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This slow-cooker creamy lemon herb chicken recipe features tender chicken breasts simmered in a rich, creamy lemon garlic sauce infused with aromatic herbs, offering a gourmet yet comforting meal.
Slow cooking allows the flavors to develop over time. The gentle heat transforms the chicken into tender morsels that practically melt in your mouth.
The method of slow cooking reduces the need for excess oils or fats, making it an ideal recipe for those who crave gourmet meals without the fuss.
Searing the chicken before slow cooking is a chef’s secret to building a more complex flavor profile, but the recipe is forgiving enough to skip this step if needed.
When I first created this slow-cooker creamy lemon herb chicken, I wanted a dish that captured the essence of home-cooked comfort while offering a gourmet twist.
The balance of creamy sauce and zesty lemon is reminiscent of sunlit Mediterranean afternoons, where the air is filled with the scent of fresh herbs and citrus groves.
This recipe is designed to deliver maximum flavor with minimal effort, making it ideal for home cooks seeking a hearty, satisfying meal that’s both versatile and crowd-pleasing.
✅ Read the entire article to ensure you’re fully prepared with all the necessary equipment and ingredients. The full recipe and cooking instructions are below.
Key Ingredients for Creamy Lemon Herb Chicken
Here are the key ingredients for the lemon herb chicken recipe:
- Chicken (Thighs or Breasts): Chicken is the star of this recipe. Bone-in, skin-on thighs bring extra flavor and tenderness, while boneless, skinless breasts offer a leaner alternative.
- Lemons (Zest & Juice): Fresh lemons add a bright, tangy note with both their zest and juice. It imparts a refreshing acidity that balances the richness of the cream, while the zest infuses aromatic oils for a deeper flavor.
- Garlic and Onion: Minced garlic and finely chopped onion create a savory base. Their natural sweetness and pungency form the backbone of the marinade, adding complexity and depth to the dish.
- Herbs & Seasonings: A blend of dried herbs and spices like thyme, oregano, rosemary, and paprika. These ingredients offer earthy, aromatic flavors that meld beautifully with the lemon, providing a classic Mediterranean touch.
- Cream & Parmesan Cheese: Heavy cream is used for a velvety sauce, with Parmesan for extra creaminess and a savory kick. These ingredients create the luxurious, smooth sauce that coats the chicken.
- Chicken Broth: Deepens umami and prevents the sauce from becoming too heavy. Low-sodium lets you control salt levels.
Equipment You Will Need for Creamy Lemon Herb Chicken
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- Slow Cooker: A large, preferably 6-quart slow cooker is ideal for even, low-temperature cooking. It gently cooks the chicken over several hours, ensuring it absorbs all the flavors and remains tender.
- Skillet (for Searing): A heavy-bottomed skillet or cast iron pan for searing the chicken before slow cooking. Searing in a skillet creates a caramelized, golden-brown crust that locks in moisture and enhances the dish’s flavor.
- Mixing Bowls: Large bowls for marinating the chicken and preparing the creamy sauce. They help evenly combine ingredients and ensure every piece of chicken is coated with the marinade.
- Cutting Board and Sharp Knife: Essential tools for chopping garlic, onions, and fresh herbs, as well as preparing optional vegetables like mushrooms and cherry tomatoes.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: Standard measuring tools for accurately adding liquids, spices, and herbs. Ensures the balance of flavors by accurately measuring all ingredients.
- Spatula or Tongs: Useful for stirring, searing, and serving. Facilitates safe and efficient handling of hot ingredients, especially when transferring seared chicken to the slow cooker.
- Citrus Zester & Juicer: Ensures you extract every bit of aromatic zest and fresh juice, critical for achieving the perfect balance of tang and fragrance in the dish.
Nutritional Benefits of Lemon Herb Chicken
This lemon garlic chicken recipe is packed with a range of health benefits, such as:
- High Protein: Chicken is an excellent source of lean protein, essential for muscle repair, growth, and overall body function.
- Vitamins and Minerals: Herbs and vegetables provide a range of vitamins (such as A and K) and antioxidants that support overall health. Lemons are rich in vitamin C, which boosts the immune system and aids in collagen production.
