Description
This Slow Cooker Lemon Chicken is a flavorful and easy-to-make dish perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner. Tender chicken breasts are lightly seared and slow-cooked with a zesty combination of lemon juice, garlic, capers, Italian dressing mix, and butter, resulting in a juicy and aromatic meal with minimal effort.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Seasonings
- 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 searing
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken breasts for about 2 minutes on each side just until they start to turn golden brown. This step locks in moisture and adds flavor. Then, transfer the chicken to a 6-quart slow cooker.
- Add seasonings and liquids: Sprinkle the Italian dressing mix evenly over the chicken in the slow cooker. Add the crushed garlic cloves, butter, drained capers, fresh lemon juice, and chicken stock. These ingredients combine to create a bright, savory cooking liquid that will infuse the chicken with vibrant flavors.
- Slow cook the chicken: Cover the slow cooker with its lid and cook on low heat for 6 hours. The long, gentle cooking process tenderizes the chicken and allows the flavors to meld beautifully, resulting in a succulent and aromatic dish ready to serve.
Notes
- For best results, do not overcook the chicken in the skillet; just a quick sear is needed.
- You can substitute fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary to add extra fragrance if desired.
- Serve over rice, pasta, or with steamed vegetables to complete the meal.
- Check seasoning before serving and add salt or pepper as preferred.
