Slow Cooker Lemon Chicken

This Slow Cooker Lemon Chicken is pan-seared and then placed in a slow cooker with a mix of fresh herbs, lemon juice, and chicken broth. Hours later, this tender chicken covered in a rosemary lemon reduction sauce is dripping with intense flavor.

slow cooker lemon chicken with sliced lemons over angel hair pasta

You can prepare this recipe in 15 minutes or less before you head out for the day, making it a home run for a busy weeknight meal. By the end of the day, the slow cooker will fill your kitchen with an intoxicating aroma of rosemary and lemon.

All you have to do is sink your teeth into every savory bite of this Lemon Chicken and relish in the knowledge that your slow cooker did all the hard work.

What is Lemon Chicken?

Lemon Chicken is baked chicken with a twist of fresh lemon! The tangy lemon flavor blends with herbs and seasonings to take this slow cooked chicken from ordinary to mouth-watering. 

fresh rosemary over angel hair pasta with sliced chicken

How Do I Store Lemon Chicken?

You can store Lemon Chicken in an airtight container and refrigerate it for up to 5 days. I recommend putting the chicken in a container and then pouring the remaining sauce on top. “Drowning” the chicken in the reduction sauce causes the flavors to merge, making the leftovers arguably better than the original dish. 

Can I Freeze Chicken that is already cooked?

You can safely store cooked chicken in an airtight, freezer-safe container for up to 4 months. Thaw the chicken in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in the slow cooker, oven, or microwave until heated. I would freeze the chicken and the reduction sauce separately.

side view of rosemary slow cooker lemon chicken over angel hair pasta with fresh lemons

You can pour the remainder of the juice/broth mixture into a quart-sized freezer bag and store the bag in the container with the cooked chicken. Melt the sauce in a pot over the stove while the chicken is in the oven. If you plan to reheat Lemon Chicken in your slow cooker, place the chicken and the remaining sauce in the pot together. Select the “keep warm” setting and serve once thoroughly heated.

What can I serve with Lemon Chicken?

Serve Lemon Chicken over Instant Pot Chipotle Rice or alongside Summer Couscous Salad. Lemon Chicken also pairs well with Instant Pot Green Beans and Potatoes.

over head shot of sliced slow cooker lemon chicken with fresh herbs, lemons, and angel hair pasta

Tips for Making Lemon Chicken

  • I recommend salting the chicken 3-24 hours in advance. The salt tenderizes the meat to release maximum flavor during the cooking process.
  • Use low-sodium chicken broth and add salt to your taste during the reduction process. Taste test once you are happy with the sauce texture and then salt as needed. 
  • Garnish the chicken with lemon and rosemary springs.

Recommended 

Ground Beef Stroganoff
Instant Pot Thai Chicken Thighs
Olive Garden Copycat Instant Pot Zuppa Toscana

lemon chicken jus being pour over rosemary chicken with fresh sliced lemons

Notes 

I know you’ll love this Lemon Chicken recipe as much as I do. But, before you dive into this recipe, here are a few suggestions:

  • Wrap the chicken in tin foil while you make the reduction sauce to allow the meat to rest in its juice. This will lock in the flavor until you’re ready to enjoy. 
  • Avoid overcrowding the chicken in the skillet so each piece sears evenly to a golden brown. Remove the chicken just as it starts to brown to avoid over-cooking and drying out.
  • Be sure to whisk the cornstarch slurry constantly until the juice/broth mixture boils down to a gravy-like consistency.

Substitutions

  • Rosemary Sprigs – If you don’t have fresh Rosemary Sprigs on hand, you can use dried rosemary. Use ½ tsp of dried Rosemary per Rosemary Sprig. 
  • Lemon – If you use bottled lemon juice rather than freshly squeezed lemons in this recipe, use 1 tsp of bottled lemon juice per lemon. 
  • All-purpose flour – If you are in a pinch for cornstarch, add all-purpose flour to the lemon/broth mixture 2-3 Tbsp at a time until it reaches the desired consistency. You will need to use more to get the desired result of the cornstarch slurry. Whisk constantly or use an immersion blender to ensure there are no lumps in your lemon/broth mixture.
sliced chicken over angel hair pasta with lemon butter sauce

More Yummy Quick and Easy Recipes You’ll Enjoy

If you like this Slow Cooker Lemon Chicken recipe, you’ll want to try some of our other easy weeknight meals! Try any from the list below.

Marry Me Chicken
Oven Broiled Chicken Thighs
Air Fryer Turkey Breast
Mississippi Chicken Sliders
Zucchini Ravioli Recipe
Instant Pot Broccoli Cheddar Soup
Instant Pot Hamburger Helper

Yield: 4-6 servings

Slow Cooker Lemon Chicken

Slow Cooker Lemon Chicken

All you have to do is sink your teeth into every savory bite of this Lemon Chicken and relish in the knowledge that your slow cooker did all the hard work.

Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 3 hours 30 minutes
Total Time 3 hours 45 minutes

Ingredients

  • 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • ½ teaspoon sea salt
  • ½ teaspoon cracked black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon oregano
  • 2 lemons, juices
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 3 sprigs of rosemary
  • cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water)

Instructions

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add butter and allow to melt.

Pat chicken breast dry and season both sides with sea salt and cracked pepper. Add chicken to pan and sear to a light golden brown color on both sides, about 3-4 minutes per side (approximately).

Remove chicken and place into a slow cooker. To the pan, add lemon juice, chicken broth, and rosemary. Allow to simmer for 1 minute. Remove from heat.

Add oregano to the chicken in the slow cooker. Pour ingredients from the pan over the chicken. Cook on high for 3 1/2 - 4 hours or low for 7 hours.

Once done, remove the chicken and set aside. Pour liquid contents into a pan, and place over high heat. Add your cornstarch slurry and lightly whisk. Continue to whisk until it comes to a gentle boil. Remove from heat, and serve over chicken.

Notes

You can serve over your favorite choice of pasta or rice. I serve over an angel hair pasta, and used the broth to flavor the pasta.

Did you make this recipe?

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