If you’re craving a dish that feels like a warm, flavorful hug from the inside out, this Lemon Basil Slow Cooker Chicken Recipe is about to become your new weeknight hero. The bright, zesty notes of fresh lemon paired beautifully with fragrant basil transform simple chicken breasts and hearty carrots into a delightful, melt-in-your-mouth meal that’s effortless to prepare and impossible to forget. Whether you’re feeding a family or just treating yourself, this slow cooker chicken recipe offers a perfect balance of vibrant flavors and tender textures, making it a go-to comfort dish you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Lemon Basil Slow Cooker Chicken Recipe lies in its straightforward, wholesome ingredients. Each one plays a vital role—from the sweetness of carrots soaking up savory juices, to the fresh zing of lemon juice brightening the dish, and the herbs adding that perfect aromatic finish.
- 4-5 boneless skinless chicken breasts: Choose evenly sized breasts to ensure consistent cooking and juicy tenderness.
- 3 cups chopped carrots: These add a subtle sweetness and lovely texture, absorbing flavors while staying tender.
- 3/4 cup chicken broth: The savory base that keeps your dish moist and flavorful as it slow cooks.
- 3 tablespoons lemon juice: Freshly squeezed is best—about 4-5 lemons—to give the recipe its bright citrus pop.
- 1 tablespoon dried basil: Brings herbal depth that complements the lemon perfectly.
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley: Adds a mild earthiness and color contrast.
- Lemon pepper or salt and pepper: For seasoning the chicken, adjusting to your taste preference.
How to Make Lemon Basil Slow Cooker Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Lemon Herb Broth
Start by mixing chicken broth, fresh lemon juice, dried basil, and parsley in a bowl. This liquid marinade is the heart of your dish, infusing the chicken and carrots with vibrant, savory flavors during the long, slow cook.
Step 2: Layer the Carrots
Place the chopped carrots evenly at the bottom of your slow cooker. This layer not only cooks slowly to become tender but also lifts the chicken above the base, helping it cook evenly and soak up the aromatic juices.
Step 3: Add and Season the Chicken
Arrange the chicken breasts on top of the carrot bed. Sprinkle both sides of the chicken generously with lemon pepper for an extra citrusy spice or simply use salt and pepper if you prefer a more classic seasoning. This seasoning step ensures every bite bursts with balanced flavor.
Step 4: Pour Over the Broth Mixture
Carefully pour the lemon basil broth over the chicken and carrots, making sure the mixture is evenly distributed. This allows all ingredients to bathe in the lemon-herb goodness while slow cooking.
Step 5: Set and Forget
Cover the slow cooker and cook on HIGH for 3 hours or LOW for 5-6 hours. The slow cooking gently melts the chicken into tender perfection while melding the fresh lemon and herbs throughout the dish.
How to Serve Lemon Basil Slow Cooker Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
To enhance your Lemon Basil Slow Cooker Chicken Recipe, sprinkle freshly chopped basil or parsley over the top right before serving. A few lemon zest curls add a lovely burst of color and extra zing that make every plate look as good as it tastes.
Side Dishes
This chicken pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Whip up some fluffy rice or creamy mashed potatoes to soak up the flavorful juices, or enjoy it alongside roasted asparagus or a fresh green salad for a lighter experience.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress? Serve the chicken breasts whole over a bed of garlic butter pasta tossed with fresh herbs. Or shred the cooked chicken to fold into wraps or tossed salads, bringing that lemon basil charm to new dining adventures.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Cool leftovers promptly and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh and delicious for up to 3 days—perfect for quick lunches or reheated dinners throughout the week.
Freezing
You can freeze the cooked chicken along with the carrots and broth in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to maintain that tender texture and fresh flavor.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a microwave or stovetop pan over low heat, adding a splash of broth or water if needed to keep the chicken moist. Avoid reheating too quickly to preserve the delicate lemon basil notes and prevent drying out.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs work wonderfully in this Lemon Basil Slow Cooker Chicken Recipe, offering even juicier and more flavorful results due to their higher fat content.
Is it necessary to use dried herbs or can I use fresh?
While dried basil and parsley provide concentrated flavor and convenience, fresh herbs can be used as well; just increase the quantity by about three times to get the same aromatic punch.
What if I don’t have lemon pepper seasoning?
No problem at all! Simply season the chicken with a mix of salt, black pepper, and a sprinkle of lemon zest or a dash of lemon juice for that citrusy kick.
Can I add other vegetables to this recipe?
Definitely! Vegetables like potatoes, zucchini, or bell peppers can be layered with the carrots to add variety and extra nutrition, just keep in mind their cooking times.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes, this Lemon Basil Slow Cooker Chicken Recipe is ideal for meal prep. It’s easy to portion out, stores well, and tastes fantastic reheated, making your weekday meals a breeze.
Final Thoughts
I hope you’re as excited as I am for you to try this incredibly simple yet flavorful Lemon Basil Slow Cooker Chicken Recipe. It’s a fuss-free way to fill your kitchen with comforting aromas and your plate with tender, zesty goodness. Trust me, once you make it, it will quickly become one of your favorite slow cooker go-tos!
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Lemon Basil Slow Cooker Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 hours
- Total Time: 5 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 to 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This flavorful Lemon Basil Slow Cooker Chicken recipe features tender boneless chicken breasts perfectly cooked with fresh lemon juice, dried basil, and parsley. With a base of sweet chopped carrots and a zesty lemon broth, it’s an easy, healthy meal ideal for busy days when you want minimal prep and maximum taste.
Ingredients
Chicken and Vegetables
- 4–5 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 3 cups chopped carrots
Seasonings and Liquids
- 3/4 cup chicken broth
- 3 Tbsp lemon juice (about 4–5 fresh lemons recommended)
- 1 Tbsp dried basil
- 1 tsp dried parsley
- Lemon pepper seasoning or salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the broth mixture: In a bowl, combine chicken broth, fresh lemon juice, dried basil, and dried parsley. Stir well to blend the flavors, then set aside for later use.
- Layer the vegetables: Place the chopped carrots evenly at the bottom of your slow cooker. This will serve as a flavorful bed for the chicken.
- Add and season the chicken: Arrange the chicken breasts on top of the carrots. Season both sides with lemon pepper seasoning. If you don’t have lemon pepper, simply use salt and pepper according to your taste.
- Pour the broth mixture: Carefully pour the prepared chicken broth, lemon, and herb mixture over the chicken breasts, ensuring they are well-coated for even cooking.
- Slow cook the chicken: Cover the slow cooker and cook on HIGH for 3 hours or LOW for 5-6 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
Notes
- Using fresh lemon juice rather than bottled gives a brighter, more vibrant lemon flavor.
- Carrots provide a natural sweetness and can be substituted with other root vegetables if desired.
- Adjust seasoning amounts depending on your preferred taste and dietary needs.
- Check chicken doneness by verifying it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- This recipe is great for meal prepping and leftovers.
