This Creamy Lemon Garlic Chicken cooked in a Crock Pot is the perfect dish for a comforting and flavorful dinner. The chicken is slow-cooked to tender perfection in a rich lemon-garlic broth, then finished with a creamy sauce that’s perfect for serving over pasta. With a drizzle of honey and a garnish of fresh herbs, this dish is sure to be a hit at your table.
INGREDIENTS
- ⅓ cup finely diced onion: Adds a subtle sweetness and depth to the sauce.
- 5 small whole garlic cloves: Infuses the broth with a rich, aromatic flavor.
- ¼ cup freshly squeezed lemon juice: Provides a tangy, bright note that balances the richness of the cream.
- 1 cup chicken broth: Forms the base of the cooking liquid, enhancing the chicken’s flavor.
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning and dressing mix powder: Adds a blend of herbs and spices for a well-rounded flavor.
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes: Adds a subtle kick of heat; adjust to taste.
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs: The main protein, browned first to enhance flavor.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Used for browning the chicken and adding richness to the dish.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning the chicken before cooking.
- ½ cup heavy cream: Creates a luscious, creamy sauce to finish the dish.
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch: Used to thicken the sauce to the perfect consistency.
- 5 lemon slices: Adds a fresh, citrusy garnish.
- 2 tablespoons honey: Drizzled over the chicken for a touch of sweetness.
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley or basil: Provides a fresh, herbaceous finish.
- Your favorite pasta: Serve the chicken and sauce over pasta for a complete meal.
INSTRUCTIONS
- Step 1:
- Dice the onion and peel the garlic cloves. Squeeze the lemon juice to prepare the ingredients.
- Step 2:
- In a 6-quart slow cooker, combine the chicken broth, lemon juice, whole garlic cloves, diced onion, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes.
- Step 3:
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sprinkle salt and pepper on both sides of the chicken breasts or thighs. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until browned. The chicken doesn’t need to be fully cooked, just browned.
- Step 4:
- Transfer the browned chicken to the slow cooker. After removing the chicken from the skillet, use a little chicken broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up all the browned bits, and add to the slow cooker.
- Step 5:
- Cover the slow cooker with the lid and cook on HIGH for 4 hours or on LOW for 6 hours. Adjust the cooking time as needed based on your slow cooker.
- Step 6:
- Once the cooking time is over, ladle out the broth and pour it into a small saucepan. Bring it to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Step 7:
- Mix the heavy cream and cornstarch in a jar with a tight-fitting lid. Shake well to combine.
- Step 8:
- Pour the cream slurry mixture into the boiling broth and whisk until it thickens, about 1 minute.
- Step 9:
- Return the thickened broth to the slow cooker and set it to warm until ready to serve.
- Step 10:
- Serve the chicken and sauce over cooked pasta. Drizzle honey over the chicken and garnish with lemon slices and chopped parsley or basil.
Serving and Storage Tips
- Serve this Creamy Lemon Garlic Chicken over your favorite pasta, such as fettuccine or linguine, to soak up the rich and tangy sauce.
- Garnish with lemon slices, a drizzle of honey, and a sprinkle of fresh parsley or basil for a burst of color and freshness.
- If you have leftovers, store the chicken and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- To reheat, warm the chicken and sauce gently in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions, but be sure to cover them to retain moisture.
Helpful Notes
- For a lower-carb option, serve the chicken over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles instead of pasta.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can add an extra tablespoon of cornstarch to the cream mixture before thickening.
- This recipe is versatile and can be made with chicken thighs for a juicier, more flavorful result, or with chicken breasts for a leaner option.
Tips from Well-Known Chefs
- Chef Ina Garten: "When using fresh lemon juice, always zest the lemons before juicing. The zest adds an extra layer of bright, citrusy flavor to your dish."
- Chef Tyler Florence: "Browning the chicken before adding it to the slow cooker enhances the depth of flavor in the final dish. Don't skip this step!"
- Chef Giada De Laurentiis: "For a touch of Italian authenticity, finish the dish with a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese before serving."