- Healthy Fats: Using extra-virgin olive oil contributes healthy monounsaturated fats, which are good for heart health.
- Digestive Health: Garlic and onions offer prebiotic benefits, supporting a healthy gut microbiome.
- Low Carb: This dish is naturally low in carbohydrates, making it an ideal option for those following low-carb or keto-friendly diets.
- Iron: Chicken and some of the added vegetables provide iron, which is crucial for maintaining healthy blood cells and overall energy levels.
What to Serve with Creamy Lemon Herb Chicken?
You can pair lemon herb creamy chicken with a variety of dishes:
1. Starches
- Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy and buttery mashed potatoes with a hint of garlic are ideal for soaking up every drop of the rich, zesty sauce.
- Lemon Herb Rice: Fluffy rice infused with lemon and fresh herbs echoes the dish’s vibrant flavors, creating a harmonious side.
- Crusty Bread or Garlic Bread: Perfect for dipping into the sauce, adding an extra dimension of texture and flavor to your meal.
- Pasta: A simple pasta tossed with olive oil and herbs works well to complement and soak up the sauce.
2. Vegetables
- Roasted Asparagus: Lightly roasted to retain their bright, crisp texture, these asparagus spears provide a refreshing contrast to the creamy chicken.
- Sautéed Spinach: Quick and nutrient-packed, sautéed spinach is a simple side that balances the richness with its fresh, tender leaves.
- Honey-Glazed Carrots: Sweet and caramelized, these carrots offer a delightful counterpoint to the tangy, lemon-infused sauce.
3. Salads
- Arugula Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette: Peppery arugula dressed in a tangy lemon vinaigrette cuts through the creamy sauce, adding a crisp, refreshing bite.
- Greek Salad: A medley of cucumbers, tomatoes, olives, and feta cheese that complements the Mediterranean herbs in your chicken dish.
- Mixed Greens Salad: A light salad with a citrus vinaigrette offers a refreshing counterpoint to the richness of the dish.
4. For Low-Carb/Keto
- Cauliflower Mash: A creamy, low-carb alternative to potatoes, cauliflower mash offers a similar comforting texture without the extra carbs.
- Zucchini Noodles: Light and versatile, these noodles are an excellent substitute for traditional pasta and pair wonderfully with the sauce.
5. Wine Pairing
- Chardonnay: With buttery notes and a touch of oak, Chardonnay matches the creaminess of the sauce and enhances the overall flavor profile.
- White Wine: A crisp white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio complements the lemon and herb notes, enhancing the overall dining experience.
Quick Tips for Making the Perfect Creamy Lemon Herb Chicken
- For the best texture and flavor, consider using bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs. They stay juicier during the slow cooking process and infuse the sauce with extra flavor.
- If you’re watching calories, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, or try a dairy-free substitute like coconut cream.
- A quick sear before slow cooking is optional but recommended for a caramelized exterior.
- Don’t rush the marinating process, the longer the chicken soaks in those bright lemon and herb flavors, the more delicious it will be.
- To thicken the sauce, remove the lid in the last 30 minutes of cooking and let some of the liquid evaporate.
- Experiment with different herbs. A few sprigs of fresh thyme or rosemary can add a new dimension to the dish.
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This slow cooker creamy lemon herb chicken is more than just preparing a meal, it’s about creating a healthy meal that delights both kids and adults.
Every simmering minute transforms simple ingredients into a dish bursting with personality, where the tang of lemon, the aromatic herbs, and the velvety cream come together to make an unforgettable culinary experience.
Embrace the process, add your personal touch, and enjoy every moment as you craft a meal that’s as heartwarming as it is delicious.
Happy cooking!
Slow-Cooker Creamy Lemon Herb Chicken
Description
This slow-cooker creamy lemon herb chicken recipe features tender chicken breasts simmered in a rich, creamy lemon garlic sauce infused with aromatic herbs.
Ingredients
For the Chicken
For the Marinade & Seasonings
Fresh Herbs (for finishing)
For the Creamy Sauce
Optional Extras
Cooking Instructions
Preparation and Marinating
Prep the Chicken
- Rinse your chicken thighs or breasts under cool water and pat them dry with paper towels.
