When dinner smells good in my house, it makes me think of family time. Sharing a tasty meal is special, especially on busy nights. That’s why I love my crock pot lemon garlic butter chicken recipe.
It only takes 15 minutes to prepare. Then, I let the slow cooker do its magic. A few hours later, we have tender chicken in a yummy sauce. It’s perfect with fresh lemons and garlic.
This dish is a hit in our family. It makes everyone happy and full. Now, I want to teach you how to make it too!
What Makes This Recipe Special?
This lemon butter chicken recipe is special. It has great flavors and health benefits. It’s a top pick for healthy chicken dinners.
The mix of fresh garlic, zesty lemon juice, and rich butter makes it tasty. It uses 6-8 boneless chicken thighs. My family loves it.
Flavorful Ingredients
The ingredients make this recipe stand out. Each one adds its own flavor. This makes every bite full of taste.
- Fresh garlic
- Zesty lemon juice
- Rich butter
- 1 ½ cups of chicken broth
- ¼ cup of lemon juice
- 14 total ingredients enhance taste and texture
I like to try different ingredients. This includes chicken tenderloins and lemon zest. People say it’s “Super yummy” and “Absolutely delicious and flavorful.”
Health Benefits of Chicken
Chicken is great for health. This dish is full of nutrients. It has 197 calories, 26 grams of protein, and 4 grams of fat.
It’s low in carbs with only 13 grams. This makes it perfect for a healthy diet. You can store leftovers for up to 3 days or freeze them for 3 months.
| Nutritional Information | Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 197 |
| Protein | 26g |
| Fat | 4g |
| Carbohydrates | 13g |
Ingredients for Crock Pot Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken
Starting a dish is all about picking the right stuff. For this tasty chicken, I choose key ingredients. They make the flavors pop and make cooking easy. These ingredients help me make crock pot chicken dishes that wow everyone.
Essential Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 3 garlic cloves (minced) or 1 1/2 teaspoons of minced garlic
- 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup half and half
- 6 tablespoons unsalted Challenge Butter
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/8 teaspoon paprika
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 4 1/2 tablespoons cornstarch
Optional Ingredients for Extra Flavor
To make this chicken recipe even better, I add some extra ingredients. They give it a special taste:
- Crushed red chili flakes for a hint of heat
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Preparation Time and Cooking Duration
Knowing how long it takes to prepare and cook a meal is key for a good weeknight dinner. This crock pot lemon garlic butter chicken is quick to prepare. It only takes 10 minutes, making it great for when you’re in a hurry.
I can quickly wash and chop the ingredients. This lets me relax and look forward to enjoying the meal.
Quick Prep Guide
The first steps are to get all the ingredients ready and prep the chicken. Here’s a quick guide:
- Gather all necessary ingredients.
- Wash and chop the garlic and lemon.
- Season the chicken as desired.
- Place everything into the slow cooker.
Cooking Timeline
Now, it’s time to cook. You can choose between high or low settings:
| Cooking Method | Time |
|---|---|
| High | 3 to 4 hours |
| Low | 6 to 8 hours |
I prefer the low setting for a better flavor. When the chicken hits 165°F, it’s done. This way, I can plan my evening smoothly.
How to Make Crock Pot Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken
Making slow cooker lemon garlic chicken is easy. It’s a mix of tasty ingredients cooked slowly. This makes it a great choice for family dinners. Here’s how to make this tasty one-pot meal.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Start by putting 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts in a 4-quart crock pot.
- Then, add 4 quartered red potatoes and 1 lb. of fresh green beans on top.
- In a bowl, mix 2 lemons’ juice, 6 minced garlic cloves, and some dried thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Pour this mix over the chicken and veggies in the slow cooker.
- Put a stick of butter on top to add more flavor.
- Cover the crock pot and cook on low for 6 hours. This makes the chicken tender and full of flavor.
Cooking Techniques Explained
Using a slow cooker keeps the chicken moist and tasty. It’s great for busy nights because it cooks everything at once. The garlic and lemon juice mix adds a lot of flavor.
After cooking, serve the chicken with potatoes and green beans. You can store leftovers in the fridge for 3-4 days. They’ll still taste great.
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts | 4 pieces |
| Red Potatoes (quartered) | 4 potatoes |
| Fresh Green Beans | 1 lb. |
| Garlic (minced) | 6 cloves |
| Butter | 1 stick |
| Lemon Juice | Juice of 2 lemons |
| Dried Thyme | To taste |
| Salt and Pepper | To taste |
Serving Suggestions for Your Meal
Making your meal special is all about how you serve it. I like to show off the Crock Pot Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken. It looks great and smells amazing.
