Slow Cooker Italian Lemon

This Slow Cooker Italian Lemon Chicken recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you want a satisfying, flavorful meal without fuss. It features tender chicken breasts slowly cooked in a bright lemon broth infused with zesty Italian seasonings. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep time, you’ll have a cozy dinner that feels both fresh and comforting.

I first made this recipe on a busy weeknight and was amazed how the slow cooker did all the work. My family keeps requesting it because the chicken stays so tender and full of flavor every time.

Ingredients

• Four boneless skinless chicken breasts: choose even sized breasts for uniform cooking
• Half teaspoon coarse salt: enhances the natural flavors without overpowering
• Quarter teaspoon pepper: adds gentle heat
• Quarter teaspoon garlic powder: gives a savory note without the need to chop fresh garlic
• Quarter cup all purpose flour: lightly coats the chicken for a subtle crust and thickens the sauce
• Five tablespoons unsalted butter, sliced: adds richness and depth use high quality butter for best flavor
• One packet Good Seasons Italian Dressing Seasoning Mix: the main seasoning blend check that it is fresh for vibrant herbs and spices
• Half cup fresh lemon juice: provides bright citrus zing fresh juice works best for authentic flavor
• Three quarters cup low sodium chicken broth: balances citrus and keeps chicken moist without too much salt

Instructions

Sear the Chicken:

Coat a 6 quart slow cooker with nonstick spray for easy cleanup. Season chicken evenly with salt, pepper, and garlic powder on both sides. Lightly dredge each breast in flour and shake off any excess. Heat one tablespoon of butter in a large nonstick skillet over medium high heat until bubbly. Add chicken and cook 3 minutes per side, forming a golden brown crust which locks in moisture and boosts flavor.

Assemble in Slow Cooker:

Transfer seared chicken to the slow cooker in a single layer. Evenly sprinkle the Italian dressing seasoning mix over each breast, ensuring every bite is well seasoned. Slowly pour fresh lemon juice and chicken broth over the chicken for a tangy, savory broth.

Add Butter and Cook:

Place remaining slices of butter evenly on top of the chicken breasts to melt slowly, enriching the sauce. Cover with the slow cooker lid and cook on low for 4 hours or until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Cooking low and slow keeps the chicken tender without drying it out.

Serve and Enjoy:

Once cooked, gently slice or shred chicken with two forks. Serve over cooked white rice and your favorite roasted vegetables. Spoon some of the luscious lemon broth over the dish for extra moisture and bright flavor.

My favorite ingredient is the Italian dressing mix which is such a time saver and delivers a complex herb blend every single time. This recipe reminds me of cozy Sunday dinners when my family gathered around the table, savoring this simple but delightful chicken dish.

Storage tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days. Reheat gently in a covered skillet or microwave to avoid drying out the chicken.

Ingredient substitutions

If you don’t have Good Seasons Italian Dressing Mix use a homemade blend of dried oregano, basil, parsley, onion powder, and a touch of grated Parmesan for a similar flavor profile. Fresh garlic can replace garlic powder for more punch, but reduce quantity to one or two cloves minced.

Serving suggestions

Serve this chicken over fluffy white rice or creamy mashed potatoes to soak up the lemon broth. Roasted green beans or sautéed spinach make excellent vegetable sides that complement the citrus flavors.

This bright, tender slow cooker chicken is perfect for busy weeknights and freezes well for future meals. Serve over rice or mashed potatoes and spoon the lemon broth over the top for extra flavor.

Common Questions About Recipes

→ What type of chicken is best for this dish?

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are preferred for even cooking and to absorb the lemon and Italian flavors effectively.

→ Can I use fresh Italian herbs instead of seasoning mix?

Yes, a blend of dried oregano, basil, and parsley can be used as a substitute to maintain the authentic Italian flavor profile.

→ How can I prevent the chicken from drying out?

Cooking on low heat in a slow cooker and monitoring the internal temperature helps retain moisture and tenderness.

→ What side dishes pair well with this meal?

Steamed rice, roasted vegetables, or sautéed greens complement the citrusy chicken and soak up the flavorful broth.

→ Is it possible to prepare this dish without a slow cooker?

Yes, you can cook the chicken gently on the stovetop in a covered pan on low heat, stirring occasionally to keep the sauce smooth.