Creamy Lemon Garlic Chicken cooked in a Crock Pot is an easy and flavorful dish that’s perfect for any night of the week. The chicken breasts or thighs are browned and then slow-cooked to perfection in a rich broth with lemon juice, garlic, and Italian seasoning. After cooking, the broth is thickened with a cream and cornstarch mixture, creating a luscious sauce to pour over the tender chicken and your favorite pasta. Garnished with honey, lemon slices, and fresh herbs, this dish is sure to impress!
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."