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Tender Slow Cooker Chicken Breast Recipe with Easy Lemon Herb Gravy

slow cooker chicken breast - featured image

A juicy and flavorful slow cooker chicken breast recipe with a bright and fresh lemon herb gravy, perfect for easy weeknight dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs / 700 g)
  • 1 large lemon, zested and juiced
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
  • 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup (240 ml) low-sodium chicken broth
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (or cornstarch for gluten-free)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional, for searing)

Instructions

  1. Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper. (5 minutes)
  2. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken breasts for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown. (6 minutes)
  3. Place the seared chicken breasts in the slow cooker. Sprinkle minced garlic, lemon zest, and fresh herbs evenly over the chicken. Squeeze lemon juice on top, avoiding seeds. (5 minutes)
  4. Pour chicken broth over the chicken breasts. Dot with 2 tablespoons butter. (2 minutes)
  5. Cover and cook on low for 3-4 hours or on high for 2-2.5 hours until chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) and is tender. (3-4 hours)
  6. Remove chicken breasts and cover loosely with foil to keep warm. Pour cooking liquid into a saucepan. Whisk 2 tablespoons flour with 1/4 cup (60 ml) cold water until smooth. Slowly whisk slurry into saucepan over medium heat, stirring constantly until gravy thickens, about 3-5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper if needed. (10 minutes)
  7. Serve chicken breasts whole or sliced, drizzled with lemon herb gravy. Garnish with extra fresh parsley if desired. (2 minutes)

Notes

Searing the chicken before slow cooking adds flavor and helps retain moisture. Use low heat for best results. If gravy is too thick, add broth or water to loosen; if too thin, simmer longer. For gluten-free, substitute flour with cornstarch. Butter can be replaced with olive oil or dairy-free margarine for dairy-free version.

Nutrition

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