Why You’ll Love this Slow Cooker Lemon Garlic Chicken Recipe
If you’re looking for a dish that’s both flavorful and easy to prepare, you’re going to love this Slow Cooker Lemon Garlic Chicken recipe. I can’t emphasize enough how simple it’s to whip up a satisfying meal with minimal effort. Just season the chicken, brown it briefly, and let the slow cooker do the rest. The aroma that fills your kitchen while it cooks is absolutely divine! Plus, the tender chicken pairs perfectly with any side dish you have in mind. I often enjoy it with rice or a fresh salad. It’s a fantastic option for busy weeknights or when you want to impress guests without spending hours in the kitchen. Trust me, you’ll want to make this again and again!
Ingredients of Slow Cooker Lemon Garlic Chicken
When it comes to making a delicious meal without spending all day in the kitchen, the ingredients for Slow Cooker Lemon Garlic Chicken are straightforward and easy to find. This recipe uses simple pantry staples and fresh flavors that come together beautifully. Plus, you probably already have most of these ingredients on hand, which makes it even easier to jump right into cooking.
Let’s take a look at what you’ll need to create this mouthwatering dish.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon seasoning salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 6 skinless chicken breast halves, rinsed
- 2 tablespoons canola oil
- 1/4 cup water
- 3 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon chicken bouillon granule
- 1 teaspoon fresh parsley, minced
Now, let’s talk about a few things to keep in mind when gathering these ingredients. First off, if you’re not a fan of canola oil, feel free to swap it out for olive oil or any other cooking oil you prefer.
And while fresh garlic is the way to go for that robust flavor, if all you have are garlic powder or pre-minced garlic, they’ll work too—just adjust the quantities a bit.
Also, don’t stress if you can’t find fresh parsley; dried parsley can step in as a substitute in a pinch. This recipe is forgiving like that. It’s all about making it work for you and your taste buds. Happy cooking!
How to Make Slow Cooker Lemon Garlic Chicken
Making Slow Cooker Lemon Garlic Chicken isn’t just easy; it’s also a delightful experience that fills your kitchen with mouthwatering aromas. To kick things off, you’ll need to grab 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, 1/2 teaspoon of seasoning salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of pepper. Mix these together in a small bowl and get ready to give your chicken a flavorful rub down.
Take those 6 skinless chicken breast halves and give them a rinse—nobody wants any lingering residue. Rub that spice mixture all over the chicken like you’re giving it a nice, cozy blanket of flavor.
Next up, you’re going to want to heat 2 tablespoons of canola oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Once it’s sizzling just right, carefully add your seasoned chicken breasts. Let them brown for a few minutes on each side—this step is key for that lovely golden color and extra flavor.
Once browned, transfer those beauties to your slow cooker like they’re VIP guests at a fancy dinner party. In the same skillet, pour in 1/4 cup of water, 3 tablespoons of lemon juice, and toss in 2 minced garlic cloves along with 1 teaspoon of chicken bouillon granule. Bring this mixture to a boil, scraping up any browned bits stuck to the skillet because those bits are flavor gold.
Pour this zesty concoction right over the chicken in the slow cooker. Now, cover your slow cooker and set it to cook on high for 2 to 2.5 hours, or if you’re planning ahead, go for low for 4 to 5 hours. The longer, the better, right? Just imagine the anticipation as the chicken slowly cooks, absorbing all those delicious flavors.
When you’re getting close to the end of the cooking time, sprinkle 1 teaspoon of minced fresh parsley over the chicken and give it a gentle baste. Cover it again and let it cook on high for another 15 to 30 minutes, until your chicken is tender and practically begging to be devoured.
And there you have it—a simple yet scrumptious meal that practically makes itself. Enjoy your culinary masterpiece and pat yourself on the back; you deserve it!
Slow Cooker Lemon Garlic Chicken Substitutions & Variations
While I love the classic flavor of Slow Cooker Lemon Garlic Chicken, there are plenty of substitutions and variations you can try to make this dish your own.
For instance, if you prefer a different protein, try using chicken thighs or even pork tenderloin for a rich twist. You can swap out the canola oil for olive oil for added depth.
Fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary can replace the parsley, giving it a unique aroma. If you want a kick, add red pepper flakes or swap in lemon zest for a more intense lemon flavor.
Experimenting with different vegetables, like bell peppers or carrots, can also enhance the dish while adding nutritional benefits.
Enjoy customizing your meal!
What to Serve with Slow Cooker Lemon Garlic Chicken
After customizing your Slow Cooker Lemon Garlic Chicken with various substitutions, you’ll want to think about what to serve alongside it to create a well-rounded meal.
I love pairing this dish with fluffy rice or creamy mashed potatoes to soak up the delicious lemon-garlic sauce. A side of steamed green beans or roasted asparagus adds a lovely crunch and color.
If you want something lighter, a fresh garden salad with a zesty vinaigrette works beautifully to balance the flavors. Don’t forget some crusty bread to mop up any remaining sauce!
Finally, a glass of chilled white wine can elevate the meal, making it feel extra special. Enjoy your delightful dinner!
Additional Tips & Notes
To guarantee your Slow Cooker Lemon Garlic Chicken turns out perfectly every time, I recommend a few helpful tips.
First, make sure to brown the chicken well before transferring it to the slow cooker; this adds depth and flavor. If you prefer a stronger garlic taste, feel free to add more minced garlic.
I also suggest using fresh lemon juice for the best flavor, but if you only have bottled, that works too. Don’t skip the parsley at the end; it adds a fresh touch.
Finally, avoid lifting the lid during cooking, as this can extend the cooking time. Trust me, following these tips will elevate your dish to a whole new level of deliciousness!