Name: Crockpot Lemon Garlic Chicken: A Family Favorite with Big Flavor
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 240 min
Ingredients: 3 large boneless skinless chicken breasts (sliced in half); 1 tsp Italian seasoning; 1 tsp onion powder; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1/2 tsp paprika; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 1/2 cup chicken stock (or chicken broth); 1/2 tsp Better Than Bouillon Chicken Flavor (or any chicken bouillon); 1/2 cup lemon juice (freshly squeezed); 8 cloves garlic (peeled); 4 tbsp butter (cut into pats); 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional for heat); lemon slices; fresh parsley (chopped for garnish)

Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

This Crockpot Lemon Garlic Chicken is a simple, flavorful dinner made with juicy chicken breasts, garlic cloves, fresh lemon juice, and pantry spices. A family favorite perfect for busy weeknights!

A Family Recipe Worth Sharing

I’ve been making this Crockpot Lemon Garlic Chicken for years, but just never wrote it down until now. I used to toss in whatever garlic and lemon I had on hand, no measuring. But when a recipe becomes a family favorite and one of those go-to flavorful meals for busy weeknights, you know it’s time to make it official. So here it is, my original recipe finally written down, and I’m so excited to share it with you.

You’ll find tons of slow cooker lemon garlic chicken recipes online, many of which start with dredging the chicken in flour and browning it in olive oil in a large skillet before placing it in the slow cooker. Not this one. I skip that step entirely because who has time for that on a busy day? I’ve even started this recipe with partially frozen boneless skinless chicken breasts, and it still turns out amazing. Simple ingredients, big flavor, minimal effort.

Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Lemon Garlic Chicken Recipe:

⏳ Great for busy weeknights—just set it and forget it.
🧄 Uses simple ingredients that pack big flavor.
🍽️ Perfect meal for the whole family—kid-approved and adult-loved.

Ingredients for Crockpot Lemon Garlic Chicken

Here’s what you’ll need to make this easy dinner idea:

3 large boneless skinless chicken breasts – tender, lean protein that holds up well in the slow cooker
1 tsp Italian seasoning – a flavorful herb blend that adds depth
1 tsp onion powder – adds a subtle, savory sweetness
1 tsp garlic powder – enhances the garlic flavor even more
1/2 tsp paprika – adds color and a hint of smokiness
1/2 tsp black pepper – balances the flavors with a bit of heat
1/2 cup chicken stock (or low-sodium chicken broth) – creates a flavorful base
1/2 tsp Better Than Bouillon Chicken Flavor – boosts that savory chicken taste
1/2 cup fresh lemon juice (about 2-3 lemons) – brightens the whole dish with citrusy zing
8 garlic cloves – the star ingredient for bold, aromatic flavor
4 tbsp butter (cut into pats to go on top of the chicken) – adds richness to the buttery sauce
1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional for a little kick) – great if you like a bit of heat
Lemon slices – for garnish and extra lemony goodness
Fresh parsley (for garnish) – adds a pop of color and garden-fresh flavor

How to Make Crockpot Lemon Garlic Chicken

In a small bowl, combine the Italian seasoning, onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, and black pepper. Use this mix to season both sides of the chicken breasts.
Place chicken into your crockpot.

In a separate small bowl, whisk together the chicken stock and Better Than Bouillon, then pour it into the slow cooker, being careful not to rinse the seasonings off the chicken.

Add lemon juice, garlic cloves, and top the chicken with pats of butter and lemon slices. Sprinkle chicken with crushed red pepper flakes if using.
Cover and cook on HIGH heat for 3-4 hours or LOW heat for 6-8 hours. Chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
Serve over your favorite pasta, brown rice, cauliflower rice, or with green beans. Spoon that buttery sauce over everything!

Pro Tip: Want even more flavor? Zest your lemons before juicing, and add that zest to the crockpot, too.

What to Serve with Crock Pot Lemon Garlic Chicken

This crockpot chicken dinner is super versatile. Here are some different ways to serve it:

Over white rice, brown rice, or cauliflower rice
With mashed potatoes and a veggie like green beans or broccoli
Tossed with pasta and a handful of shredded parmesan cheese
Sliced and served in wraps with leftover chicken the next day

Pro Tip: If your sauce is too thin at the end of cooking, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water and stir it in for a thicker, silkier finish.

Storage and Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheat in the microwave or in a skillet with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce.
Great for meal prep—make a big batch and enjoy flavorful meals throughout the week.

Variations to Try

Make it creamy: Stir in 1/2 cup of heavy cream or 4 oz of cream cheese during the last 15 minutes of cooking.
Make it with thighs: Swap breast meat for boneless, skinless chicken thighs for even juicier results.
Add veggies: Place green beans or baby potatoes in the bottom of the crockpot before adding the chicken.

Pro Tip: Using boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of breasts gives you even more tender, juicy results—great if you prefer dark meat.

FAQs about Crockpot Lemon Garlic Chicken

Yes! I often use chicken that’s still a little frozen when I throw it in. Just adjust the cook time as needed and always check the internal temperature.

Absolutely! Use the same seasonings and cook on high pressure for 10 minutes with a natural release.

his recipe works best with chicken breasts or thighs, but you could adapt it to use a small whole chicken in a large crockpot. Just be sure to check doneness.

Your New Favorite Crockpot Dinner

This is one of those easy slow cooker recipes that just hits every time. Whether it’s your first time making crockpot lemon chicken or you’re a seasoned pro, I hope this becomes one of the most amazing recipes in your weeknight rotation. Let me know how it turns out—and don’t forget to pin it for later!