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This Crock Pot Lemon Garlic Chicken transforms simple chicken breasts into a mouthwatering meal with bright citrus notes and savory garlic flavor. The slow cooking process ensures tender, juicy chicken while the Italian seasonings infuse every bite with Mediterranean flair.
I first made this chicken when I needed a hands off dinner during a particularly busy week. The aroma that filled my kitchen had everyone asking when dinner would be ready, and now it appears on our menu at least twice a month.
Ingredients
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts: cut into thirds or chicken tenders. The smaller pieces cook more evenly and absorb more flavor
- All purpose flour: creates a light coating that helps lock in moisture and thickens the sauce
- Oil or butter: for browning the chicken and developing rich flavor
- Salt and pepper: enhance the natural flavor of the chicken
- Good Seasons Italian dressing mix: provides a perfect blend of herbs and seasonings without measuring multiple spices
- Minced garlic: adds essential savory depth to the dish
- Fresh lemon juice: brightens the entire dish with its zesty acidity
- Chicken broth: forms the base of the sauce while adding savory richness
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken:
- Coat the chicken pieces lightly in flour, being careful to shake off any excess. This light dusting helps the chicken brown beautifully and will thicken your sauce later. Place the coated pieces on a plate while you prepare to cook them.
- Brown the Chicken:
- Heat your oil or butter in a large skillet over high heat until it shimmers. Working in batches to avoid overcrowding, add half the chicken pieces and brown them for about 3 minutes per side until they develop a golden crust. Season with salt and pepper while they cook. Remove the first batch, add more oil if needed, and repeat with remaining chicken.
- Assemble in Slow Cooker:
- Transfer all the browned chicken pieces to your crock pot, arranging them in an even layer. Sprinkle the Italian dressing mix evenly over the chicken pieces, making sure each piece gets seasoned. Add the minced garlic, distributing it throughout.
- Add Liquids and Cook:
- Pour the chicken broth and fresh lemon juice over the seasoned chicken. Cover the crock pot with its lid and set to cook on low heat for approximately 3 to 3½ hours until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
The Italian dressing mix is truly the secret ingredient in this recipe. I discovered its versatility years ago and now keep several packets in my pantry for quick flavor boosters. The blend of herbs and seasonings eliminates the need for measuring multiple spices while creating perfect flavor every time.
Serving Suggestions
This versatile chicken pairs beautifully with so many sides. For a complete meal, serve over buttered egg noodles or fluffy white rice to soak up the delicious sauce. Roasted potatoes and steamed green vegetables like broccoli or green beans make excellent accompaniments. For a lighter option, serve with a crisp green salad and crusty bread for dipping in the sauce.
Make Ahead and Storage
The lemon garlic chicken stores beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in an airtight container. The flavors actually improve overnight as they continue to meld. To reheat, place in a covered skillet with a splash of chicken broth over medium heat until warmed through. For longer storage, freeze portions in freezer safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Easy Variations
Turn this recipe into a complete one pot meal by adding vegetables to the crock pot. Baby carrots, quartered red potatoes, or mushrooms work wonderfully when added at the beginning of cooking time. For a creamy version, stir in 1/4 cup of heavy cream or cream cheese during the last 30 minutes of cooking time. If you prefer a Mediterranean twist, add 1/2 cup of pitted kalamata olives and 1 tablespoon of capers before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs work well in this dish and provide a juicier texture with the same delicious flavors.
- Can I add vegetables to the crock pot?
Absolutely. Carrots, potatoes, or green beans can be added for a complete one-pot meal.
- What if I don't have Italian dressing mix?
You can substitute with a mix of Italian herbs like oregano, basil, thyme, and garlic powder.
- How can I thicken the sauce?
Remove the cooked chicken and simmer the sauce on the stove, adding a cornstarch slurry until it thickens.
- Can this be made without a crock pot?
Yes, simply simmer all ingredients in a large pot over low heat until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
