Description
This Slow Cooker Lemon Chicken is a simple, flavorful dish featuring tender chicken breasts simmered in a zesty lemon and caper sauce. Perfect for busy days, the slow cooker does all the work, resulting in juicy, aromatic chicken infused with garlic, Italian seasoning, and a buttery lemon broth.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasoning
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 (0.6-oz) packet Italian dressing mix
- 2 garlic cloves, crushed
- 3 Tbsp capers, drained
Liquids and Fats
- 2 Tbsp butter
- ¼ cup lemon juice
- ½ cup chicken stock
- Olive oil, for browning (approximately 1-2 Tbsp)
Instructions
- Brown the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the chicken breasts for about 2 minutes on each side until they start to turn golden brown. This step adds flavor and texture before slow cooking.
- Prepare Slow Cooker: Transfer the browned chicken breasts into a 6-quart slow cooker. Sprinkle the Italian dressing mix evenly over the chicken. Add the crushed garlic cloves, butter, capers, fresh lemon juice, and chicken broth on top.
- Slow Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low heat for 6 hours. This slow cooking process infuses the chicken with the bright lemon and savory caper flavors while making it tender and juicy.
Notes
- For best flavor, use fresh lemon juice rather than bottled.
- Chicken breasts can be substituted with thighs for a juicier result.
- Adjust the amount of capers to taste for more or less tanginess.
- You can thicken the sauce after cooking by transferring it to a pan and simmering or adding a cornstarch slurry if desired.
- Serve this lemon chicken over rice, pasta, or with steamed vegetables to complete the meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
