Slow Cooker Italian Lemon

This Slow Cooker Italian Lemon Chicken is a bright and zesty dish that turns simple chicken breasts into a flavorful, tender meal with minimal effort. Perfect for busy weeknights, it infuses the chicken with fresh lemon juice and classic Italian seasonings, slowcooked to juicy perfection. The recipe requires just a handful of ingredients and produces a comforting dish that pairs wonderfully with rice or roasted vegetables.

I first made this on a hectic weekday and loved how the lemon flavor made the house smell fresh and inviting. Now it’s a go to whenever I want something simple but special on the table.

Ingredients

• Boneless skinless chicken breasts: Four about six ounces each choose firm fresh chicken for best texture
• Coarse salt: Half a teaspoon to season and enhance natural chicken flavor
• Freshly ground pepper: Quarter teaspoon adds a subtle kick
• Garlic powder: Quarter teaspoon for gentle aromatic flavor linger
• Allpurpose flour: Quarter cup to lightly coat the chicken creating a nice crust during searing
• Unsalted butter: Five tablespoons sliced and divided for richness and that silky finish
• Good Seasons Italian Dressing Seasoning Mix: One packet for authentic Italian herb notes if not available use an Italian herb blend with oregano basil and parsley
• Fresh lemon juice: Half a cup bring out bright citrus freshness avoid concentrate for clean taste
• Lowsodium chicken broth: Three quarters cup balances the lemon and keeps chicken moist

Instructions

Prepare the Slow Cooker and Chicken:

Lightly grease a sixquart slow cooker with a nonstick spray to prevent sticking. Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Sprinkle salt pepper and garlic powder evenly on both sides of each breast. Next, coat each piece lightly in the flour shaking off any excess to avoid clumping during cooking.

Sear Chicken for Flavor:

Heat one tablespoon of unsalted butter in a large nonstick skillet over mediumhigh heat until melted and bubbly. Add the chicken breasts and cook for three minutes on each side until they develop a golden brown crust. This step locks in juices and adds a delicious caramelized flavor base for the slow cooker broth.

Layer Ingredients in the Slow Cooker:

Transfer the seared chicken breasts to the slow cooker insert. Evenly sprinkle the Italian Dressing Seasoning Mix over each breast. Pour fresh lemon juice slowly over the chicken followed by the chicken broth. Distribute the remaining butter slices evenly on top.

Cook Low and Slow:

Cover the slow cooker with its lid and cook on low for four hours or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Avoid overcooking to keep the chicken moist and tender rather than dry and tough.

Serve:

Gently slice or shred the cooked chicken. Serve warm over cooked white rice and your choice of roasted or steamed vegetables. Spoon some of the lemony broth from the slow cooker over the top for extra flavor and moisture before enjoying your meal.

This dish reminds me of family dinners where fresh lemon was always the secret to lightening up rich flavors and making meals feel special without fuss.

Storage Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The lemon broth helps keep the chicken moist upon reheating. For longer storage freeze in a freezersafe container for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before warming gently on the stove or microwave.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don’t have Italian Dressing Seasoning Mix use a combination of dried oregano dried basil and parsley as a substitute. Butter can be swapped for olive oil for a dairy free option with a slightly different flavor profile. Lemon juice fresh is best but bottled lemon juice can be used in a pinch though the flavor is less bright.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this chicken over a bed of fluffy white or brown rice to soak up the lemon broth. Roasted vegetables like asparagus or zucchini complement the citrus notes perfectly. A simple side salad with a light vinaigrette keeps the meal fresh and well balanced.

Searing adds depth while the lemon keeps the dish bright. It’s ideal for simple weeknight dinners or meal prep.

Common Questions About Recipes

→ What cut of chicken works best for this dish?

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal since they cook evenly and absorb the lemon and Italian flavors well.

→ Can I cook this dish without a slow cooker?

Yes, you can simmer the chicken gently on the stove or use a covered oven dish at low heat, adjusting cooking time as needed.

→ How do the Italian dressing seasonings enhance the flavor?

The seasoning mix adds aromatic herbs and spices that blend perfectly with the lemon, creating a bright and zesty flavor profile.

→ What sides pair well with this lemon chicken?

Simple white rice, peas, roasted vegetables, or a light salad complement the dish’s citrusy and buttery notes beautifully.

→ How can I ensure the chicken stays tender and moist?

Slow cooking on low heat and avoiding overcooking helps maintain juicy, tender chicken breasts infused with the flavorful broth.