Easy Healthy Dinner: Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken
A light, protein-rich slow cooker chicken dinner with fresh lemon, garlic, and herbs. Minimal prep, bright flavor, and perfect for easy healthy weeknights.
Equipment
- Slow Cooker
- Measuring Cups
- Measuring spoons
- Microplane Zester
- Small Bowl
Ingredients
For the chicken base
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 4 cloves garlic minced
For the lemon herb liquid
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 lemon juiced and zested
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Optional additions
- 2 cups fresh spinach stir in near the end
- 1 cup asparagus pieces add in the last 20-30 minutes
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved (optional)
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley chopped, for serving
Instructions
- Pat the chicken breasts dry and season both sides with salt, pepper, oregano, thyme, and Italian seasoning.
- Place the chicken in the slow cooker in a single layer. Sprinkle minced garlic evenly over the top.
- In a small bowl, whisk together chicken broth, lemon juice, lemon zest, and olive oil. Pour the mixture around the chicken.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 4 to 5 hours, until the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) and is tender.
- If using spinach or asparagus, add during the last 20 to 30 minutes so they stay bright and tender.
- Spoon the lemon herb cooking liquid over the chicken. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve.
Notes
For best texture, cook on LOW. If you prefer a thicker sauce, remove the chicken at the end and simmer the cooking liquid in a saucepan for a few minutes to reduce. Leftovers reheat best over low heat with a splash of broth.