Slow Cooker Creamy Lemon Chicken Recipe
This Slow Cooker Creamy Lemon Chicken recipe features juicy boneless skinless chicken breasts cooked to perfection in a rich, buttery lemon sauce. With simple ingredients and a hands-off slow cooking method, this delicious dish delivers a perfect balance of tangy lemon flavor and creamy texture, ideal for an easy and comforting dinner.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 hours
- Total Time: 5 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 5 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Chicken
- 5 chicken breasts, boneless and skinless
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon coarse ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Butter and Flavorings
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
- 2 lemons, juiced and zested
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
Sauce
- 1 cup half and half
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon chicken base (optional but recommended)
Instructions
- Season and Sear the Chicken: In a large cast iron skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium-high heat. Season the chicken breasts with kosher salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. Add the chicken to the pan and cook for 4-6 minutes per side until nicely browned.
- Transfer to Slow Cooker: Place the seared chicken breasts into the slow cooker.
- Add Lemon and Butter: Pour the lemon juice and sprinkle the lemon zest over the chicken, then add the minced garlic along with the remaining butter, distributing it in pieces on top of the chicken. Avoid cooking the lemons beforehand; they are added fresh to the slow cooker for bright flavor.
- Slow Cook the Chicken: Cover and cook on low for 4 hours or on high for 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld and the chicken to become tender.
- Prepare the Cream Sauce: In a large measuring cup or bowl, whisk together the half and half, cornstarch, and chicken base until smooth.
- Add Sauce and Finish Cooking: Pour the half and half mixture into the slow cooker with the chicken and stir gently. Cook on high for an additional 1 hour, allowing the sauce to thicken and become creamy.
- Serve: Once the sauce has thickened and the chicken is fully cooked and tender, serve hot with your favorite sides.
Notes
- For best results, use fresh lemons for juice and zest to maximize flavor.
- You can substitute chicken base with chicken broth if preferred, but it may affect the richness of the sauce.
- To make the sauce thicker, add a little more cornstarch, but make sure to whisk it well to avoid lumps.
- This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed vegetables, rice, or mashed potatoes.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.