There’s nothing better than the aroma of lemon and garlic filling the house after a long day. This Crockpot Lemon Garlic Chicken is bright, savory, and melt-in-your-mouth tender. With minimal prep and simple ingredients, it’s the perfect way to bring Mediterranean comfort to your dinner table without breaking a sweat.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Lemon Garlic Chicken
This dish brings together freshness and simplicity in every bite.
- Just a few ingredients for big, clean flavor
- Crockpot convenience—hands-off cooking
- Juicy, tender chicken every time
- Naturally light, dairy-free, and gluten-free
- Family-friendly and meal-prep ready
- Perfect for pairing with pasta, rice, or veggies
When I started slow-cooking dinners during my trucking days, this became a go-to. It’s the kind of meal that waits for you—warm, fragrant, and ready when you walk through the door, just like my Honey Dijon Chicken.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient adds brightness and depth to this fresh, zesty dish.
Main Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts – lean and juicy when slow-cooked
- 2 lemons, sliced – infuses a fresh, citrusy aroma
- 6 cloves garlic, minced – bold and savory base
- ⅓ cup low-sodium chicken broth – keeps it moist and flavorful
- 2 tbsp olive oil – adds richness
- 1 tsp dried oregano – for herby Mediterranean flair
- 1 tsp salt – balances the flavors
- ½ tsp black pepper – subtle warmth
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped – bright finishing touch
Optional Add-Ons or Substitutes
- Add a splash of white wine vinegar for extra tang
- Swap oregano for thyme or rosemary
- Use bone-in chicken thighs for deeper flavor
- Add sliced onions or artichoke hearts for variety
- Garnish with capers for a briny kick
- Stir in spinach or cherry tomatoes in the last 30 minutes
Step-By-Step Instructions
This recipe is as simple as layering and letting your slow cooker do its thing.
- Prep the chicken. Pat the chicken dry and season both sides with salt, pepper, and oregano. (Seasoning before cooking locks in flavor.)
- Layer the ingredients. Place lemon slices at the bottom of your crockpot, then top with chicken breasts. Scatter minced garlic over the top.
- Add liquids. Pour in chicken broth and drizzle olive oil evenly. (This mixture keeps the chicken tender.)
- Slow cook to perfection. Cover and cook on low for 6–7 hours or on high for 3–4 hours, until the chicken is fork-tender.
- Finish and garnish. Remove chicken, spoon sauce over the top, and sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving.
Quick reminders:
- Don’t overfill the crockpot—leave room for air circulation.
- Use fresh lemons for the best flavor.
- Adjust salt at the end based on your broth.
- Save the cooking liquid—it’s a flavorful sauce.
Expert Tips For Success
Here’s how to make your Lemon Garlic Chicken taste restaurant-level.
- Sear the chicken for 2 minutes per side before adding it to the crockpot for richer flavor.
- Add lemon zest in addition to slices for stronger citrus aroma.
- Line the bottom with a few lemon slices to prevent sticking.
- If you prefer thicker sauce, stir in a teaspoon of cornstarch before serving.
- Add veggies like zucchini or asparagus in the last hour of cooking.
- Avoid overcooking—chicken breasts can dry if left too long.
- Garnish with extra parsley and a squeeze of lemon before serving.
This fresh, citrus-forward flavor pairs beautifully with my Greek Potato Salad or Coconut Chicken Rice Bowl for a balanced plate.
Serving Suggestions
This dish shines as both a light main course and a meal-prep hero.
- Serve with white rice or orzo pasta
- Pair with roasted vegetables or steamed broccoli
- Spoon over mashed potatoes for cozy comfort
- Try it with quinoa or couscous for a healthy twist
- Slice leftovers into wraps or salads
- Ideal for weekday lunches or dinner parties
I love serving it with my Fasolada Greek Soup for a complete Mediterranean-style meal.
Storing And Reheating
This dish stores like a dream and tastes even better the next day.
How To Store It
- Cool completely before storing
- Keep in airtight containers for up to 4 days
- Freeze for up to 3 months in sealed freezer bags
- Store sauce separately for best texture
- Label and date for freshness tracking
How To Reheat It
- Stovetop: Simmer on low with a splash of broth for 5–7 minutes
- Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals until warm
- Oven: 325°F for 10–12 minutes covered with foil
- Air fryer: 350°F for 5 minutes to re-crisp edges
- Always reheat with some sauce to keep it juicy
It stays tender and flavorful—just like my Chicken Madeira.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to sear the chicken first?
It’s optional, but searing adds great flavor and color before slow cooking.
Can I make it creamy?
Add a splash of heavy cream or coconut milk near the end of cooking for a silky sauce.
Is it freezer-friendly?
Yes, freeze in portions and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Final Thoughts
This Crockpot Lemon Garlic Chicken is everything home cooking should be—bright, wholesome, and full of comfort. With minimal effort, you get tender, flavorful chicken that feels gourmet but tastes like home.
- Fresh, light, and full of citrus flavor
- Perfect for weeknights or meal prep
- Healthy, hearty, and family-approved
When I need something simple yet satisfying, this is my go-to crockpot meal—fresh lemon, garlic, and love in every bite.
Crockpot Lemon Garlic Chicken
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Pat chicken dry and season with salt, pepper, and oregano.
- Place lemon slices in bottom of crockpot. Add chicken on top and scatter garlic over it.
- Pour chicken broth and drizzle olive oil over the chicken.
- Cover and cook on low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4 hours until tender.
- Remove chicken, spoon sauce over top, and garnish with fresh parsley.
Nutrition
Notes
- For deeper flavor, sear chicken briefly before slow cooking.
- Optional add-ins include spinach, cherry tomatoes, or artichoke hearts.
- Cooking liquid doubles as a sauce—save and serve with the dish.
