Delicious Slow Cooker Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken: Easy Recipe for Busy Weeknights

There’s something incredibly comforting about a dish that practically cooks itself, and that’s exactly what Slow Cooker Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken delivers.

This meal is a delightful combination of juicy chicken, zesty lemon, and rich garlic butter that fills your home with an irresistible aroma.

It’s the perfect weeknight dinner that allows me to spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying life.

Ingredient List

To make my Slow Cooker Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken, I gather the following ingredients:

• Chicken Breasts: 4 boneless skinless pieces (about 1.5 pounds)
• Salt: 1 teaspoon
• Pepper: 1 teaspoon
• Garlic: 4 cloves minced
• Lemon Juice: 1/4 cup freshly squeezed
• Lemon Zest: Zest of 1 lemon
• Butter: 1/2 cup unsalted, cut into small pieces
• Chicken Broth: 1 cup
• Thyme: 1 teaspoon dried or 1 tablespoon fresh
• Parsley: 2 tablespoons chopped, for garnish

These ingredients come together to create a wonderfully flavorful dish that I love to enjoy.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken
   Start by seasoning the 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Make sure to coat both sides evenly to enhance the flavor.
2. Sauté the Garlic
   In a skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Add 4 cloves of minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Be careful not to let the garlic brown.
3. Combine Ingredients in the Slow Cooker
   Transfer the chicken breasts into the slow cooker. Pour the sautéed garlic and butter over the top. Next, add the juice of 2 freshly squeezed lemons and the zest of 1 lemon.
4. Add Broth and Seasonings
   Pour in 1 cup of chicken broth and sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of dried thyme. The broth will help keep the chicken moist while cooking.
5. Set the Slow Cooker
   Cover the slow cooker and set it to low heat. Allow the chicken to cook for 6-7 hours or on high heat for 3-4 hours. The chicken should be fully cooked and tender when ready.
6. Garnish and Serve
   Once cooked, remove the chicken from the slow cooker and place it on a serving platter. Drizzle the delicious lemon garlic butter sauce from the slow cooker over the chicken. Finally, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top for a burst of color and flavor.
7. Enjoy
   Serve this mouthwatering Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken with your favorite side dishes, like rice or steamed vegetables. Enjoy the delightful aroma and flavors that fill your home.

Recipe Notes & Variations

• Chicken Options: While I use boneless skinless chicken breasts for this recipe, you can also substitute with thighs for a richer taste. Thighs remain moist and tender during slow cooking.
• Creamy Sauce: For a creamy twist, consider adding a splash of heavy cream or cream cheese in the last 30 minutes of cooking. This addition creates a velvety garlic butter sauce that pairs beautifully with the chicken.
• Vegetable Add-Ins: Feel free to add vegetables to the slow cooker for a one-pot meal. Carrots potatoes or green beans work well. Just make sure to chop them into even pieces for uniform cooking.
• Herb Variations: If thyme isn’t your favorite herb, I recommend trying rosemary or oregano. Each herb offers a unique flavor profile that complements the lemon and garlic.
• Zestiness Level: Adjust the amount of lemon juice and zest to suit your taste. If you prefer a stronger citrus flavor, add more lemon juice. For a milder taste, reduce the juice amount slightly.
• Serving Suggestions: I love serving this dish over rice or quinoa. You can also pair it with crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce or serve it with a fresh salad for a light meal.
• Storage Tips: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of chicken broth to keep the chicken moist.
• Freezer Friendly: This meal freezes well. I often prepare a double batch and freeze half for a busy day. Just let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready to eat it, defrost in the refrigerator overnight and reheat as instructed.

Serving Suggestions

I love to serve my Slow Cooker Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken with a variety of side dishes that complement its rich and zesty flavors. Here are some delicious serving suggestions to elevate your dining experience:

1. Steamed Vegetables
   Fresh steamed broccoli, green beans, or asparagus are perfect partners. The vibrant colors and mild flavors provide a lovely contrast to the robust chicken. I often sprinkle a bit of lemon juice over the veggies for a harmonious touch.
2. Fluffy Rice or Quinoa
   A bed of fluffy white or brown rice absorbs the savory lemon garlic butter sauce beautifully. Quinoa also offers a healthy option packed with protein and adds a nice texture to the meal.
3. Crusty Bread
   Serve the chicken with warm, crusty bread for dipping. The bread soaks up the flavorful sauce, making each bite delightful. A toasted baguette or sourdough works wonderfully.
4. Fresh Salad
   A light salad featuring mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a tangy vinaigrette balances the richness of the chicken. I enjoy adding slices of avocado for creaminess and nuts for crunch.
5. Mashed Potatoes
   Creamy mashed potatoes pair well with the lemon garlic butter. For added flavor, consider mixing in some garlic or sour cream to enhance the dish’s overall appeal.
6. Herbed Couscous
   Fluffy couscous seasoned with herbs can serve as an excellent side. Its lightness complements the bold flavors of the chicken without overshadowing them.
7. Grilled or Roasted Vegetables
   A tray of grilled or roasted vegetables adds a smoky flavor that works great with the zesty chicken. Seasonal vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and carrots are my favorites to include.
8. Pasta
   For those who prefer a heartier option, serving the chicken over pasta, such as fettuccine or penne, creates a filling dish that still allows the lemon garlic flavor to shine through.

Nutrition Information

Here’s a breakdown of the nutrition information for my Slow Cooker Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken.

This tasty dish not only satisfies your taste buds but also offers nutritional benefits that will keep you feeling great.

Nutrient	Amount per Serving
Calories	365
Protein	38g
Total Fat	20g
Saturated Fat	9g
Cholesterol	120mg
Carbohydrates	4g
Dietary Fiber	0g
Sugars	1g
Sodium	540mg

This recipe serves approximately 4 people, so you can enjoy generous portions while still keeping it healthy.

The lean chicken breasts provide a solid protein source, while the garlic and lemon deliver a boost of flavor without adding too many calories.

The butter adds richness but is balanced by the freshness of the zesty lemon and herbs.

By making simple substitutions, such as using vegetable broth or reducing the amount of butter, it’s easy to adjust the nutrition content to better fit your dietary goals.

Conclusion

I hope you give Slow Cooker Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken a try. It’s such a delightful dish that brings warmth and comfort to any table.

The ease of preparation means you can spend more time enjoying your meal and less time in the kitchen.

Whether you stick to the classic recipe or play around with variations it’s sure to impress.

I love how versatile it is and how it pairs beautifully with so many sides. Plus the leftovers are just as tasty if you have any.

So grab your slow cooker and get ready for a delicious dinner that’ll fill your home with mouthwatering aromas. Happy cooking!

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