Description
This Slow Cooker Lemon Chicken is a simple and flavorful dinner option perfect for any night of the week. Tender chicken breasts are slow cooked in a bright and savory lemon sauce infused with rosemary, garlic, and a touch of heat from red pepper flakes. The rich sauce is thickened with cream and cornstarch for a luscious finish, making this dish comforting and elegant.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasoning
- 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 3 large breasts)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, minced
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
Sauce
- 1 cup chicken broth
- ⅓ cup fresh lemon juice (about 1 ⅓ lemons)
- 3 tablespoons salted butter
- ½ tablespoon minced roasted garlic
- ¼ cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
For Serving
- Fresh rosemary sprigs
- Lemon slices
Instructions
- Season the Chicken: In a small bowl, mix together the salt, black pepper, onion powder, red pepper flakes, and minced rosemary. Evenly sprinkle this seasoning blend on both sides of the chicken breasts. Set aside.
- Prepare the Sauce Base: In the slow cooker basin, whisk together the chicken broth, fresh lemon juice, salted butter, and minced roasted garlic until combined to create a flavorful sauce base.
- Cook the Chicken: Place the seasoned chicken breasts in a single layer inside the slow cooker. Cover with the lid and cook on low for 4 hours or on high for 2 hours, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and is tender.
- Thicken the Sauce: Once the chicken is cooked, carefully remove ¼ cup of the cooking broth and transfer it to a small bowl. Stir in the heavy cream and cornstarch until smooth. Pour this mixture back into the slow cooker and gently stir to combine with the sauce around the chicken, allowing it to thicken.
- Serve: Spoon the thickened lemon sauce over the chicken breasts. Garnish with fresh rosemary sprigs and lemon slices. Serve warm for a comforting and bright meal.
Notes
- To ensure the chicken stays juicy, avoid overcooking and check internal temperature to ensure it reaches 165°F.
- You can adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to control the heat level according to your preference.
- Serve this dish with steamed vegetables, rice, or mashed potatoes to complete the meal.
- If you prefer a dairy-free version, substitute the butter with olive oil and omit the heavy cream or use a dairy-free cream alternative.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
