Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken Breast Effortless Weeknight Winner
Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken Breast Effortless
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts
Recipe Introduction
Quick Hook
Ever craved a Sunday roast chicken, but, like, without actually doing a Sunday roast? This slow cooker chicken breast recipe is your answer! Get ready for that tangy lemon herb chicken recipe goodness, all done in your crock pot.
Brief Overview
Slow cookers are kitchen heroes, aren't they? This easy chicken dinner comes from the desire for a comforting and juicy chicken breast recipe without any hassle.
This crock pot chicken breast recipe is super simple. It takes around 4 hours, serves 4 hungry people and is beginner friendly.
Main Benefits
Honestly, the best thing about this recipe is how healthy it is. It's packed with lean protein. Think about serving this up for a weeknight chicken recipes , when you're too knackered to even think about cooking! It's special because it's so versatile – shove it in salads, sandwiches, or just scoff it straight from the pot.
Why This Slow Cooker Chicken Breast Rocks
I'm all about minimal effort, maximum flavour, you know? This best slow cooker chicken breast recipe is exactly that. It's slow cooker boneless chicken breast at its easiest and most delicious.
And the aroma that fills your house while it's cooking? Oh my gosh, incredible!
This recipe is basically a dump-and-go affair. And honestly, who doesn't love a good shredded chicken recipe slow cooker ? Use two forks.
Boom, done! That's all you need. And the best bit? This slow cooker chicken breast with lemon practically cooks itself.
Time to Prep! Ingredients & Equipment for the Best Slow Cooker Chicken Breast
Right then, let's get this sorted. Before we dive headfirst into making this easy chicken dinner you'll need a few bits.
Nothing too fancy, mind you, just the basics to whip up this delightful slow cooker chicken breast with lemon . Trust me, this lemon herb chicken recipe is a game-changer, even if you normally end up with chicken drier than the Sahara!
Main Ingredients for Juicy Goodness
- 1.5 lbs ( 680g ) boneless, skinless chicken breasts . Now, listen up! Get decent chicken. Not the watery stuff, yeah? You want chicken that looks pink, plump, and actually smells like chicken.
- 1 tbsp ( 15ml ) olive oil – for a quick sear if you're feeling fancy.
- 1 medium yellow onion, sliced – the base for flavour.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced – because garlic makes everything better.
- 1 lemon, thinly sliced, plus 1 tbsp ( 15ml ) lemon juice. Honestly, fresh lemon is the key to a good slow cooker chicken breast . The bottled stuff just doesn't cut it.
- 1 tbsp ( 6g ) dried Italian herb blend. I use a mix of rosemary, thyme, and oregano if I don't have a blend handy.
- 1 tsp ( 6g ) salt
- 1/2 tsp ( 3g ) black pepper
- 1/2 cup ( 120ml ) chicken broth. Low sodium is your friend here.
Seasoning Notes for Amazing Flavour
This lemon herb chicken recipe relies on simple but effective flavours. The Italian herb blend is essential. Don’t skimp! Feel free to chuck in a bay leaf or a pinch of red pepper flakes if you fancy a bit of a kick.
For a really lovely aroma, add the lemon zest to this shredded chicken recipe slow cooker . You can use any of your herbs.
This is a great weeknight chicken recipes !
Essential Equipment
You don't need much for this crock pot chicken breast recipe.
- A slow cooker (at least 3-quart).
- A small skillet (optional, for searing).
- Chopping board and a sharp knife.
- Measuring spoons and cups.
Honestly, that’s it. You can easily get away with using a regular pan if you don’t have a skillet for searing.
Just don’t burn the chicken! The slow cooker boneless chicken breast will become one of your favorite slow cooker chicken recipes .
Once you try this, you'll never look for another recipe for juicy chicken breast recipe . If you follow this one you will know exactly best slow cooker chicken breast .
Get Ready for Effortless Flavor with Slow Cooker Chicken Breast
Honestly, who doesn't love an easy chicken dinner ? This slow cooker chicken breast recipe is about to become your new best mate in the kitchen.
I'm talking juicy chicken breast recipe perfection, thanks to the magic of low and slow cooking. Forget dry, boring chicken – this is a game-changer.
Ready to dive into a lemon herb chicken recipe that practically cooks itself? This one will give your Sunday roast a run for it's money!
Prep Like a Pro for Slow Cooker Success
First, let's get our ducks in a row. That means proper mise en place, like the French chefs say. Grab your 1.
5 lbs (680g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts , 1 medium yellow onion , 2 cloves of garlic , 1 lemon , plus some herbs and spices.
Slice the onion and lemon while mincing the garlic. This lemon herb chicken recipe practically assembles itself! Having everything prepped saves you time and makes cooking stress-free.
Remember to wash your hands before you start, yeah? Hygiene first, always!
Step-by-Step to the Best Slow Cooker Chicken Breast
Right, here's how we turn simple ingredients into a culinary masterpiece, no sweat:
- Optional, but recommended: Sear chicken breasts in a skillet with 1 tbsp (15ml) olive oil for 2- 3 minutes per side . This adds a great crust.
- Line the bottom of your slow cooker with the sliced yellow onion .
- Place the seared (or unseared) chicken breasts on top of the onions.
- Sprinkle with the minced garlic , 1 tbsp (6g) dried Italian herb blend , 1 tsp (6g) salt , and 1/2 tsp (3g) black pepper .
- Arrange thinly sliced lemon over the chicken and drizzle with 1 tbsp (15ml) lemon juice .
