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Slow Cooker Creamy Lemon Butter Chicken

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Slow Cooker Creamy Lemon Butter Chicken is a comforting dish where tender chicken cooks in a velvety lemon butter cream sauce. It’s easy, hands-off, and perfect for busy days when you want a flavorful, hearty meal with minimal effort.

  • Author: Julia
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 4–5 hours on low or 2–3 hours on high
  • Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes (on low)
  • Yield: 4 to 6 servings
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Slow Cooker
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Low Lactose

Ingredients

  • 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 4 tbsp butter, divided
  • 1/4 cup lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
  • 1 tsp lemon zest
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 3/4 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
  • 2 tbsp water (for cornstarch slurry, optional)
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Season chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
  2. Optional: In a skillet, melt 2 tbsp butter over medium heat and sear chicken for 2–3 minutes per side until lightly browned. Transfer to the slow cooker.
  3. Add garlic, onion, lemon juice, lemon zest, chicken broth, and remaining 2 tbsp butter to the slow cooker.
  4. 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, stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese.
  6. If sauce is too thin, mix cornstarch with water and stir into the sauce. Cover and continue cooking for the remaining time.
  7. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve over mashed potatoes, rice, or pasta.

Notes

  • Searing the chicken first adds flavor but is optional for a faster prep.
  • Adjust lemon juice and zest to taste depending on your preference for tanginess.
  • For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
  • Add baby spinach or sun-dried tomatoes in the last 30 minutes for extra flavor and color.
  • This dish pairs well with roasted vegetables or crusty bread.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://juliameals.com/slow-cooker-creamy-lemon-butter-chicken/