Description
This Slow Cooker Lemon Chicken recipe delivers tender, juicy chicken breasts infused with bright lemon flavor and fragrant rosemary. Cooked low and slow in a zesty, buttery broth, it's an easy, comforting dish perfect for busy days when you want a flavorful home-cooked meal with minimal effort.
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 3 large breasts)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary (minced)
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
For the Sauce
- 1 cup chicken broth
- ⅓ cup fresh lemon juice (about 1 ⅓ lemons)
- 3 tablespoons salted butter
- ½ tablespoon minced roasted garlic
- ¼ cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
To Garnish
- Fresh rosemary sprigs
- Lemon slices
Instructions
- Prepare the Seasoning: In a small bowl, combine the salt, black pepper, onion powder, red pepper flakes, and minced rosemary. Evenly sprinkle this seasoning mixture over both sides of the chicken breasts. Set the seasoned chicken aside to allow the flavors to meld.
- Mix the Cooking Liquid: In the slow cooker basin, whisk together the chicken broth, fresh lemon juice, salted butter, and minced roasted garlic until well combined. This creates a flavorful broth that will infuse the chicken as it cooks.
- Cook the Chicken: Place the seasoned chicken breasts in a single layer inside the slow cooker. Cover with the lid and cook on the low setting for 4 hours or the high setting for 2 hours, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), ensuring it is fully cooked and tender.
- Thicken the Sauce: Once the chicken is cooked, carefully remove ¼ cup of the cooking broth and transfer it to a small bowl. Whisk in the heavy cream and cornstarch until smooth. Pour this mixture back into the slow cooker and stir gently, allowing the sauce to thicken around the chicken breasts.
- Serve: Spoon the luscious lemon and rosemary sauce over the chicken breasts. Garnish with fresh rosemary sprigs and lemon slices for an elegant presentation. Serve warm and enjoy this comforting slow cooker meal.
Notes
- You can use boneless skinless chicken thighs instead of breasts if you prefer a richer flavor.
- For a thicker sauce, let it simmer in the slow cooker with the lid off for an additional 15 minutes after adding the cream mixture.
- Adjust the red pepper flakes to your preferred spice level or omit for a milder dish.
- Serve with steamed vegetables, rice, or mashed potatoes for a complete meal.
- Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave.
