Crockpot Lemon Herb Chicken Effortless Roast Flavours
Table of Contents
Recipe Introduction: Unlock the Magic of Crockpot Chicken
Fancy a Sunday roast without the Sunday stress? Me too. Honestly, I was searching for a recipe that tasted amazing.
It needed to be simple enough for a weeknight. That is when I discovered this Crockpot Chicken recipe. The best part? It's bursting with lemon and herb goodness.
A Sunday Roast, Simplified!
This Lemon Herb Crockpot Chicken is inspired by traditional roasts. It's perfect for busy folks. This slow cooker chicken dinner makes cooking easy.
The recipe is simple, but the flavor is complex. It originates from the desire to create a flavorful but low effort dinner.
It is suitable for any night of the week. Expect about 15 minutes of prep time. It needs about 6- 8 hours on low or 3- 4 hours on high to cook.
The yield is about 6-8 servings.
Why You'll Love This Crockpot Chicken Recipe Easy
One great thing about this Crockpot Chicken is how healthy it is. Chicken is packed with protein, you know? Plus, the lemon and herbs add a nutritional boost.
This recipe is ideal for a family dinner. It's also great if you have friends over. It's special because it's so easy to make.
The aroma will fill your home with comfort.
Ready to dive in? Here is the simple list of what you will need.
Alright, let's dive into what you'll need for the best Crockpot Lemon Herb Chicken ever! We're talking comfort food made easy, proper Sunday roast vibes without slaving away all day.
This easy crockpot chicken recipes are gonna be your new best friend, trust me.
Ingredients & Equipment
Let's talk ingredients, and kit. This isn't rocket science, but quality matters. We want flavour explosions, not flavour fiascos.
Main Ingredients
Right, here's the shopping list. Don't skimp on quality where it counts.
- 1 whole chicken (about 3-4 lbs / 1.3-1.8 kg ): Look for plump, juicy birds. If you can, get free range. I always do!
- 1 tablespoon / 15 ml olive oil
- 1 teaspoon / 5 g sea salt
- ½ teaspoon / 2.5 g freshly ground black pepper: Freshly ground is key; the flavour is unreal.
- 1 lemon, thinly sliced: Zesty heaven right there.
- 2 sprigs fresh rosemary
- 4 sprigs fresh thyme: Fresh herbs are a game changer. Dried can work, but...fresh is best.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium onion, quartered
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 cup / 240 ml chicken broth (low sodium recommended)
- 1 tablespoon / 15 ml Worcestershire sauce
Seasoning Notes
Spice is nice! It makes all the difference.
- Essential spice combinations: Salt, pepper, garlic the holy trinity.
- Flavor enhancers and aromatics: Lemon, rosemary, thyme. That's the real MVP line-up. For a Lemon herb crockpot chicken , don't skimp on the herbs! Honestly, they make the dish.
- Quick substitution options: Dried herbs if you must ( 1 teaspoon dried for each sprig fresh). Lemon juice can replace lemon slices in a pinch. Garlic Parmesan chicken crockpot – just add a sprinkle of Parmesan in the last 30 minutes!
Equipment Needed
Keep it simple, buttercup.
- Crockpot (Slow Cooker) – 6-quart / 5.7-liter or larger recommended: Bigger is better; you can always use it for whole chicken slow cooker later!
- Small bowl
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
I once tried to make this crockpot chicken without a proper knife. Total disaster. Honestly, invest in a good knife.
It'll change your life. I like to add Chicken Potatoes Crock Pot style, adding the potatoes in the last 2 hours for slow cooker chicken dinner .
And hey, if you're feeling adventurous, why not try a crockpot roast chicken ? It's surprisingly easy! Or maybe you want something simpler? I got you covered for slow cooker chicken breast recipes and crockpot chicken thighs !
This Crockpot Chicken Recipes Easy is so versatile. I usually serve with mashed potatoes, or rice.
Crockpot Chicken: The Lazy Cook's Roast Dinner Dream
Honestly, who has time for a full-on Sunday roast every week? Not me, that's for sure. That's where the crockpot chicken comes in.
It's the ultimate set-it-and-forget-it meal. Think of this recipe as your secret weapon for weeknight deliciousness.
Prep Steps: Getting Your Ducks (and Chicken) in a Row
- Essential mise en place : Thinly slice 1 lemon. Mince 2 cloves garlic. Quarter 1 medium onion. Chop 2 carrots and 2 celery stalks. Gather your fresh rosemary and thyme.
- Time saving organization tips : Chop all your veggies the night before. Store them in an airtight container in the fridge. This makes the cooking process even quicker!
- Safety reminders : Always wash your chicken thoroughly before cooking. Use a separate cutting board for raw poultry to prevent cross contamination.
From Fridge to Fab: The Crockpot Chicken Process
- Pat 1 whole chicken (about 3-4 lbs / 1.3-1.8 kg) dry.
- Combine 1 tablespoon / 15 ml olive oil, 1 teaspoon / 5 g sea salt, and ½ teaspoon / 2.5 g black pepper. Rub it all over the chicken.
- Place the onions, carrots, and celery in the crockpot .
- Stuff the chicken with lemon slices, rosemary, thyme, and garlic.
- Put the chicken on the veggies.
- Pour in 1 cup / 240 ml chicken broth and 1 tablespoon / 15 ml Worcestershire sauce.
- Cook on low for 6- 8 hours , or high for 3- 4 hours . The internal temperature should reach 165° F ( 74° C) .
- Let it rest for 10- 15 minutes before carving.
