Busy weeknights call for simple yet satisfying meals, and this Slow Cooker Creamy Lemon Herb Chicken delivers just that. Imagine tender, juicy chicken enveloped in a luscious, aromatic sauce bursting with bright lemon and fresh herbs.
This family-friendly recipe requires minimal hands-on time, allowing your slow cooker to do all the hard work. Get ready to enjoy a stress-free and delicious dinner!
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love Slow Cooker Creamy Lemon Herb Chicken
You’ll quickly fall for this delightful Slow Cooker Creamy Lemon Herb Chicken because it makes dinner a breeze.
- Minimal Effort: Simply brown the chicken and toss everything into the slow cooker for hours of unattended cooking.
- Family Favorite: The mild, creamy flavor profile is a hit with both kids and adults, making mealtime enjoyable for everyone.
- Rich & Aromatic Sauce: A dreamy lemon cream sauce infused with rosemary elevates simple chicken to gourmet status.
- Versatile: This dish pairs beautifully with a variety of sides, from pasta to roasted vegetables.
- Perfect for Beginners: Our step-by-step guide ensures even novice cooks can achieve fantastic results.
Ingredients
Gather these simple ingredients to create your delicious Slow Cooker Creamy Lemon Herb Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Lean and tender.
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter: Adds richness and helps brown the chicken.
- 1 shallot, diced: Offers a milder, sweeter onion flavor.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: Essential aromatic for depth of flavor.
- 1 tablespoon fresh chopped rosemary: Provides an earthy, piney herb note.
- Zest from 1 lemon: Brings bright, concentrated lemon flavor.
- 1 ½ cups chicken broth: Forms the base of the savory sauce.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors in the dish.
- ¼ teaspoon pepper: A touch of warmth and spice.
- ½ cup heavy cream: Creates the rich, velvety texture of the sauce.
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch: Used to thicken the sauce to perfection.
Notes & Substitutions
- Feel free to customize your creamy lemon chicken recipe. You can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for an even richer flavor.
- For bone-in cuts, increase the cooking time slightly. Experiment with other fresh herbs like thyme or oregano, or use 1 teaspoon of dried herbs if fresh isn’t available.
- If you don’t have heavy cream, half-and-half can work, though the sauce will be thinner. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice at the end brightens the flavor even more.
- For an extra touch of indulgence, stir in a handful of grated Parmesan cheese with the cream.
Equipment
You won’t need many specialized tools for this easy chicken recipe.
- 6-quart slow cooker: The star of the show, making the chicken incredibly tender.
- Large skillet (if slow cooker lacks sauté function): For browning the chicken and aromatics.
- Small bowl: To whisk together the cornstarch slurry.
- Whisk: For ensuring a smooth, lump-free sauce.
Instructions For The Best Creamy Lemon Herb Chicken
Prepare to make the most delicious Slow Cooker Creamy Lemon Herb Chicken with these easy steps. The slow cooker truly simplifies the process, ensuring tender results every time.
- If your slow cooker has a sauté function, turn it on and melt the butter. Otherwise, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat with the butter.
- Add the chicken breasts to the hot butter. Brown them for 3-5 minutes on each side. They only need a golden crust, not to be fully cooked through.
- Stir in the diced shallot, fresh rosemary, and minced garlic into the slow cooker or skillet. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- If you used a separate skillet, carefully transfer the browned chicken and the shallot-garlic mixture into your slow cooker.
- Pour in the chicken broth, then stir in the bright lemon zest. Season generously with salt and pepper. This builds the foundational flavors for your creamy lemon chicken.
- Cover your slow cooker. Cook the chicken on high for 3-4 hours, or on low for 6 hours, until the chicken is wonderfully tender and easily shreddable.
- Once cooked, carefully remove the chicken breasts from the slow cooker. Place them on a plate and cover with foil to keep them warm while you finish the sauce.
- If your slow cooker has a sauté function, turn it on now. If not, carefully transfer the cooking liquid from the slow cooker into a large skillet over medium heat.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water until a smooth slurry forms. This will be your thickening agent.
- Add the heavy cream to the simmering juices in the slow cooker or skillet. Immediately stir in the cornstarch slurry.
