Crockpot Lemon Garlic Chicken

$To make Crockpot Lemon Garlic Chicken, gather these main items: - 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon dried thyme - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper - 1/4 cup chicken broth - 1 tablespoon olive oil - Zest of 1 lemon - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) These ingredients blend to create a bright and savory dish. The lemon juice adds a tangy kick, while the garlic gives it a warm depth. You can add optional ingredients to enhance the dish: - 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes for heat - 1/2 cup chopped onions for sweetness - 1/2 cup bell peppers for crunch - Fresh herbs like basil or rosemary for more aroma These extras can take your chicken to the next level. Feel free to mix and match based on what you like. Here are some tools that will make cooking easier: - A crockpot for slow cooking - A mixing bowl for combining ingredients - A measuring cup and spoons for accuracy - A cutting board and knife for prepping - Tongs to handle the chicken Using the right tools helps you stay organized and efficient. Enjoy the process of making this tasty meal! {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by gathering your ingredients. You need lemon juice, garlic, thyme, oregano, salt, pepper, chicken broth, olive oil, and lemon zest. In a medium bowl, mix the lemon juice and minced garlic. Add the dried thyme, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Pour in the chicken broth and olive oil. Finally, add the lemon zest. Stir everything well. This mixture will give your chicken a bright, tasty flavor. Next, take your four boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Place them in the crockpot. Pour the lemon garlic mixture over the chicken. Make sure to coat the chicken evenly. Cover the crockpot with a lid. Cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The chicken is ready when it reaches 165°F (75°C). This slow cooking helps the flavors blend beautifully. Once the chicken is cooked, carefully remove it from the crockpot. Use two forks to shred the chicken if you want. This makes it easier to serve. Drizzle some of the tasty cooking liquid over the chicken. For a nice touch, sprinkle chopped parsley on top. This adds color and flavor to your dish. Enjoy your delicious meal! To get juicy chicken, start with fresh, high-quality meat. Always season your chicken well. The lemon juice and garlic mix adds moisture. Cook on low heat when possible. This method helps keep the chicken tender. If you want to shred the chicken, let it rest for a few minutes after cooking. This step helps keep it juicy. Different slow cookers have varying heat levels. A newer model may cook food faster. If your cooker runs hot, check the chicken sooner. For low settings, cook for 6-7 hours. If set to high, 3-4 hours works well. Always check the chicken's internal temperature. It should reach 165°F (75°C) for safe eating. Use a meat thermometer for accuracy. To boost the flavor of your dish, try adding fresh herbs. Rosemary and basil pair well with lemon and garlic. You can also add a splash of white wine for depth. A bit of red pepper flakes gives a nice kick. For a twist, mix in some sun-dried tomatoes or olives. These additions make the meal even more exciting. Experiment with flavors to find your favorite mix! Pro Tips Marinate for Extra Flavor: Allow the chicken to marinate in the lemon garlic mixture for at least 30 minutes before cooking for a more intense flavor. Use Fresh Herbs: If possible, substitute dried thyme and oregano with fresh herbs for a brighter and more aromatic dish. Adjust the Garlic: For a milder garlic flavor, roast the garlic before adding it to the mixture. This gives a sweeter, less pungent taste. Serve with Sides: This dish pairs beautifully with rice, quinoa, or steamed vegetables to soak up the delicious cooking juices. {{image_2}} You can add vegetables to your dish. This makes it colorful and healthy. Try carrots, bell peppers, or zucchini. Cut the veggies into bite-sized pieces. Mix them with the chicken in the crockpot. The veggies soak up the lemon garlic flavor. This adds more taste and nutrition to your meal. You can make this dish in an Instant Pot or oven. For the Instant Pot, use the same ingredients. Cook on high pressure for about 10 minutes. Let the pressure release naturally for 5 minutes. If using the oven, preheat it to 375°F (190°C). Place the chicken in a baking dish. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until it’s cooked through. Both methods keep the chicken juicy and flavorful. You can switch up the protein in this recipe. Chicken thighs work great and add more flavor. They stay juicy even if cooked longer. You can also use fish like salmon. Fish cooks faster, so reduce the time to 2-3 hours on low. Each protein brings its own taste to the dish. Experiment with what you like best! After enjoying your meal, cool the chicken first. Place the leftovers in an airtight container. Store them in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure to keep the cooking liquid with the chicken to keep it moist. When you’re ready to eat again, gently reheat the chicken. You can use a microwave or a skillet. If using a microwave, place the chicken on a plate and cover it. Heat on medium for about one to two minutes. If using a skillet, add a splash of chicken broth and heat on low until warm. To freeze, place the cooled chicken in a freezer-safe bag. Remove as much air as possible before sealing. This helps prevent freezer burn. You can freeze it for up to three months. To thaw, move the chicken to the fridge overnight. If you're in a hurry, you can use the microwave's defrost setting. Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts. Just increase the cooking time. If you use frozen chicken, cook it on high for 4-5 hours. Always check that the chicken reaches 165°F (75°C) before serving. This will ensure your chicken is safe to eat and fully cooked. To check if the chicken is done, use a meat thermometer. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, cut into the chicken. It should be white throughout, with no pink. Juices should run clear as well. Crockpot Lemon Garlic Chicken goes great with many sides. Here are some tasty options: - Steamed rice - Quinoa - Roasted vegetables - Garlic bread - Fresh salad These sides will complement the flavors of the chicken well. Enjoy your meal! This blog post covered how to make Lemon Garlic Chicken in a Crockpot. We discussed the key ingredients and the tools you need. I shared step-by-step instructions for preparing, cooking, and serving. Tips for juicy chicken and cooking adjustments were also provided. You learned about variations and how to store leftovers. Remember, this dish is easy and flavorful, making it a great choice for dinner. Enjoy trying the recipe with your own twist!$

Crockpot Lemon Garlic Chicken

A flavorful and easy-to-make chicken dish cooked in a crockpot with lemon and garlic.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 6

Total Time 7

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients

4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
0.25 cup fresh lemon juice
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried oregano
0.5 teaspoon salt
0.5 teaspoon black pepper
0.25 cup chicken broth
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 piece zest of lemon
to taste fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

In a bowl, mix together lemon juice, minced garlic, thyme, oregano, salt, pepper, chicken broth, olive oil, and lemon zest.
Place the chicken breasts in the crockpot and pour the lemon garlic mixture evenly over the top.
Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
Once cooked, carefully remove the chicken from the crockpot. If desired, shred the chicken using two forks for easier serving.
To serve, drizzle some of the flavorful cooking liquid over the chicken and garnish with freshly chopped parsley.

Notes

Shredding the chicken makes it easier to serve.

Keyword chicken, crockpot, easy, garlic, lemon