Crockpot Skinny Lemon Chicken
The Crockpot Skinny Lemon Chicken recipe has a special place in my heart. It’s a dish that transports me back to cozy family gatherings, where the aroma of citrus and savory goodness fills the air, inviting everyone to the table. This recipe has been a staple in my kitchen, especially on those busy weeknights when I need a delicious yet simple solution for dinner. As the sun sets, I love knowing that with just a little prep, my trusty crockpot is working its magic. The combination of tender chicken, zesty lemon, and fragrant garlic creates a symphony of flavors that never fails to impress. Whether I’m serving it to family or friends, it always garners smiles and satisfied bellies.
Recipe Snapshot
4 hr 15 mins
15 mins
240 mins
Hard
320 kcal
30 g
Keto, Whole30, Gluten-Free
15 g
Slow Cooker, Skillet, Wooden Spoon, Chef’s Knife, Mixing Bowl, Whisk, Cutting Board
Why You Need This Crockpot Skinny Lemon Chicken
Easy and Convenient
One of the main reasons I adore the Crockpot Skinny Lemon Chicken is its simplicity. I can prepare everything in advance and let the slow cooker do the hard work. This makes it perfect for busy days when time is scarce. Just toss the ingredients in, set the timer, and go about my day!
Flavor Explosion
This dish offers a burst of flavors that dance on your palate. The tartness of the lemons balances beautifully with the succulent chicken, making each bite a delightful experience. Plus, the addition of garlic and soy sauce elevates the taste, creating a memorable meal.
Healthy and Wholesome
Health is always a priority for me, and this recipe does not disappoint. Using fresh ingredients like chicken and vegetables ensures that I’m serving a nutritious meal without sacrificing flavor. It’s a great way to enjoy a hearty dish that aligns with my healthy eating goals.
Great for Meal Prep
The Crockpot Skinny Lemon Chicken is an excellent meal prep option. I can make a big batch and store the leftovers for the week, making it easy to have healthy lunches or dinners ready to go. Just reheat and enjoy!
Perfect for Any Occasion
Whether it’s a casual family dinner or a special gathering, this dish fits right in. The elegant presentation of the chicken garnished with green onions and sesame seeds makes it ideal for impressing guests without a lot of effort.
Ingredients Overview for Crockpot Skinny Lemon Chicken
The ingredients for the Crockpot Skinny Lemon Chicken are a harmonious blend that brings out the best flavors in each component. The essence of this dish lies in the balance of tangy and savory notes, making it both refreshing and hearty. The key players include succulent chicken, bright lemons, and aromatic garlic, all coming together to create a delightful meal that nourishes the body and soul.
- Coconut oil: 3 tablespoons – This healthy fat adds a subtle sweetness and richness to the dish, enhancing the overall flavor profile.
- Chicken breasts: 4 boneless and skinless, cubed – The star of the show, chicken is lean and packed with protein, ensuring a filling meal.
- Garlic cloves: 2, finely chopped – Garlic adds depth and aromatic flavor, elevating the dish to new levels of deliciousness.
- Sea salt: 1 teaspoon – Essential for bringing out the natural flavors of the ingredients, ensuring everything tastes just right.
- Vegetable broth: 2 cups – This serves as the cooking liquid, infusing moisture and flavor into the chicken.
- Lemons: 3, juiced and zested – The zesty citrus brightens the dish, adding a refreshing tang that balances the richness of the chicken.
- Soy sauce: 1 tablespoon – This adds a savory umami flavor, enhancing the overall taste experience.
- Cornstarch: 1 tablespoon – A thickener that helps create a luscious sauce, ensuring every bite is coated in flavor.
- Honey: 4 tablespoons – Providing a hint of natural sweetness, honey balances the acidity of the lemon perfectly.
- Poppy seeds: 1/2 teaspoon – These tiny seeds add a lovely crunch and visual appeal to the dish.
- Sesame seeds: 1/2 teaspoon – Toasted sesame seeds add nuttiness and texture, taking the dish to another level.
- Green onions: 1/4 cup, diced – Fresh and mildly pungent, they add a pop of color and flavor that brightens up the serving.
Making Crockpot Skinny Lemon Chicken
Creating the Crockpot Skinny Lemon Chicken is a breeze, thanks to its straightforward steps. You’ll be amazed at how simple it is to achieve such vibrant flavors. Grab your ingredients, and let’s dive into the cooking process!
Start by melting coconut oil in a large skillet over high heat. You want it to be hot enough to quickly brown the chicken when it hits the pan. This first step is crucial, as it seals in the juices.
Add the cubed chicken breasts to the skillet. Brown them quickly, about two to three minutes on each side. Remember, you don’t need to cook them through at this stage; just a lovely golden color will do.
Once browned, transfer the chicken to your crockpot. It’s okay if it’s not fully cooked; it will finish cooking as it simmers.
Now, sprinkle the chopped garlic and sea salt over the chicken. This layering of flavors sets the stage for a mouthwatering result.
