Crock Pot Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken

Delicious, aromatic, and delightfully easy to prepare, Crock Pot Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken is a recipe that promises to take your taste buds on a journey of flavor with every bite. Perfect for busy weekdays or a cozy weekend dinner, this dish combines the tangy zest of lemon, the pungent kick of garlic, and the creamy richness of butter in a symphony of flavors that simmer to perfection in your crock pot.

In the hustle and bustle of modern life, finding time to cook a hearty and delicious meal can be a challenge. Enter the crock pot: your best friend in the kitchen for making meal prep both simple and spectacular. This recipe for Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken is not just easy to make but is also bursting with flavors that will make it a family favorite in no time.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: Just add the ingredients to the crock pot and let it do the work. It’s perfect for busy days.

• Delicious: The mix of lemon, garlic, and butter creates a rich and tangy flavor that’s irresistible.

• Healthy: Made with whole ingredients, it’s a nutritious choice for a meal.

• Versatile: Serve it with pasta, rice, or veggies—whatever you like!

• A Hit with Everyone: It’s sure to please both family and friends, no matter the occasion.

• Customizable: Feel free to tweak the recipe with your favorite herbs or spices to make it your own.

This Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken is the perfect combination of convenience, taste, and versatility, making it a recipe you’ll come back to again and again.

Ingredients

For the chicken:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• 1 teaspoon paprika

For the sauce:

• 1/4 cup chicken broth

• Juice of 2 lemons

• 8 cloves garlic, minced

• 1/2 cup heavy cream

• 1/4 cup unsalted butter

• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning

• Salt and pepper, to taste

These ingredients combine to create a flavorful and comforting dish that’s both easy to prepare and delicious to eat.

Step-by-Step Recipe Instructions

Preparing the Chicken

1. Season the Chicken: Begin by seasoning your chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and paprika evenly on both sides. This not only adds flavor but also helps in achieving a beautiful color once cooked.

2. Place in Crock Pot: Arrange the seasoned chicken breasts in the bottom of your crock pot, ensuring they are spread out evenly.

Making the Sauce

1. Combine Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, lemon juice, minced garlic, heavy cream, and Italian seasoning. This mixture will create the delicious sauce that the chicken will cook in, infusing it with flavor.

2. Add to Crock Pot: Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken in the crock pot. Make sure the chicken is well-coated with the sauce for maximum flavor.

3. Dot with Butter: Cut the unsalted butter into small pieces and dot them over the top of the chicken and sauce. As the butter melts, it will add richness and depth to the sauce.

Cooking Process

1. Cook on Low: Cover the crock pot with its lid and set it to cook on low for 6-8 hours. This slow cooking process ensures that the chicken becomes tender and fully absorbs the flavors of the sauce.

2. Or Cook on High: If you’re short on time, you can set the crock pot to cook on high for 3-4 hours instead. The chicken will still come out juicy and flavorful, but in half the time.

3. Check for Doneness: Once the cooking time is up, check that the chicken is cooked through and tender. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C) when checked with a meat thermometer.

4. Serve and Enjoy: Once the chicken is cooked, it’s ready to be served. The sauce will have thickened and concentrated in flavor, making it perfect to spoon over the chicken and any sides.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve the Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken over a bed of rice, pasta, or alongside your favorite vegetables. The creamy, flavorful sauce pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides.

This recipe turns simple ingredients into a mouthwatering meal with minimal effort, making it perfect for any day of the week. Enjoy the tender, flavorful chicken that falls apart with just a fork, a testament to the magic of slow cooking!

Tips and Tricks

• Even Cooking: For uniform cooking, ensure the chicken breasts are of similar size. This prevents some pieces from drying out while others are still not fully cooked.

• Enhancing Flavor: To deepen the flavor, you can brown the chicken breasts in a skillet over medium heat before adding them to the crock pot. This step adds a rich, caramelized texture and flavor to the final dish.

• Sauce Thickness: If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water and stir into the sauce before the final hour of cooking. This will help thicken the sauce without altering the flavor.

• Lemon Variation: Adjust the amount of lemon juice based on your taste preference. For a subtler lemon flavor, use the juice of one lemon instead of two. For more zest, add the zest of one lemon along with the juice.

