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This Crock Pot Lemon Garlic Chicken turns ordinary chicken breasts into an amazing dinner with zesty lemon hints and rich garlic taste. The slow cooking makes the chicken incredibly tender while Italian seasonings pack every mouthful with wonderful Mediterranean flavor.
I started making this chicken when I needed something easy during a crazy busy week. Everyone kept asking when dinner would be ready because the smell filled our home, and it's now a regular meal we enjoy twice monthly.
Ingredients
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts: divided into thirds or use chicken tenders. Smaller cuts cook better and soak up more taste
- All purpose flour: forms a thin layer that keeps moisture in and helps thicken your sauce
- Oil or butter: for getting that tasty brown color on the chicken
- Salt and pepper: bring out the chicken's natural goodness
- Good Seasons Italian dressing mix: gives you the perfect herb blend without needing lots of different spices
- Minced garlic: brings important savory depth to your meal
- Fresh lemon juice: adds that tangy kick that lifts the whole dish
- Chicken broth: creates the sauce base while adding rich flavor
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken:
- Dust your chicken pieces lightly with flour and tap off extra. This thin coating helps your chicken get that nice brown look and will make your sauce thicker later. Set the coated pieces aside on a plate.
- Brown the Chicken:
- Warm your oil or butter in a big skillet on high until it's hot and shiny. Work with half the chicken at a time so the pan isn't crowded, and cook for about 3 minutes on each side until golden. Add salt and pepper while cooking. Take the first batch out, add more oil if needed, and do the same with the rest.
- Assemble in Slow Cooker:
- Put all your browned chicken into your crock pot in a flat layer. Sprinkle the Italian dressing mix all over the chicken so each piece gets flavor. Add the minced garlic, spreading it around evenly.
- Add Liquids and Cook:
- Pour your chicken broth and fresh lemon juice over everything. Put the lid on your crock pot and cook on low for about 3 to 3½ hours until the chicken feels tender and is fully cooked.
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That Italian dressing mix really makes this dish special. I found out how handy it was years ago and now I always keep packets in my pantry for quick flavor boosts. It saves you from measuring tons of different spices but still gives perfect taste every time.
Serving Suggestions
This chicken goes well with so many different sides. For a full meal, put it on buttery egg noodles or fluffy white rice that can soak up all that yummy sauce. Roasted potatoes and steamed veggies like broccoli or green beans work great too. If you want something lighter, try a fresh green salad and some crusty bread for dipping in the sauce.
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Make Ahead and Storage
You can keep this lemon garlic chicken in your fridge for up to 3 days in a sealed container. It actually tastes better the next day as the flavors keep blending. To warm it up, put it in a covered pan with a little chicken broth over medium heat until hot. If you want to save it longer, you can freeze portions in freezer containers for up to 3 months. Just thaw in your fridge overnight before heating up.
Easy Variations
Make this into a complete one-pot dinner by throwing in some veggies with the chicken. Baby carrots, red potatoes cut in quarters, or mushrooms work great when you add them at the start of cooking. Want it creamy? Just mix in 1/4 cup of heavy cream or cream cheese during the last 30 minutes. For a Mediterranean twist, toss in 1/2 cup of pitted kalamata olives and 1 tablespoon of capers right before serving.
FAQs About the Recipe
- → Will chicken thighs work instead of chicken breasts?
Definitely! Chicken thighs are actually a great choice for this dish and they'll give you an even juicier result with all the same amazing flavors.
- → Can I throw some veggies in with everything?
For sure. Try adding some chopped carrots, chunks of potato, or fresh green beans to make it a complete meal in one pot.
- → What can I use if I don't have any Italian dressing mix?
You can easily make your own blend using dried oregano, basil, thyme, and a bit of garlic powder instead.
- → Any tips to make the sauce thicker?
Just take the chicken out when it's done, then let the sauce bubble on the stove and stir in a mix of cornstarch and water until it gets nice and thick.
- → Can I make this without using a slow cooker?
You sure can. Just put everything in a big pot and let it cook gently on low heat until your chicken is soft and fully cooked.