- This is essential if you plan to sear the chicken later for extra flavor.
- Chicken breasts work well but may require less cooking time to avoid drying out.
Mix the Marinade
- In a large bowl, combine the zest and juice of 2 large lemons, 4 minced garlic cloves, 1 small finely chopped onion, ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil, 2 teaspoons dried thyme, 2 teaspoons dried oregano, 1 teaspoon dried rosemary, 1 teaspoon paprika, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Whisk until the spices are evenly incorporated.
Marinate the Chicken
- Add the chicken pieces to the bowl, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated with the marinade.
- Cover and let it sit at room temperature for at least 20 minutes, or refrigerate for up to 2 hours to allow deeper flavor absorption.
Sear the Chicken (Optional but Recommended)
Preheat a Skillet
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add a splash of extra-virgin olive oil.
Sear the Chicken
- Place the marinated chicken in the skillet.
- If using thighs, place them skin-side down and sear undisturbed for 2-3 minutes until a golden crust forms.
- Flip and sear the other side for another 2 minutes.
Transfer to Slow Cooker
- Once seared, remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- You'll add these seared pieces directly into the slow cooker.
Setting Up the Slow Cooker
Prepare the Base
- If using optional extras, begin by placing 1 cup of sliced mushrooms and 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes at the bottom of the slow cooker.
- This vegetable layer not only enhance the flavor but also serves as a bed for the chicken, preventing sticking.
Add the Chicken
- If you seared the chicken in the step above, transfer the seared chicken pieces into the slow cooker on top of the vegetable base.
- If you skipped searing, simply place the marinated chicken directly into the slow cooker.
Add the Broth
- Pour in the 2 ½ cups of low-sodium chicken broth.
- Use ½ cup of low-sodium chicken broth or water for every pound of chicken.
- This is necessary to create steam and ensure an even heat transfer throughout the slow cooker.
- If the dish seems dry, add more chicken broth as it cooks.
- Some slow cookers recommend adding the liquid until the slow cooker is about half (½) to three-quarters (¾) full.
Slow Cooking and Creamy Lemon Herb Sauce
Cook Low and Slow
- Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set it to low heat.
- Allow the chicken to cook for 3 to 4 hours until it is tender and the flavors meld together.
Prepare the Creamy Sauce
- In a small bowl, mix the reserved ½ cup heavy cream (or coconut cream) with 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1 teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon black pepper, and (if using) ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese for extra creaminess.
Add the Creamy Sauce
- About 30 minutes before the cooking time is up, gently pour the cream mixture over the chicken in the slow cooker.
- Stir lightly to combine, allowing the sauce to thicken and infuse with the lemon-herb flavors.
Final Touches and Serving
Adjust Seasonings
- Once the slow cooking is complete, give the dish a gentle stir.
- Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice if desired.
Garnish
- Sprinkle ¼ cup freshly chopped parsley and 2 tablespoons of roughly torn fresh basil over the top to add a burst of color and freshness.
Serve
- Plate your slow-cooker creamy lemon herb chicken while hot.
- It pairs wonderfully with sides like fluffy rice, buttery mashed potatoes, or a crisp green salad.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 6
Serving Size 1 chicken thigh with sauce
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 350kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 20g31%
- Saturated Fat 8g40%
- Cholesterol 110mg37%
- Sodium 480mg20%
- Potassium 550mg16%
- Total Carbohydrate 8g3%
- Dietary Fiber 1g4%
- Sugars 3g
- Protein 32g64%
- Vitamin A 350 IU
- Vitamin C 25 mg
- Calcium 90 mg
- Iron 2 mg
- Vitamin D 60 IU
- Vitamin K 12 mcg
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
- You can use chicken thighs for extra juiciness or chicken breasts for a leaner option.
- Substitute heavy cream with coconut cream and skip the Parmesan cheese for a dairy-free option.
- Fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or oregano can be used instead of dried.
- Adjust the amount of lemon juice and zest to suit your taste preferences.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