Delicious Side Dishes
For the best taste, try these sides:
- Fluffy white rice to soak up the sauce
- Quinoa for a nutty taste and crunch
- Zucchini noodles for a light choice
- Steamed veggies for freshness and color
- A crisp salad for a cool contrast
Creative Serving Ideas
Make your meal fun with these ideas:
- Serve chicken in bowls with lemon and herbs for a pop of color.
- Put chicken on a wooden board for a rustic feel.
- Use small ramekins for sauces like garlic aioli or yogurt.
Tips for the Best Slow Cooker Lemon Garlic Chicken
To make my Slow Cooker Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken better, I follow some key tips. These tips help make the dish taste great and last longer. Here are some tips to make your chicken recipe the best.
Making It Even More Flavorful
To get the best flavors, try these methods:
- Browning the chicken before cooking makes it taste richer.
- Adding fresh herbs like parsley or basil in the last 30 minutes makes it brighter.
- Try spices like paprika or thyme to add more flavor.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Storing leftovers right is important. Here’s how to do it:
- Put leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days.
- Freeze chicken in an airtight container for up to three months if you have more.
- Warm cooked chicken gently on the stove. Adding broth keeps it moist.
| Storage Method | Duration |
|---|---|
| Refrigerator | Up to 4 days |
| Freezer | Up to 3 months |
Why This Recipe is Perfect for Busy Families
This recipe for CrockPot Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken is great for busy families. It’s easy to make and doesn’t take much time. You can just set it and forget it, which is perfect for a busy day.
Time-Saving Benefits
It cooks slowly, so you don’t have to spend a lot of time in the kitchen. Just prep the ingredients in 10 minutes and let it cook. You can choose to cook it on high for 1 hour and 45 minutes or low for 3.5 hours.
This makes it perfect for families who are always on the go. You can enjoy a home-cooked meal without the hassle.
Kid-Friendly Appeal
This meal is loved by kids, making it a hit at family dinners. The flavors are mild and creamy, even the pickiest eaters love it. The butter and garlic sauce on tender chicken is a big hit.
Serve it with veggies or rice for a complete meal. It’s a nutritious option that kids will enjoy. When dinner is easy and fun, it brings everyone together.
Alternative Versions to Try
Exploring different versions of CrockPot Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken is fun. It fits many diets and tastes. You can make it for vegetarians or those who like other proteins.
Vegetarian Variations
Vegetarians can use seitan or mix veggies like mushrooms, carrots, and bell peppers. These soak up the butter sauce well. They make a tasty dish that’s good on its own or as a side.
The cooking time for veggies is similar to the chicken. This ensures they’re tender and full of lemon-garlic flavor.
Different Protein Options
There are many proteins you can try. Skinless chicken breasts or thighs are juicy and tender. Fish is also a great choice for a change.
Cooking time for fish is shorter. So, check it often to catch the perfect flavor. You can also try rotisserie-style chicken for a crispy crust.
| Protein Option | Cooking Method | Cooking Time |
|---|---|---|
| Skinless Chicken Breasts | Slow Cooker | 4 to 6 hours on HIGH |
| Chicken Thighs | Slow Cooker | 4 to 6 hours on HIGH |
| Fish (e.g., Salmon) | Slow Cooker | 2 to 3 hours on HIGH |
| Seitan | Slow Cooker | 4 to 6 hours on HIGH |
These changes make it easy for everyone to enjoy a meal. Trying new ingredients adds a twist to the classic lemon and garlic flavors. It’s still satisfying and tasty.
Conclusion
Thinking about the crock pot lemon garlic butter chicken, I’m so glad I tried it. It’s a favorite in our home. It’s easy to make and tastes amazing.
This recipe is good for you too. It’s got lots of flavor and health benefits. People who’ve made it give it a high rating of 4.87 out of 5.
It’s quick to prepare and cooks in just 4 hours. It’s perfect for families because it serves four. Plus, it’s not too many calories at 367 per serving.
The mix of lemon, garlic, and chicken is a hit with everyone. Kids and adults love it.
In short, this chicken dish is special. It brings us together for dinner without the hassle. I highly suggest trying it out. It’s a favorite for sure!
