If you’re looking for an effortless, delicious dinner option that goes from bland to grand in just a few hours, these two chicken breasts in the slow cooker are the perfect pick. Imagine all the flavor of a roasted lemon-herb chicken—without fussing over the oven. This small-batch, cozy recipe is ideal for a simple, stress-free weeknight meal or a weekend treat when you’re craving comfort without the mess.
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Juice and zest of 1 lemon
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ cup low-sodium chicken broth
Instructions
To start, lightly coat your slow cooker with nonstick spray or a small drizzle of oil. Pat the chicken breasts dry and place them inside the slow cooker. In a separate dish, combine the olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, oregano, thyme, salt, and black pepper. Whisk until everything is well-blended, forming a punchy, herbaceous marinade.
Pour this mixture over the chicken breasts, making sure each piece is evenly coated with those bright lemon and herbal aromas. Then, add the chicken broth around the sides of the meat (not directly on top, so you don’t wash away any seasonings). Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set it to low for about 3–4 hours—or 2–3 hours on high—until the chicken is cooked through and tender. Halfway through cooking, give the chicken a quick spoonful of the sauce to keep those flavors front and center.
By the time your kitchen is filled with savory, lemony goodness, your chicken will be ready to serve. If you’d like an extra pop of flavor, drizzle some of the cooking juices on top or garnish with a fresh sprinkle of herbs.
This recipe makes a wonderful, comforting meal for busy folks or couples who want something light yet satisfying. Lemon and herbs bring freshness, while the slow cooker technique ensures minimal cleanup. For those watching their sodium, simply adjust the salt or use a low-sodium broth. Need a twist?
Swap in boneless chicken thighs, or add a handful of veggies—like baby potatoes or carrots—beneath the chicken to round out the meal. No matter how you enjoy it, this slow-cooker classic promises tender, juicy chicken breasts packed with comforting flavor every time.
Nathaniel Lee is an avid cook, drawing on his decades of home cooking and fine dining experience. He is a contributing chef at Mashed, and his recipes and contributions have been featured in Tasting Table, Edible Arrangements, Insanely Good Recipes, and The Daily Meal.
