Savory Lemon Herb Slow Cooker Chicken

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook: 6 hours 30 min
🍽 Serves: 6
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Get ready to fall in love with this Savory Lemon Herb Slow Cooker Chicken. This dish is a breeze to prepare and fills your home with the comforting aroma of herbs and citrus. Perfect for busy days, it’s a set-it-and-forget-it recipe that results in tender, flavorful chicken every time.

Ingredients for Savory Lemon Herb Slow Cooker Chicken

Whole chicken: The star of the dish, absorbing all the wonderful flavors. Aim for a fresh, quality chicken for the best outcome.

Lemon: Adds a bright, zesty flavor that complements the herbs beautifully. Slicing it allows the juices to permeate the chicken.

Garlic: Provides a savory depth that enhances the overall taste. Mince it finely to ensure it melds well with the chicken.

Dried rosemary and thyme: These herbs bring an earthy, fragrant element to the dish. They hold up well during slow cooking.

Salt and black pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance all the other flavors.

Olive oil: Helps the herbs adhere to the chicken and adds a touch of richness.

Chicken broth: Keeps the chicken moist and adds a subtle depth of flavor.

Tips & Tricks

  • For an extra burst of flavor, add a splash of white wine to the broth.
  • If you prefer crispy skin, pop the chicken in the oven under the broiler for a few minutes after slow cooking.
  • Don’t discard the broth — it makes a fantastic base for soups or gravies.

Serving Suggestions

This chicken pairs wonderfully with roasted vegetables like carrots and potatoes or a simple green salad. For something heartier, serve it alongside a creamy risotto or garlic mashed potatoes. The light lemon and herb flavors complement a variety of side dishes, so feel free to get creative!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken pieces instead of a whole chicken?
Yes, you can. Adjust the cooking time accordingly, as pieces will cook faster.
What if I don’t have a slow cooker?
You can use a Dutch oven and cook it in the oven at 325°F for about 2-3 hours.
Can I add vegetables to the slow cooker?
Absolutely! Potatoes, carrots, and onions work well. Add them around the chicken at the beginning.

Savory Lemon Herb Slow Cooker Chicken Recipe Walkthrough

Start by giving your whole chicken a quick rinse under cold water, then pat it dry with paper towels. This ensures the seasoning sticks well. Once dried, season the inside of the chicken generously with salt and black pepper. Stuff the cavity with lemon slices and minced garlic. This step infuses the chicken from the inside out, ensuring every bite is flavorful.

Next, in a small bowl, combine olive oil, dried rosemary, dried thyme, a bit more salt, and pepper. Mix them until you have a nice, even paste. Rub this herby mixture all over the exterior of the chicken. Don’t be shy — make sure to cover every nook and cranny.

Place the seasoned chicken into your slow cooker. Pour chicken broth around it, which helps keep the chicken juicy and creates a simple, flavorful broth. Cover the slow cooker and let it work its magic. Set it to cook on low for 6-7 hours, or if you’re in a rush, on high for 4 hours. You’ll know it’s ready when the chicken is tender and practically falls off the bone.

Once the chicken is cooked to perfection, carefully transfer it to a serving platter. Slice it up and serve while it’s warm, letting those delicious aromas fill the kitchen.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Aromatic herbs infuse the chicken with incredible flavor.
  • The slow cooker does all the hard work for you.
  • Minimal prep time makes it perfect for busy weekdays.
  • A healthy, comforting meal that pleases the whole family.
  • Versatile leftovers that can be used in various dishes.

Ingredients

4 lbs whole chicken
1 large lemon, sliced
6 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp dried rosemary
1 tbsp dried thyme
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/4 cup olive oil
1 cup chicken broth

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Rinse and pat dry the chicken.
2. Season the inside of the chicken with salt and pepper, then stuff with lemon slices and minced garlic.
3. In a small bowl, mix olive oil, rosemary, thyme, salt, and pepper.
4. Rub the mixture over the exterior of the chicken.
5. Place chicken in the slow cooker and pour chicken broth around it.
6. Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 4 hours, until the chicken is tender and falls off the bone.
7. Once cooked, transfer chicken to a serving platter, slice, and serve.

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