Drizzle 1 1/4 cups of the vegetable broth over the chicken. This will keep everything moist while it cooks.
Cover the crockpot and let it cook on low for 4 to 6 hours, or until the chicken is very tender and infused with all those flavors.
About 30 to 40 minutes before you plan to serve, whisk together the remaining vegetable broth, lemon juice, lemon zest, soy sauce, cornstarch, and honey in a separate bowl.
Pour this zesty mixture into the crockpot. Stir gently to coat the chicken evenly. This step is essential for ensuring every bite is bursting with flavor.
Turn the crockpot to high and cook for an additional 30 minutes, or until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency.
Finally, just before serving, sprinkle the dish with poppy seeds, sesame seeds, and diced green onions. This finishing touch adds visual appeal and extra flavor.
Serve the Crockpot Skinny Lemon Chicken warm, and enjoy every flavorful bite!
Things Worth Knowing
- Choice of Chicken: Using boneless, skinless chicken breasts ensures a lean option that cooks evenly without much fuss.
- Cooking Time: The longer you cook on low, the more tender your chicken will be. For a quicker option, you can increase the heat, but be cautious not to dry it out.
- Flavor Depth: Browning the chicken first adds a depth of flavor that’s hard to achieve otherwise. Don’t skip this step!
- Thickening Sauce: If you prefer a thicker sauce, combine a little extra cornstarch with water and add it at the end of cooking.
Recipe Tips about Crockpot Skinny Lemon Chicken
When making the Crockpot Skinny Lemon Chicken, there are a few tips and tricks that can enhance your experience. Here’s what I’ve learned through the years.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently to preserve moisture.
- Freezing: Yes, you can freeze this dish! Just portion it out and store in freezer-safe containers. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
- Pairing: Serve with steamed rice or a fresh salad for a balanced meal. The citrus flavors complement green vegetables beautifully.
- Adjusting Flavors: Feel free to tweak the lemon juice and honey balance to cater to your taste preferences. More honey will sweeten it up.
- Garnishing: Add fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro just before serving for an extra layer of freshness and color.
Side Dish Ideas for Crockpot Skinny Lemon Chicken
When it comes to serving the Crockpot Skinny Lemon Chicken, the options are nearly endless. Here are some fantastic side dishes and ideas to complement this delightful meal:
- Steamed Jasmine Rice: This fluffy rice absorbs the delicious sauce perfectly, making it a wonderful pairing.
- Garlic Roasted Vegetables: A mix of seasonal vegetables roasted with garlic enhances the flavors of the dish.
- Simple Green Salad: A light salad with lemon vinaigrette adds a refreshing crunch to balance the richness.
- Quinoa Salad: Try a quinoa salad with cucumbers and herbs for a healthy side.
- Grilled Asparagus: The slight char from grilling brings out the natural sweetness of asparagus, a perfect match.
- Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes create a comforting and hearty experience alongside the chicken.
- Fruit Salsa: A fresh mango or pineapple salsa can add a sweet and spicy kick to the meal.
- Stuffed Bell Peppers: These can be a fun and healthy side, packed with grains and veggies to complement the chicken.
- Focaccia Bread: Serve with warm, herbed focaccia to soak up the delicious lemony sauce.
FAQ
Conclusion
The Crockpot Skinny Lemon Chicken is a wonderful dish that combines ease and flavor, making it a fantastic choice for any weeknight dinner. It’s perfect for those busy evenings when you want a comforting meal without spending hours in the kitchen. I encourage you to give this recipe a try—you won’t be disappointed with the delicious results!
Crockpot Skinny Lemon Chicken
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Start by melting coconut oil in a large skillet over high heat. You want it to be hot enough to quickly brown the chicken when it hits the pan. This first step is crucial, as it seals in the juices.
- Add the cubed chicken breasts to the skillet. Brown them quickly, about two to three minutes on each side. Remember, you don’t need to cook them through at this stage; just a lovely golden color will do.
- Once browned, transfer the chicken to your crockpot. It’s okay if it’s not fully cooked; it will finish cooking as it simmers.
- Now, sprinkle the chopped garlic and sea salt over the chicken. This layering of flavors sets the stage for a mouthwatering result.
- Drizzle 1 1/4 cups of the vegetable broth over the chicken. This will keep everything moist while it cooks.
- Cover the crockpot and let it cook on low for 4 to 6 hours, or until the chicken is very tender and infused with all those flavors.
- About 30 to 40 minutes before you plan to serve, whisk together the remaining vegetable broth, lemon juice, lemon zest, soy sauce, cornstarch, and honey in a separate bowl.
- Pour this zesty mixture into the crockpot. Stir gently to coat the chicken evenly. This step is essential for ensuring every bite is bursting with flavor.
- Turn the crockpot to high and cook for an additional 30 minutes, or until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency.
- Finally, just before serving, sprinkle the dish with poppy seeds, sesame seeds, and diced green onions. This finishing touch adds visual appeal and extra flavor.
