Description
This Slow Cooker Lemon Garlic Chicken is a diabetic-friendly dinner dream. The low, steady heat breaks down chicken’s connective tissues over several hours, guaranteeing exceptionally moist and fork-tender meat infused with lemon and garlic essence. Perfect for busy days when you want to serve something delicious and nourishing without stress.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (from about 2 large lemons)
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 4-5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon salt (optional, or to taste)
- 1 medium yellow onion, sliced
- 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed (or broccoli florets)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the aromatics and vegetables: Slice onion and mince garlic. Place sliced onion at bottom of slow cooker and scatter green beans around edges.
- Season the chicken: Pat chicken dry with paper towel. Mix oregano, thyme, black pepper, and optional salt in small bowl. Rub mixture evenly over all sides of chicken pieces. Place seasoned chicken on top of onions.
- Create the lemon garlic sauce: In same small bowl, whisk together fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, and low-sodium chicken broth. Pour liquid evenly over chicken and vegetables.
- Cook to perfection: Cover slow cooker with lid. Cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or on HIGH for 3-4 hours. Chicken is done when tender and shreds easily with fork.
- Serve and garnish: Use two forks to shred chicken directly in slow cooker or transfer to plate to shred. Return shredded meat to pot and toss with cooking juices. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.
Notes
Smart Substitutions: Chicken thighs yield richer result, breasts are leaner. Use Italian seasoning blend if no oregano. Swap green beans for asparagus, zucchini, or bell peppers. For thicker sauce, mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons cold water and stir in during last 30 minutes of cooking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-8 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup shredded chicken with vegetables and sauce
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 85mg