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Merry

Easy Lemon-Garlic Chicken Breast in the Slow Cooker

This Slow-Cooker Lemon-Garlic Chicken Breast recipe is an effortless way to prepare a wholesome, flavorful dinner. The zesty lemon juice, savory garlic, and tender chicken come together to create a dish that's perfect for any night of the week. It’s a one-pot meal that takes minimal effort but delivers maximum flavor. Whether you're cooking for your family or meal-prepping for the week, this recipe is sure to become a go-to favorite.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 3 hours 30 minutes
Total Time 3 hours 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Dish
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 2 pounds total)
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt plus more for seasoning the chicken
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper plus more for seasoning the chicken
  • 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice about 2 large lemons
  • 8 garlic cloves smashed
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter at room temperature
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • Chopped fresh parsley optional, for garnish

Method
 

Sear the Chicken:
  1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering.
  2. Season the chicken breasts on both sides with salt and pepper.
  3. Place the chicken in the skillet and sear until browned on one side, about 5 minutes.
Prepare the Slow Cooker:
  1. Transfer the seared chicken (browned side up) into a 6-quart or larger slow cooker in a single layer.
  2. Add the chicken broth, freshly squeezed lemon juice, and smashed garlic cloves to the slow cooker.
Cook the Chicken:
  1. Cover and cook on the LOW setting for 3 to 4 hours, or until the chicken is tender and registers 165°F on an instant-read thermometer.
Make the Sauce:
  1. In a small bowl, mix the butter and flour together to form a smooth paste.
  2. Once the chicken is done, transfer it to a serving platter and cover to keep warm.
  3. Pour the liquid and garlic from the slow cooker into a small saucepan and bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
  4. Whisk in the butter-flour mixture until fully incorporated, and cook for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens.
Serve:
  1. Pour the thickened lemon-garlic sauce over the chicken.
  2. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and serve with your favorite sides.

Notes

  • Lemon Flavor Adjustment: If you prefer a milder lemon flavor, reduce the lemon juice to 1/3 cup and add an extra 1/4 cup chicken broth.
  • Make It Dairy-Free: Substitute the butter with a plant-based butter or olive oil for a dairy-free option.
  • Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop.
  • Freezer-Friendly: Allow the chicken and sauce to cool completely before freezing in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.

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