemon chicken