Description
Slow Cooker Lemon Garlic Chicken is a tender, juicy dish bursting with fresh lemon, garlic, and vibrant herbs. Slow-cooked to perfection, it offers a healthy, flavorful, and effortless meal perfect for any weeknight. This recipe is easy to prepare with simple ingredients, customizable to your taste, and ideal for make-ahead cooking.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Marinade
- 1.5 pounds boneless chicken thighs
- Juice of 1 medium lemon (about 3 tablespoons)
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (natural)
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Cooking Liquid and Sauce
- 1 cup chicken broth (natural)
- 1 teaspoon natural gelling agent (e.g., pectin or agar)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken and Marinade: Season the chicken thighs with salt and freshly ground black pepper. In a bowl, combine lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, vegetarian Worcestershire sauce, olive oil, fresh thyme, and parsley. Toss the chicken in this marinade to coat well. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes to absorb the flavors.
- Layer Ingredients in the Slow Cooker: Place the marinated chicken into the slow cooker, pouring any remaining marinade on top. Add the chicken broth to ensure enough liquid to keep the meat moist and help infuse flavor during cooking.
- Slow Cook the Chicken: Cover and cook on low for 5 to 6 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours until the chicken is tender and easily shredded with a fork, soaking in the lemon garlic sauce.
- Thicken the Sauce (Optional): If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix the natural gelling agent with a small amount of water and stir it into the slow cooker during the last 15 minutes of cooking. This will help the sauce cling to the chicken without overpowering the fresh flavors.
Notes
- Use fresh lemons and herbs for the best flavor.
- Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes to enhance tenderness and taste.
- Avoid overcooking to keep the chicken juicy and tender.
- Add vegetables like baby potatoes, carrots, or green beans for an all-in-one meal.
- Adjust seasoning at the end with salt and pepper to balance flavors.
- Prep Time: 35 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 to 6 hours on low or 3 to 4 hours on high
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Keywords: slow cooker chicken, lemon garlic chicken, easy chicken recipe, healthy slow cooker meals, gluten free chicken