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This Slow Cooker Italian Lemon Chicken is a simple dinner solution that transforms a handful of ingredients into a comforting meal. Tender chicken breasts bathe in a bright lemon broth enhanced with Italian dressing seasoning, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you want flavor without fuss.
I remember preparing this during a hectic weekday evening and being amazed how the slow cooker did all the work while I relaxed. Now it’s a requested favorite at our table.
Ingredients
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts: Four about 170 grams each for effortless cooking and lean protein
- Coarse salt: Half a teaspoon to enhance the natural flavors choose sea salt for better texture
- Freshly ground pepper: Quarter teaspoon for subtle heat and aroma
- Garlic powder: Quarter teaspoon providing mellow garlicky undertones easy to blend
- Allpurpose flour: Quarter cup to lightly coat the chicken and help develop a golden crust select organic if available
- Unsalted butter: Five tablespoons divided to add richness and silkiness buy highquality European butter if possible
- Good Seasons Italian Dressing Seasoning Mix: One packet to infuse authentic Italian herbs and spices
- Fresh lemon juice: Half a cup for bright citrus notes use organic lemons for the best aroma and flavor
- Chicken broth: Threequarter cup of low sodium to create a delicate cooking liquid without overwhelming saltiness
Instructions
- Coating the Slow Cooker:
- Spray the inside of a sixquart slow cooker generously with a nonstick spray to prevent sticking and facilitate easy cleanup.
- Season and Dredge the Chicken:
- Sprinkle salt pepper and garlic powder evenly on both sides of each chicken breast. Place the flour in a shallow dish and lightly coat the chicken by pressing it into the flour then gently shake off excess to avoid clumps. This step creates a lovely crust after searing.
- Searing the Chicken:
- Melt one tablespoon of butter in a large nonstick skillet over mediumhigh heat swirling it to coat the surface evenly. When the butter is foamy and hot place the chicken breasts in the pan and cook for about three minutes per side until they achieve a golden brown color. This searing locks in juices and adds flavor depth.
- Assembling in the Slow Cooker:
- Transfer the seared chicken breasts to the slow cooker in a single layer. Sprinkle the Italian dressing seasoning mix evenly over each breast for herbaceous notes. Then pour the fresh lemon juice and chicken broth slowly over the chicken to keep the seasoning in place. Finally distribute the remaining butter slices evenly on top to enrich the broth while cooking.
- Slow Cooking:
- Cover with the lid and cook on low for approximately four hours. Monitor the internal temperature aiming for 74 degrees Celsius seven four Fahrenheit ensuring the chicken is safely cooked but still tender. Avoid overcooking as this dries the meat.
- Serving:
- Once done gently slice or shred the chicken and serve it over cooked white rice with a side of peas or your preferred roasted vegetables. Spoon some of the aromatic lemon broth over the chicken just before serving for added moisture and flavor.
One of my fondest memories is making this dish for my family when relatives visited from the south of France. The fresh flavors reminded us all of Mediterranean summers even in the middle of winter.
Storage Tips in France
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stovetop using a splash of broth or water to keep the chicken moist. Avoid microwaving directly as it can dry the meat unevenly.
Ingredient Substitutions in France
If you cannot find the specific Italian dressing seasoning mix try using a blend of dried oregano basil thyme and a pinch of garlic powder for similar flavor. Lemon juice can be substituted with Meyer lemon juice for a sweeter aroma. Use chicken thighs instead of breasts if you prefer richer darker meat just increase cooking time slightly.
Serving Suggestions in France
Serve this chicken over a bed of saffron rice or creamy polenta as an elegant twist. Accompany with sautéed green beans or a simple arugula salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette to complement the citrus notes. A glass of Sauvignon Blanc matches beautifully with the lemony aspect of the dish.
This slow cooker lemon chicken is effortless and full of bright citrus flavor. It makes a comforting weeknight meal that the whole family will request.
Common Recipe Questions
- → Quels ingrédients aromatisent le plat ?
Le poulet est parfumé avec du jus de citron frais, un mélange d'assaisonnements italiens, du beurre et des épices classiques comme l'ail en poudre, le sel et le poivre.
- → Combien de temps de cuisson est nécessaire ?
Le plat cuit lentement environ 4 heures à basse température pour garantir une viande tendre et juteuse.
- → Peut-on utiliser un autre accompagnement ?
Oui, ce plat s’accompagne aussi bien de riz, que de pâtes, ou de légumes rôtis selon vos préférences.
- → Faut-il saisir la viande avant cuisson lente ?
Oui, le poulet est légèrement doré à la poêle pour obtenir une belle texture et intensifier les saveurs avant d’être mijoté.
- → Comment conserver ce plat après cuisson ?
Le reste se conserve bien au réfrigérateur dans un récipient hermétique jusqu’à 3 jours et se réchauffe doucement pour préserver les saveurs.