Imagine coming home to a kitchen filled with the most incredible aroma of tender, juicy chicken bathed in a creamy, zesty sauce that practically melts in your mouth. This Slow Cooker Creamy Lemon Chicken is not just a meal - it's a culinary experience that transforms ordinary weeknight dinners into something extraordinary. With minimal prep time and maximum flavor, this recipe is about to become your new go-to comfort dish that will have everyone at the table asking for seconds!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 6 hrs
Total Time: 6 hrs 10 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 lemon, juiced and zested
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken breasts by patting them dry with paper towels and seasoning generously with salt and pepper on both sides.
- Place the seasoned chicken breasts into the bottom of a 6-quart slow cooker in a single layer.
- In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together chicken broth, minced garlic, fresh lemon juice, and lemon zest until well combined.
- Pour the liquid mixture over the chicken breasts, ensuring they are mostly covered but not completely submerged.
- Cover the slow cooker and set to low heat. Cook for 5-6 hours, or until the chicken is tender and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- During the last 30 minutes of cooking, carefully stir in the heavy cream to create a rich, creamy sauce.
- Once cooking is complete, remove the chicken breasts and transfer to a serving platter.
- If desired, use a whisk to blend the remaining sauce in the slow cooker until smooth and creamy.
- Spoon the creamy lemon sauce over the chicken breasts.
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and additional lemon zest if desired.
- Serve hot with your choice of rice, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad.
Tips
- Choose high-quality, fresh chicken breasts for the best texture and flavor.
- Pat the chicken dry before seasoning to help the salt and pepper adhere better and create a more flavorful crust.
- Use fresh lemon juice and zest instead of bottled for a brighter, more vibrant citrus flavor.
- Don't overcook the chicken - use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches exactly 165°F for perfect tenderness.
- For an extra creamy sauce, whisk the heavy cream thoroughly and add it during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- If the sauce is too thin after cooking, you can reduce it on the stovetop or thicken with a cornstarch slurry.
- Experiment with additional herbs like thyme or rosemary for added depth of flavor.
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking to allow the juices to redistribute, ensuring maximum moisture.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 3g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 19g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 120mg
