Slow Cooker Creamy Lemon Butter Chicken

Slow Cooker Creamy Lemon Butter Chicken is a rich and flavorful dish where tender chicken simmers in a creamy, buttery lemon sauce that’s both bright and comforting. It’s a hands-off recipe that delivers a restaurant-quality meal with minimal effort—perfect for busy days when I want something hearty and delicious waiting for me.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how simple this recipe is—just toss everything into the slow cooker and let it do the work. The chicken turns out juicy and tender, and the lemon butter sauce is velvety and packed with flavor. It’s the kind of dish that feels indulgent but is still easy enough for a weeknight. I often serve it over mashed potatoes, rice, or pasta to soak up every drop of that creamy sauce.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts

• Salt and pepper

• Garlic, minced

• Onion, finely chopped

• Butter

• Lemon juice

• Lemon zest

• Chicken broth

• Heavy cream or half-and-half

• Parmesan cheese, grated

• Italian seasoning

• Cornstarch (optional, for thickening)

• Fresh parsley (for garnish)

Directions

1. I season the chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.

2. In a skillet, I melt the butter and lightly brown the chicken on both sides for a few minutes to add flavor (optional, but I like the extra depth it gives).

3. I transfer the chicken to the slow cooker, then add garlic, onion, lemon juice, lemon zest, chicken broth, and the remaining butter.

4. I cover and cook on low for 4–5 hours or on high for 2–3 hours, until the chicken is tender and cooked through.

5. About 30 minutes before serving, I stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese.

6. If the sauce is too thin, I mix a little cornstarch with water and stir it in to thicken.

7. I cover and cook for the remaining time, then garnish with fresh parsley and serve.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4 to 6 people. Prep takes about 10–15 minutes, and cook time is 4–5 hours on low or 2–3 hours on high. Total time varies depending on the setting used, but it’s largely hands-off.

Variations

Sometimes I add baby spinach or sun-dried tomatoes during the last 30 minutes of cooking for extra flavor and color. For a lighter version, I use half-and-half instead of heavy cream. I also swap chicken thighs for breasts when I want a leaner option, though thighs stay juicier in the slow cooker. If I want a slightly tangier dish, I add a splash of white wine with the broth.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I warm it on the stove over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce if needed. This dish also freezes well—though the cream might separate slightly, a quick stir usually brings it back together.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken?

I don’t recommend adding frozen chicken directly to the slow cooker due to food safety concerns. I always thaw it first for even cooking.

How do I thicken the sauce?

If the sauce is too runny for my liking, I stir in a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water) about 30 minutes before it’s done cooking.

Can I skip searing the chicken?

Yes, but I like to sear it for extra flavor and better texture. If I’m short on time, I skip it and it still turns out delicious.

What should I serve this with?

I usually serve it over mashed potatoes, pasta, or rice. It’s also great with roasted vegetables or crusty bread to soak up the sauce.

Is this dish very lemony?

It has a nice balance. The lemon adds brightness without overpowering the creaminess. I adjust the lemon juice or zest to taste depending on how tangy I want it.

Conclusion

Slow Cooker Creamy Lemon Butter Chicken is one of those comforting, flavorful meals I keep in rotation all year long. It’s easy to make, packed with flavor, and always satisfying—especially when I need something cozy and low-effort. The combination of creamy sauce, lemon brightness, and buttery richness makes it a standout dinner every time.

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