There’s something so comforting and wholesome about home-cooked meals, especially when they’re dripping with rich, creamy flavors. From a hearty stew to a light salad, nothing beats the joy of savoring a dish that’s been lovingly prepared. Today, we’re taking you on a flavor adventure with our Slow Cooker Creamy Lemon Herb Chicken. This delightful recipe is the epitome of comfort food – it’s hearty, creamy, and packed with the zest of lemon and the aroma of herbs.
The beauty of this recipe lies not just in its flavors, but also in its simplicity and convenience. Thanks to your trusty slow cooker, you can just throw in all the ingredients and leave it to cook, while you attend to other tasks. It’s the perfect dish for those busy days when you crave a homemade meal but don’t have much time to spare in the kitchen. So, let’s dive into the recipe and its ingredients.
Main Ingredient: Chicken
The main ingredient of this recipe is, of course, chicken. Here we’re using boneless, skinless chicken breasts that are both healthy and easy to work with. If you prefer dark meat, you can substitute with chicken thighs. Just remember to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Using a slow cooker allows the chicken to absorb all the flavors while retaining its moisture and tenderness. This results in a succulent, juicy chicken that’s so tender, it falls off the fork.
Flavor Profile: Lemon and Herbs
The secret to the tantalizing flavor profile of this dish lies in the Lemon and Herbs. Freshly squeezed lemon juice adds a bright, tangy zest that cuts through the creaminess of the sauce. It complements the chicken beautifully, enhancing its natural flavor without overpowering it.
For the herbs, we’re using a combination of thyme and rosemary. Both these herbs pair wonderfully with chicken and lemon, adding a fragrant, earthy depth to the dish.
Richness: Heavy Cream
What makes this dish irresistibly rich and satisfying is the heavy cream. It adds a luscious, velvety texture that makes every bite a delight. As the chicken cooks, the cream thickens, creating a flavorful sauce that’s perfect for spooning over rice or pasta.
For a healthier alternative, you can substitute the heavy cream with coconut milk or Greek yogurt. Both options will give the dish a creamy consistency, without the extra calories.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 lemons, juiced
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme
- 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary
Instructions
- Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
- Heat the olive oil in a pan and sear the chicken breasts on both sides. Transfer to the slow cooker.
- Add the minced garlic, chicken broth, heavy cream, lemon juice, thyme, and rosemary to the slow cooker.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 4-6 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
- Adjust seasoning if necessary, and serve hot with rice or pasta.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-8 hours on low, 4-6 hours on high
- Total Time: 6-8 hours 15 minutes to 8 hours 15 minutes
Nutrition Information
- Servings: 4
- Calories: 460
- Fat: 24g
- Protein: 43g
- Carbohydrates: 12g