Pro Tips: Level Up Your Crockpot Chicken Game
- Want more flavour? Brown the chicken in a pan first. It creates a nice crust.
- Don't peek! Opening the lid lets out heat. Your slow cooker chicken dinner needs a stable temperature.
- Avoid using frozen chicken. It releases too much water. That make your easy crockpot chicken recipes watery.
Now, I know what you’re thinking, "Lemon herb crockpot chicken? Is that all there is to it?". Well, yeah! But trust me, those simple flavors pack a punch.
This recipe is inspired by my grandma's lemon chicken. She used to roast it every Sunday and the whole house smelled incredible.
Garlic Parmesan Chicken Crockpot is another great variation to try if you want something richer. Also, consider adding Chicken Potatoes Crock Pot together with chicken is a great option!
Speaking of Crockpot chicken recipes easy , you can’t get easier than this.
So, there you have it. A whole chicken slow cooker meal so easy, even I can't mess it up (and that's saying something!).
This is perfect for a crockpot roast chicken experience without all the effort. Enjoy! And maybe send me a pic of your creation.
I'd love to see it.
Recipe Notes for Your Amazing Crockpot Chicken
Alright, before you dive headfirst into making this epic crockpot chicken , let's go over a few things. These are the bits of wisdom I've picked up over the years making this easy crockpot chicken recipes .
Trust me, they'll help you nail it!
Serving Suggestions: Plating Like a Pro
Okay, so you've got your lemon herb crockpot chicken all cooked and smelling divine. Time to make it look the part! For plating, think rustic charm.
Shred the crockpot chicken and arrange it on a platter with the tender veggies. A sprig of fresh rosemary never hurts.
For sides, you can't go wrong with creamy mashed Chicken Potatoes Crock Pot . Roasted Brussels sprouts are also fab. Don't forget the gravy made from the slow cooker chicken dinner juices! Pour it generously.
As for drinks, a crisp white wine or even a refreshing iced tea works wonders.
Storage Tips: Keepin' it Fresh
Got leftovers? Lucky you! This garlic parmesan chicken crockpot tastes even better the next day. Once it's cooled, pop it in an airtight container.
It'll keep in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. If you're thinking longer term, freezing is your friend. For freezing, shred the crockpot chicken thighs , divide it into portions, and store it in freezer safe bags.
It can last for up to 2-3 months. When reheating, thaw it in the fridge overnight and then warm it up in the microwave or on the stovetop.
Just add a splash of chicken broth to keep it moist. I can also tell you about whole chicken slow cooker from experience, they are really good.
Variations: Your Chicken, Your Way
One of the best things about this recipe is how easily you can tweak it. Feeling healthy? Ditch the Crockpot roast chicken skin (sob, I know) and load up on extra veggies.
For a Paleo/Keto version, replace the carrots and celery with cauliflower and broccoli. For seasonal swaps, try adding butternut squash in the fall or asparagus in the spring.
Nutrition Basics: Goodness Inside
Alright, let's talk nutrition. This slow cooker chicken breast recipes is packed with protein, which is great for muscle building and keeping you full.
The veggies add vitamins and fibre. Of course, nutrition information is an estimate. One serving has about 350-400 calories, 40-45g of protein, 15-20g of fat, and 5-10g of carbs.
And sodium is about 300-400mg. Remember, these figures are just a guide!
So, that's it! You're now armed with all the insider info to make this Crockpot chicken recipes easy a total success. Go forth and conquer! You've got this!
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it really take to cook crockpot chicken? I'm always running late!
Generally, crockpot chicken needs 6-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high. However, like a good cuppa, every crockpot's a bit different! Always check the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the thigh with a meat thermometer. Trust the thermometer, not just the clock!
My crockpot chicken always ends up dry. What am I doing wrong?
Ah, the dreaded dry chicken! Two things often cause this. First, ensure you have enough liquid in the crockpot the chicken broth helps tremendously. Second, resist the urge to peek! Each time you lift the lid, you release heat and moisture, extending the cooking time and drying out the chicken.
Trust the process, and remember low and slow is the way to go!
Can I put frozen chicken in the crockpot? Is that safe?
While it might be tempting to chuck frozen chicken straight in the crockpot, it's generally not recommended for safety reasons, especially not in the U.S.. Slow cooking frozen chicken can keep it in the "danger zone" (between 40°F and 140°F) for too long, increasing the risk of bacteria growth.
For the best and safest results, always thaw your chicken completely in the refrigerator before adding it to the crockpot better safe than sorry, eh?
What are some yummy variations I can try with this crockpot chicken recipe?
Fancy jazzing things up a bit? Absolutely! For a spicy kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño. Or, give it a Mediterranean twist by using oregano, basil, and sun-dried tomatoes instead of the lemon, rosemary, and thyme. The world's your oyster!
How do I store leftover crockpot chicken, and how long will it last?
Leftover crockpot chicken is brilliant for meal prep! Let the chicken cool slightly, then shred or slice it. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze it for longer storage (up to 2-3 months) - perfect for future tacos or salads!
Is crockpot chicken actually healthy? What's the nutritional lowdown?
Crockpot chicken can be a healthy and lean option, especially if you remove the skin after cooking. The nutritional content will vary depending on the ingredients, but generally, it's a good source of protein with moderate fat and carbohydrates. Using low-sodium broth will also help keep the sodium content in check.
Check out the nutritional information in the recipe for a rough estimate!
Crockpot Lemon Herb Chicken Effortless Roast Fla
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 350-400 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 15-20g |
| Fiber | 5-10g |