Lemon Garlic Chicken Slow Cooker Recipe

Name: Slow Cooker Lemon Garlic Chicken
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 3 h
Total time: 3 h 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts; 1 ½ tsp dried oregano; 1 tsp salt; ½ tsp black pepper; 2 tbsp unsalted butter; 3 cloves garlic, minced; ¼ cup fresh lemon juice; ½ cup water or chicken broth; 1 chicken bouillon cube; 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

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If you’ve ever wished dinner could magically cook itself while you’re at work, Slow Cooker Lemon Garlic Chicken might be the closest thing you’ll get. Imagine walking into your kitchen at the end of the day, greeted by the bright scent of fresh lemon mingled with savory garlic and herbs. Your chicken is already tender, juicy, and ready to serve. All you had to do earlier was toss everything into the slow cooker, set the timer, and get on with your day.

This recipe is a favorite in my kitchen because it hits all the marks — simple prep, healthy ingredients, and a flavor that feels like you spent hours over the stove. Whether you’re a busy parent juggling homework and sports practice, a student with back-to-back classes, or someone just trying to eat a little better without losing your mind over complicated recipes, this dish is for you.

Plus, it’s versatile. You can serve it over fluffy rice, next to a crisp salad, or with some crusty bread to soak up that lemon garlic sauce. And here’s the best part — it’s also a fantastic make-ahead chicken meal. In other words, you’re about to meet your new weeknight dinner hero.

Roasted chicken breasts topped with lemon slices and parsley on a white plate.

Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Lemon Garlic Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need for Slow Cooker Lemon Garlic Chicken
Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Make Slow Cooker Lemon Garlic Chicken
Serving Ideas for Slow Cooker Lemon Garlic Chicken
Storage, Freezing, and Reheating
Variations on Slow Cooker Lemon Garlic Chicken
Tips for Success
FAQs
Related Recipes
Final Thoughts

Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Lemon Garlic Chicken

Effortless Prep: This is a true “set it and forget it” dinner.
Healthy & Hearty: A light, bright, low-carb lemon chicken recipe that doesn’t skimp on flavor.
Juicy Every Time: The slow cooking process guarantees tender chicken slow cooker perfection.
Meal Prep Gold: Perfect for lemon garlic chicken meal prep — make once, enjoy for days.
Crowd-Pleaser: From picky kids to food enthusiasts, everyone loves it.
Adaptable: Works with chicken breasts or thighs, bone-in or boneless.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Slow Cooker Lemon Garlic Chicken

Protein:

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs if you prefer)

Herbs & Seasoning:

1 ½ teaspoons dried oregano
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (add near the end)

For the Sauce:

2 tablespoons unsalted butter
3 cloves garlic, minced
¼ cup fresh lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
½ cup water or chicken broth
1 chicken bouillon cube

Optional Add-ins:

Fresh thyme or rosemary for more garlic herb chicken crock pot flavor
A splash of white wine for depth

Fresh lemon juice is key here — bottled juice just doesn’t have the same zing.

Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Make Slow Cooker Lemon Garlic Chicken

1. Gather Your Ingredients and Tools

You’ll need your slow cooker (a 5–6 quart size works well), a large skillet, a sharp knife, and a small mixing bowl. Laying everything out ahead makes cooking even easier.

2. Prepare the Spice Mix

In a small bowl, combine the oregano, salt, and pepper. This simple mix creates a flavorful base for your crockpot lemon garlic chicken.

3. Season the Chicken

Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. Rub the spice mixture evenly over both sides of the chicken breasts. This step helps the seasoning stick and gives every bite flavor.

4. Brown the Chicken in Butter

Melt the butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken and sear for 3–5 minutes on each side until golden. Browning isn’t required for slow cooking, but it adds a delicious depth of flavor to your butter lemon chicken slow cooked style.

5. Make the Lemon Garlic Sauce

Using the same skillet, add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in the lemon juice, water (or broth), and bouillon. Bring to a quick boil, scraping up any browned bits. This creates a tangy, savory sauce perfect for slow cooking.

6. Transfer to the Slow Cooker and Add Sauce

Place the chicken in your slow cooker. Pour the hot lemon garlic sauce over it, making sure each piece is coated.

7. Slow Cook Until Tender

Cover and cook on Low for 6 hours or High for 3 hours. By the end, you’ll have perfectly tender chicken slow cooker style — juicy and full of flavor.

8. Add Fresh Parsley Before Serving

About 15–30 minutes before the cooking time is up, sprinkle the chopped parsley over the chicken. It adds color and a fresh herbal note that brightens the dish.

9. Serve and Enjoy

Spoon the sauce over the chicken before serving. Pair with rice, pasta, or a crisp salad. Don’t forget some crusty bread to soak up that golden lemon garlic sauce.

Serving Ideas for Slow Cooker Lemon Garlic Chicken

Over buttery mashed potatoes for a comforting dinner.
With quinoa or brown rice for a healthy, filling option.
Alongside roasted asparagus or steamed broccoli.
As a protein topping for leafy green salads.

If you love pairing chicken with pasta, try it alongside garlic butter chicken bites with parmesan pasta from our recipe collection. For a sweet-savory twist, check out our sweet and savory honey garlic chicken or tangy pineapple chicken recipes.

Storage, Freezing, and Reheating

Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Freeze in portioned containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating: Warm gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave in short bursts to keep the chicken juicy.

This recipe is also perfect for make-ahead chicken meals — prep a batch on Sunday, and you’ve got lunch ready for the week.

Variations on Slow Cooker Lemon Garlic Chicken

Garlic Herb Chicken Crock Pot: Add thyme, rosemary, or basil for more herbal depth.
Extra Buttery Version: Double the butter for a richer butter lemon chicken slow cooked style.
Spicy Kick: Add crushed red pepper flakes for heat.
Greek-Inspired: Increase oregano and add sliced olives and artichokes for oregano garlic lemon chicken vibes.
Dairy-Free: Use olive oil instead of butter.

Tips for Success

Don’t skip fresh garlic — it makes a huge difference.
Avoid overcooking, especially on the High setting.
Browning the chicken first adds flavor, but you can skip if you’re short on time.
Always add parsley at the end so it stays bright and fresh.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs?

Yes, boneless or bone-in thighs work great. Adjust cooking time slightly for bone-in pieces.

Do I have to brown the chicken first?

No, but it adds flavor and color. Skipping it makes the dish even quicker.

Can I make this without butter?

Yes, olive oil works fine for a dairy-free version.

How can I thicken the sauce?

Whisk 1 teaspoon cornstarch with 1 tablespoon cold water, then stir into the sauce and cook for 10 minutes on High.

If this Slow Cooker Lemon Garlic Chicken has you hooked, you might also enjoy:

Collage of slow cooker lemon garlic chicken breasts with lemon slices and parsley.

Split-image of slow cooker lemon garlic chicken with lemon wedges and parsley.

Final Thoughts

Slow Cooker Lemon Garlic Chicken is proof that you don’t need a complicated recipe to make a flavorful, healthy dinner. With just a few simple steps, you can have a meal that’s both comforting and fresh, perfect for busy weeknights or weekend family gatherings. Try it this week — and don’t be surprised if it becomes a regular on your table.

Lemon Garlic Chicken Slow Cooker Recipe

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Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Lemon Garlic Chicken

Ingredients You’ll Need for Slow Cooker Lemon Garlic Chicken