- Pour in 1/2 cup (120ml) chicken broth .
- Cook on low for 4- 6 hours or high for 2- 3 hours , or until the internal temperature reaches 165° F ( 74° C) .
- Shred and serve.
Pro Tips for Maximum Flavour
Want to take your slow cooker chicken breast with lemon to the next level? Sear the chicken! That little bit of browning adds a massive flavour boost.
Don't overcook it! Use a meat thermometer. 165° F ( 74° C) is your magic number. What about making it ahead? Assemble everything in the slow cooker the night before, store it in the fridge, and then just turn it on in the morning.
This makes for a perfect weeknight chicken recipes . I bet you'd want this best slow cooker chicken breast recipe on repeat
Alright, there you have it. A shredded chicken recipe slow cooker style that's easy, delicious, and perfect for any night of the week.
Now go on, give it a go, and let me know what you think!
Recipe Notes: Your Slow Cooker Chicken Breast Cheat Sheet
Right then, you've got the recipe for my Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken Breast , which is honestly one of the easiest weeknight chicken recipes I know.
But before you dive in, here are a few extra bits and bobs to make sure it turns out tip-top.
Ace Serving Suggestions
Plating Power: For presentation, shred the juicy chicken breast recipe and pile it high on a plate. Drizzle with the slow cooker chicken breast with lemon juices from the pot.
Garnish with fresh parsley or some extra lemon slices to make it look fancy, even if it took zero effort.
I sometimes even serve it straight from the crock pot chicken breast for a rustic vibe.
Sidekicks: This easy chicken dinner goes brilliantly with creamy mashed potatoes. Or, you know, if you're feeling healthy, some steamed broccoli or a crisp green salad.
A glass of chilled white wine is also a winner. Honestly, any side dishes will be delicious with our best slow cooker chicken breast .
Smart Storage Tips
Fridge Rules: If you have any leftover shredded chicken recipe slow cooker , let it cool completely. Then, pop it in an airtight container and stick it in the fridge.
It'll happily keep for about 3-4 days. I sometimes prep a big batch for easy lunches during the week.
Freezer Frenzy: Fancy freezing it? Absolutely! Portion it out into freezer bags or containers. It will be good for up to 3 months.
Don't forget to label it, so you don't end up with mystery meat later.
Reheating Rituals: To reheat, either microwave it until piping hot or gently warm it up in a pan on the hob. Adding a splash of chicken broth will help keep it moist.
Fab Variations: Tweak Your Chicken!
Dairy-Free Delight: Just skip the cream in the recipe if you are allergic to lactose. Works like a charm!
Seasonal Swaps: In the summer, swap the dried herbs for fresh ones from your garden. Basil and oregano would be amazing.
Nutrition Nuggets
- The Basics: Each serving clocks in at roughly 250 calories, 40g of protein, 8g of fat, 5g of carbs.
- Protein Powerhouse: This slow cooker boneless chicken breast recipe is packed with protein. Protein is essential for muscle repair, keeping you feeling full and satisfied.
So, there you have it. All the insider info for making this lemon herb chicken recipe a total success. And if anything goes wrong, don't worry – just have a go.
Happy cooking, and let me know how it goes! This is one of those great slow cooker chicken recipes .
Frequently Asked Questions
How long exactly should I cook my slow cooker chicken breast so it doesn't end up like shoe leather?
Nobody wants dry chicken! For the best results, cook your slow cooker chicken breast on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours. The most important thing is to use a meat thermometer; chicken breast is cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Overcooking will dry it out, so keep a close eye on that thermometer, alright?
Can I put frozen chicken breast in the slow cooker, or will I end up poisoning everyone?
While it might seem like a time-saver, it's generally not recommended to cook frozen chicken breast in a slow cooker. The chicken may spend too long in the 'danger zone' of temperatures where bacteria can thrive. It's much safer to thaw your chicken in the fridge overnight before adding it to the slow cooker. Better safe than sorry, eh?
My slow cooker lemon herb chicken looks a bit...pale. How do I get that nice golden-brown colour like in the pictures?
The key to adding color and flavor is searing the chicken before it goes into the slow cooker. Just a quick sear on each side in a hot pan with a little oil will do the trick – about 2-3 minutes per side. This step is totally optional, but it really does make a difference! If you are after added depth, before serving you can also put the shredded chicken under the broiler to get some colour.
What can I do with leftover slow cooker chicken breast besides just eating it as is? I'm not a fan of boring leftovers.
Oh, the possibilities are endless! Shredded slow cooker chicken breast is brilliant in tacos or quesadillas. You could also use it to top a salad, make a chicken salad sandwich, or even add it to a creamy pasta bake. Think of it as a blank canvas for all your culinary creations – you'll be sorted for days.
Is this slow cooker chicken breast recipe healthy? I'm trying to be good, you know.
Absolutely! This recipe is packed with protein and relatively low in fat, especially if you use lean chicken breasts and don't add too much extra oil. It's also a great source of nutrients from the lemon and herbs. To make it even healthier, serve it with plenty of vegetables and a whole-grain side like quinoa or brown rice.
How do I store leftover slow cooker chicken breast, and how long will it last in the fridge?
Store leftover slow cooker chicken breast in an airtight container in the fridge. It will keep for up to 3-4 days. Make sure the chicken has cooled down before you pop it in the fridge. If you want to freeze it, portion it out into freezer-safe bags or containers and it will keep for up to 2-3 months. Defrost thoroughly before reheating.