• Garlic Adjustment: For those who are particularly fond of garlic, feel free to add more minced garlic to the recipe. The slow cooking process mellows out the sharpness, leaving a rich flavor behind.

• Herb Variations: Feel free to experiment with different herbs. While Italian seasoning is suggested, herbs such as thyme, rosemary, or oregano also work wonderfully with this dish.

• Creamy Sauce: For a lighter version of the sauce, half-and-half can be used instead of heavy cream, though the sauce will be slightly less rich.

• Storage and Reheating: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a little chicken broth or water if the sauce needs thinning.

• Serving Suggestion: For a complete meal, serve the chicken with a side of steamed vegetables and a starch like mashed potatoes, rice, or pasta to soak up the delicious sauce.

By following these tips and tricks, you can easily adapt this Crock Pot Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken recipe to fit your taste preferences and dietary needs, ensuring a delightful and satisfying meal every time.

Crock Pot Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken

• Author: Eliza Nooman
• Prep Time: 10 Mins
• Cook Time: 4hours
• Total Time: 4hours 10 Mins
• Category: Main Dish
• Cuisine: American

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Description

This recipe for Crock Pot Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken offers a hassle-free way to create a flavorful and satisfying meal. Ideal for busy weeknights or a leisurely weekend dinner, it combines tender chicken breasts with the rich, tangy flavors of lemon and garlic, all simmered in a creamy butter sauce.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Add to the Slow Cooker

• 4 cloves garlic minced
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• ½ lemon zested; roughly 2 teaspoons
• ½ cup chicken stock
• 1 teaspoon chicken bouillion I recommend Better than Bouillon
• 2 tablespoons white wine
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter cut into small cubes
• 1 ½ lb boneless skinless chicken thighs see note 1

30 Minutes Before Serving

• ½ lemon juiced; around 2 tablespoons
• parsley garnish
• lemon slices garnish

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Instructions

• Assemble- In the insert of a 5-6 quart slow cooker, combine the garlic, salt, basil, lemon zest, chicken stock, chicken stock concentrate and wine. Stir until well combined, then add the chicken thighs. Turn to coat in the sauce, then scatter butter cubes evenly over.
• Cook- Put the lid on, then set the slow cooker to cook on the lowest setting for 4-5 hours.
• The finishing touches- Just before serving, stir in the juice of half a lemon, garnish with extra lemon slices, and fresh parsley.

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Notes

1-  while this recipe is written for boneless skinless chicken thighs, you could easily swap in chicken breasts and adjust the cook time to 3-4 hours on low

2- You can add green beans or asparagus to the slow cooker 1 hour before serving. Scatter over the chicken (do not stir in), return the lid, and continue cooking for 1 hour.

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Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4 -6
• Calories: 184kcal
• Sugar: 1g
• Sodium: 231mg
• Fat: 9g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Carbohydrates: 2g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 23g
• Cholesterol: 118mg

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts? Yes, chicken thighs can be used for a juicier result. Adjust cooking times as needed since thighs may cook a bit faster than breasts.

Is it necessary to brown the chicken before placing it in the crock pot? Browning the chicken isn’t necessary but recommended for added flavor. It gives the chicken a nice texture and enhances the overall taste of the dish.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free? Yes, for a dairy-free version, substitute the butter with a dairy-free alternative and use coconut cream instead of heavy cream.

How can I make sure the sauce doesn’t curdle? To prevent curdling, ensure your heavy cream is at room temperature before adding it to the crock pot. Also, avoid letting the dish boil if you’re heating it on the stove after cooking.

Can I freeze this dish? Yes, Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken freezes well. Cool the dish completely, then store it in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Conclusion

Crock Pot Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken is a wonderfully flavorful and easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for any day of the week. With its tender chicken, rich and creamy sauce, and the delightful tang of lemon and garlic, it’s sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation. Whether you’re serving it over pasta, rice, or with a side of vegetables, it’s a versatile dish that’s both comforting and delicious. The simplicity of using a crock pot means you can enjoy a gourmet-tasting meal with minimal effort. So next time you’re looking for a tasty and hassle-free dinner option, remember this Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken recipe. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s not only easy to prepare but also packed with flavor, making it a perfect choice for both weeknights and special occasions.