- Continue to cook and stir for approximately 5 minutes, until the sauce visibly thickens to a lovely, creamy consistency. This step is crucial for the perfect Slow Cooker Creamy Lemon Herb Chicken.
- Drizzle the rich, creamy lemon herb sauce generously over your reserved tender chicken breasts. Garnish with a sprinkle of additional fresh rosemary, if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Pro Tips & Troubleshooting
- Achieving the perfect Slow Cooker Creamy Lemon Herb Chicken is easy with a few pointers. For perfectly tender chicken, avoid overcooking, especially on high.
- The USDA recommends cooking all poultry to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure safety.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) without drying out. To achieve an optimal sauce consistency, ensure your cornstarch slurry is completely smooth before adding it.
- Whisk it continuously into the hot liquid until thickened. Don’t skip browning the chicken; this step adds a crucial layer of flavor and color that makes a big difference to the final dish.
- If your sauce is too thick, thin it with a little extra chicken broth or water. If it’s too thin, create another small cornstarch slurry and whisk it in, cooking for a few more minutes.
Serving Suggestions, Storage & Variations
This Slow Cooker Creamy Lemon Herb Chicken pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. Spoon it over creamy mashed potatoes, fluffy white rice, or even pasta to soak up all that delicious sauce. Steamed green beans, roasted asparagus, or a simple side salad offer a fresh counterpoint.
To store leftovers, cool the chicken and sauce completely, then transfer them to an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For reheating, gently warm the chicken and sauce on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water if the sauce has thickened too much. Avoid high heat, which can cause the cream to separate.
Consider some variations for your creamy lemon chicken. For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes with the garlic. You can also incorporate chopped spinach or sun-dried tomatoes during the last 30 minutes of cooking for added vegetables and flavor. To make it gluten-free, ensure your chicken broth is gluten-free and use a gluten-free cornstarch.
Nutrition Information
Enjoy this delicious Slow Cooker Creamy Lemon Herb Chicken knowing its nutritional value per serving.
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 326 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 5 g |
| Protein | 26 g |
| Fat | 22 g |
| Saturated Fat | 13 g |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1 g |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 6 g |
| Trans Fat | 0.4 g |
| Cholesterol | 130 mg |
| Sodium | 650 mg |
| Potassium | 496 mg |
| Fiber | 0.4 g |
| Sugar | 2 g |
| Vitamin A | 750 IU |
| Vitamin C | 3 mg |
| Calcium | 40 mg |
| Iron | 1 mg |
Please note: Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does cornstarch do in recipes?
Cornstarch acts as a thickening agent, creating a smooth, glossy consistency in sauces and gravies. It’s especially effective in recipes like this Slow Cooker Creamy Lemon Herb Chicken for transforming thin liquids into rich sauces.
Can I freeze this chicken?
Freezing cream-based dishes can sometimes alter the sauce’s texture, causing it to separate upon thawing. While you can freeze the cooked chicken, the sauce might become grainy; for best results, it’s generally recommended to enjoy this dish fresh or refrigerate leftovers.
Conclusion
This Slow Cooker Creamy Lemon Herb Chicken is truly a game-changer for busy cooks seeking flavor without the fuss. It delivers wonderfully tender chicken in a vibrant, creamy lemon-herb sauce, making weeknight dinners feel special and effortless.
We hope you love how simple and delicious this recipe is, quickly becoming a staple in your home. Give this easy chicken dish a try tonight, and don’t forget to share your experience and comments below – we’d love to hear from you!
Slow Cooker Creamy Lemon Herb Chicken
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Melt butter in slow cooker with sauté function or in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Brown chicken breasts for 3–5 minutes per side, until golden.
- Stir in shallot, rosemary, and garlic; cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
- Transfer contents to slow cooker if using a skillet. Add broth, lemon zest, salt, and pepper.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 6 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours until chicken is tender.
- Remove chicken and keep warm. Combine cornstarch with cold water to make a slurry.
- Add cream and slurry to juices in slow cooker or skillet. Cook until thickened, about 5 minutes.
- Return chicken to sauce or drizzle sauce over chicken. Serve garnished with rosemary if desired.
Nutrition
Notes
- You can substitute chicken thighs for richer flavor, and half-and-half for a lighter sauce.
- Add lemon juice or Parmesan cheese for extra brightness.
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