This Slow Cooker Creamy Lemon Herb Chicken is an easy and flavorful dish that brings tender chicken breasts to life with a luscious, creamy lemon sauce. With the addition of Italian seasoning, garlic, and lemon zest, this dish is both tangy and savory. Set it and forget it in the slow cooker, and enjoy a restaurant-quality meal with minimal effort.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup reduced-sodium chicken broth
• 2 cloves garlic, smashed
• 3/4 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 3/4 teaspoon salt, divided
• 3 (10 to 12 ounces) chicken breasts, halved horizontally to get 6 cutlets
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• Lemon wedges (optional, for serving)

Directions:

1. Prepare the chicken: Season the chicken cutlets with 1/2 teaspoon salt and black pepper on both sides.
2. Sear the chicken (optional but recommended for extra flavor): In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken cutlets and sear them for about 2-3 minutes per side, until golden brown. Transfer the seared chicken to the slow cooker.
3. Make the sauce: In the same skillet, add the chicken broth, smashed garlic, heavy cream, Italian seasoning, and the remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt. Stir to combine and scrape up any bits from the bottom of the skillet.
4. Cook in the slow cooker: Pour the sauce over the chicken in the slow cooker. Cover and cook on low for 3-4 hours or until the chicken is tender and fully cooked.
5. Thicken the sauce: Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the slow cooker and set it aside. In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with a little water to form a slurry. Stir this slurry into the sauce in the slow cooker and cook on high for about 10-15 minutes until the sauce thickens.
6. Finish the dish: Stir in the lemon zest and lemon juice to the sauce. Return the chicken to the slow cooker, coating it in the creamy sauce.
7. Serve: Serve the chicken with a generous spoonful of the creamy lemon sauce. Garnish with lemon wedges if desired.

Nutrition Facts (per serving):

• Calories: Varies depending on portion size
• Fat: Varies
• Carbs: Varies (from cream and cornstarch)
• Protein: Varies (from chicken)

Why Slow Cooker Recipes Are So Popular

Slow cooker recipes have gained immense popularity for their ease and convenience. One of the greatest benefits of using a slow cooker is the ability to prepare a meal in the morning or early afternoon and return home to a fully cooked dinner. The slow cooking process helps to tenderize tough cuts of meat, infuse flavors, and create rich, comforting meals with minimal effort.

For this particular recipe, the slow cooker works its magic on the chicken cutlets, ensuring they become tender and juicy while absorbing the flavors of the creamy lemon sauce. The slow cooker also allows you to set it and forget it, freeing you up to handle other tasks or simply relax without worrying about the stove.

The Perfect Chicken Breasts for This Dish

The choice of chicken breasts for this recipe is not arbitrary. Skinless, boneless chicken breasts are ideal for slow cooking, as they are lean yet absorb the flavors of the sauce well. By halving the chicken breasts horizontally into cutlets, you not only reduce the cooking time but also ensure that each piece of chicken cooks evenly and gets coated in the creamy sauce. This step results in chicken that is tender and moist, with the sauce penetrating the meat for maximum flavor.

Chicken breasts are a versatile protein, easy to cook, and relatively low in fat, making them a popular choice in many households. When cooked properly, chicken breasts can be juicy and flavorful, but they do require careful attention to avoid drying out. This is where the slow cooker truly shines, as the long cooking process keeps the chicken moist and tender while allowing it to soak up the flavors of the sauce.

The Creamy Sauce: A Luscious Combination of Flavors

The sauce in this recipe is the true star, balancing the richness of heavy cream with the bright, tangy flavors of lemon. The base of the sauce is made from a combination of chicken broth, heavy cream, Italian seasoning, garlic, and salt, creating a smooth, flavorful foundation. The garlic adds a depth of savory flavor, while the Italian seasoning contributes a fragrant mix of herbs that complement the richness of the cream.

The real magic of this sauce happens when the lemon zest and lemon juice are stirred in at the end of the cooking process. The lemon zest brings a fresh, aromatic citrus note to the sauce, while the lemon juice adds a burst of tanginess that cuts through the creaminess, creating a perfect balance of flavors. The acidity from the lemon helps to brighten the dish and prevents the sauce from feeling too heavy, giving it a refreshing quality.

The Role of the Cornstarch

To achieve the right consistency for the sauce, cornstarch is used as a thickening agent. This step ensures that the sauce is velvety and rich, without being too runny. By creating a slurry with cornstarch and water, you can easily incorporate the thickener into the sauce without any lumps. The result is a smooth, luscious sauce that coats the chicken beautifully, making each bite indulgent and satisfying.

Searing the Chicken: An Optional Step, But Worth It

While this step is optional, searing the chicken cutlets before adding them to the slow cooker adds an extra layer of flavor and texture to the dish. Searing the chicken in olive oil creates a golden-brown crust on the chicken that not only enhances the flavor but also gives the chicken a bit of caramelized depth. The fond (the flavorful bits that stick to the pan) that forms during searing is deglazed with the chicken broth and heavy cream, adding even more flavor to the sauce.

If you’re in a rush, you can skip the searing step and simply add the seasoned chicken directly to the slow cooker. However, if you’re looking for that extra depth of flavor, taking a few minutes to sear the chicken beforehand will make a noticeable difference.

Cooking Time and Temperature: Ensuring Perfect Results

The key to this recipe is allowing the chicken to cook low and slow, which ensures that it stays juicy and tender while absorbing the flavors of the sauce. Cooking the chicken for 3 to 4 hours on low in the slow cooker allows the meat to become fork-tender without drying out. If you prefer, you can cook the chicken on high for a shorter period, but low and slow is ideal for achieving the best results.

Once the chicken is fully cooked, you’ll want to remove it from the slow cooker temporarily to thicken the sauce. Adding the cornstarch slurry and allowing the sauce to simmer for 10 to 15 minutes on high will give you a rich, creamy consistency that coats the chicken perfectly.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

This creamy lemon chicken pairs wonderfully with a variety of side dishes. For a complete meal, consider serving it with a side of steamed vegetables, such as green beans or asparagus, which will add a fresh contrast to the rich sauce. Alternatively, mashed potatoes, rice, or even a simple salad make great accompaniments, as they can help absorb the delicious sauce.

For a more indulgent option, you can serve this dish with buttery pasta or a bed of quinoa. The creamy lemon sauce will elevate any side dish, creating a well-rounded meal that’s both satisfying and flavorful.

Lemon wedges are a great addition for serving, as they allow each person to squeeze a little extra citrus juice over the chicken for an added burst of freshness.

Conclusion: A Simple Yet Flavorful Dish

Slow Cooker Creamy Lemon Chicken is a perfect example of how simple ingredients can come together to create a dish that is both comforting and exciting. The slow cooker takes care of the cooking, allowing you to focus on other tasks, while the combination of lemon, garlic, and cream creates a sauce that is indulgent yet bright. The result is a dish that’s perfect for busy nights, dinner parties, or any occasion where you want a meal that feels special without requiring too much effort.

Whether you’re a seasoned slow-cooker pro or a newcomer to the world of slow-cooked meals, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your repertoire. The creamy, tangy sauce, tender chicken, and perfectly cooked sides make it a meal everyone will love. So, fire up your slow cooker and get ready for a deliciously simple dinner that’s sure to impress!