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Looking for a bright, zesty dish that practically cooks itself? This Slow Cooker Lemon Chicken is your answer! Tender chicken simmered in a tangy, herby sauce—perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends. The slow cooker does all the work while you enjoy the mouthwatering aroma filling your home.
I first discovered this Slow Cooker Lemon Chicken on a hectic weeknight when I needed something easy yet flavorful. The lemony twist reminded me of my grandmother’s cooking—simple, comforting, and always delicious. Now, it’s a staple in my kitchen, and I’m excited to share it with you!
Get ready to cook up a dish that’s as easy as it is delicious. Let’s dive in!
What to Expect
- Time: 4 hours (low) or 2.5 hours (high)
- Difficulty: Easy
Before You Begin
Before starting, make sure your slow cooker is clean and ready. Have all ingredients prepped—chicken cut, herbs measured, and liquids ready to pour. This will make the process smooth and stress-free!
Ingredients You’ll Need
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into large pieces | 20 oz. |
| White Rice Flour Blend (or other gluten-free flour) | 3 tablespoons |
| Salt, divided | 1 teaspoon |
| Ground black pepper, divided | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Unsalted butter or non-dairy substitute | 1 tablespoon |
| Fody Garlic Infused Oil | 1 tablespoon |
| Dry white wine (or chicken broth) | 1/4 cup |
| Low-FODMAP Chicken Broth or Stock | 1/2 cup |
| Fresh lemon juice (from about 1 large lemon) | 1/4 cup |
| Dried parsley | 1 teaspoon |
| Dried oregano | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Dried basil | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Dried thyme | 1/8 teaspoon |
| Celery salt | 1/8 teaspoon |
Step-by-Step Guide
- Combine the flour, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper on a plate. Coat the chicken pieces in the flour mixture.
- Melt the butter and oil together in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and brown on each side.
- Remove the skillet from heat and transfer the chicken to the slow cooker.
- Deglaze the pan with the wine, scraping up any browned bits. Pour this over the chicken in the slow cooker.
- Pour the chicken broth and lemon juice over the chicken. Sprinkle with herbs, remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper.
- Add any remaining flour mixture and stir well.
- Cover and cook on low for 4 hours or high for 2 1/2 hours.
- Serve the chicken and sauce over rice, pasta, or quinoa.
Pointers for Perfection & How to Store
For extra flavor, garnish with fresh parsley or a squeeze of lemon before serving. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently to keep the chicken tender.
If you love this Slow Cooker Lemon Chicken, you might also enjoy this Chicken Pasta With Cashew Cream Cajun Recipe for another delicious twist!
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Slow Cooker Lemon Chicken
- Total Time: 250
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Slow Cooker Lemon Chicken is the ultimate busy weeknight dinner. Bright, zesty, and incredibly tender, the chicken simmers slowly in a buttery garlic-lemon broth until it practically falls apart. It requires minimal prep time and delivers a fresh, wholesome flavor that pairs perfectly with rice or roasted vegetables. Naturally gluten-free and family-friendly.
Ingredients
— The Chicken —
1 ½ lbs (700g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
Salt and black pepper, to taste
1 teaspoon dried oregano
½ teaspoon onion powder
— The Sauce —
½ cup gluten-free chicken broth
¼ cup fresh lemon juice (approx. 1–2 lemons)
1 tablespoon lemon zest
3 cloves garlic, minced
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into cubes
— Optional Thickener —
1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water (slurry)
— Garnish —
Fresh parsley, chopped
Lemon slices
Instructions
1. Season Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Season them generously on both sides with salt, pepper, dried oregano, and onion powder. Place them at the bottom of a 6-quart slow cooker.
2. Prepare Sauce Base: In a small measuring cup or bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, and minced garlic.
3. Combine: Pour the lemon broth mixture over the chicken. Scatter the cubed butter on top of the chicken pieces.
4. Cook: Cover and cook on LOW for 6–7 hours or on HIGH for 3–4 hours. The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and is fork-tender.
5. Thicken Sauce (Optional): Remove the cooked chicken from the slow cooker and set aside on a plate (cover to keep warm). Whisk the cornstarch slurry directly into the hot liquid in the slow cooker. Cover and cook on HIGH for another 15–20 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
6. Serve: Return the chicken to the pot to coat with the sauce, or spoon the sauce generously over the chicken on serving plates. Garnish with fresh parsley and lemon slices.
Notes
Fresh Lemon: Do not use bottled lemon juice; the flavor will be metallic. Fresh lemon juice and zest are essential for the bright taste.
Creamy Version: For a creamy lemon sauce, stir in ¼ cup of heavy cream or full-fat coconut milk at the very end of cooking.
Serving Suggestions: Serve over steamed white rice, cauliflower rice, or gluten-free pasta to soak up the buttery juices.
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The lemon flavor intensifies as it sits.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 240
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 1
- Sodium: 380
- Fat: 14
- Saturated Fat: 8
- Unsaturated Fat: 4
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 4
- Fiber: 0
- Protein: 34
- Cholesterol: 95
Your Burning Questions Answered!
- Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
- Yes! Chicken thighs work well and may stay even juicier.
- Is this recipe gluten-free?
- Absolutely, as long as you use a gluten-free flour blend.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, prep the ingredients and store them in the fridge overnight for easy cooking the next day.
Dig In & Enjoy!
This Slow Cooker Lemon Chicken is a breeze to make and bursting with flavor. Whether you’re cooking for family or meal prepping, it’s a dish that never disappoints. For more delicious ideas, follow me on Pinterest.