Welcome to your next favorite dinner idea! If you’re looking for a delicious, comforting meal that practically cooks itself, you’ve come to the right place. The Slow Cooker Creamy Lemon Herb Chicken is a delightful dish that combines tender chicken breasts with a rich and tangy lemon herb sauce, all made effortlessly in your slow cooker. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family gatherings, allowing you to focus on your day while a mouthwatering meal slowly develops in your kitchen. The combination of creamy textures, zesty flavors, and aromatic herbs makes this dish one that your family will love and request time and again.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There are countless reasons to fall in love with the Slow Cooker Creamy Lemon Herb Chicken. First and foremost, the convenience of a slow cooker cannot be overstated. Simply season your chicken, sear it for a few minutes, and let the slow cooker do its magic while you go about your day.
- Easy Preparation: With minimal prep time, you can have this dish cooking in less than 15 minutes. Just season, sear, and combine!
- Flavorful Sauce: The creamy lemon herb sauce is a burst of flavor that perfectly complements the tender chicken. Each bite is a delightful mix of tanginess and richness.
- Versatile Dish: This recipe can easily be adjusted to suit your taste. Add in vegetables like spinach or mushrooms for added nutrition or serve it over pasta, rice, or even mashed potatoes.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a double batch for leftovers or meal prep for the week. The flavors intensify as it sits, making it even better the next day!
- Family-Friendly: This dish appeals to all age groups, making it a hit with kids and adults alike. Its creamy texture and inviting flavors make it easy to please even the pickiest eaters.
Why You Should Try This Recipe
If you haven’t yet made the Slow Cooker Creamy Lemon Herb Chicken, here’s why it should be next on your to-cook list:
- Healthful Ingredients: The ingredients are simple yet wholesome, including boneless, skinless chicken breasts, which are a lean source of protein, and a flavorful sauce made from chicken broth, heavy cream, and fresh herbs.
- Low Effort, High Reward: The slow cooker allows for hands-off cooking, meaning you can set it and forget it. Come home to a delicious meal without the last-minute rush!
- Impressive Presentation: This dish looks as good as it tastes. The creamy sauce and vibrant herbs make for an appealing plate that you can proudly serve to guests.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a special gathering, this dish fits seamlessly into any occasion, sure to impress your guests.
- Customizable: Feel free to adapt the recipe to your liking! Consider adding fresh vegetables, experimenting with different herbs, or adjusting the level of creaminess.
Ingredients and Necessary Utensils
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons lemon zest
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Necessary Utensils:
- Slow cooker
- Skillet
- Bowl for mixing
- Whisk or fork for combining ingredients
- Tongs for handling chicken
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Serving platter or bowls
- Knife and cutting board for seasoning
Detailed Recipe Steps
- Prepare the Chicken: Start by seasoning the chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper on both sides. This step is crucial for bringing out the flavors.
- Sear the Chicken: In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken breasts and sear them for about 3-4 minutes on each side until they are golden brown. This will lock in moisture and add flavor. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
- Make the Sauce: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, heavy cream, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, lemon zest, garlic powder, thyme, and rosemary until smooth and well combined. This creamy sauce is what makes the dish special!
- Combine in Slow Cooker: Place the seared chicken breasts in the slow cooker. Pour the creamy lemon herb sauce evenly over the chicken, ensuring it’s well covered.
- Cook: Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The chicken is ready when it is cooked through and tender enough to shred easily.
- Serve: Once cooked, you can either shred the chicken right in the slow cooker using two forks or serve it whole. Stir the sauce to combine and spoon it over the chicken. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken breasts for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts. However, cooking times may vary, and it’s best to cook on high for at least 4-5 hours instead of low.
What can I serve with Slow Cooker Creamy Lemon Herb Chicken?
This dish pairs beautifully with rice, pasta, or a fresh green salad. You can also serve it with mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, you can substitute the heavy cream with coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative to make it dairy-free.
How can I store leftovers of Slow Cooker Creamy Lemon Herb Chicken?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave before serving.
Can I add vegetables to this slow cooker dish?
Absolutely! Adding vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or carrots can enhance the meal’s nutrition and flavor. Just be sure to cut them into small pieces for even cooking.
Conclusion
The Slow Cooker Creamy Lemon Herb Chicken is a perfect addition to your weeknight dinner rotation. With its rich flavors and tender chicken, it’s sure to become a family favorite. Remember to share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below, and don’t forget to share this recipe with friends and family. Happy cooking!
For more delicious recipes, check out our other slow cooker favorites like Slow Cooker Cheesy Chicken Enchilada Casserole and Slow Cooker Creamy Beef Stroganoff! Also, feel free to explore our Pinterest for more culinary inspiration!
Slow Cooker Creamy Lemon Herb Chicken
Equipment
- Slow Cooker
- Skillet
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 pieces Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup Chicken broth
- 1 cup Heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons Lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons Lemon zest
- 1 teaspoon Garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon Dried rosemary
- to taste Salt and pepper
- 1 tablespoon Olive oil
- for garnish Fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
Instructions
- Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides.
- In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and sear for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove from heat and set aside.
- In a bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, heavy cream, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, lemon zest, garlic powder, thyme, and rosemary until well combined.
- Place the seared chicken breasts in the slow cooker. Pour the creamy lemon herb sauce over the chicken.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
- Once cooked, shred the chicken in the slow cooker using two forks, or leave it whole. Stir the sauce to combine. Serve warm, garnished with fresh parsley.
