Easy Chicken Crockpot Recipes with Herbs and Lemon

James Carter! — The Cook Behind Cook Fast Recipes

By Ricardo Solis - December 6, 2025

Share and Enjoy!

This post may contain affiliate links.

Tired of complicated weeknight meals? Try this amazing Lemon Butter Chicken! It's one of those set it and forget it Crockpot recipes that delivers a ton of flavor with minimal effort. Perfect for the whole family!

Easy Chicken Crockpot Recipes with Herbs and Lemon

Are you looking for simple meal ideas that do not require a lot of hands on time? I get it. The evening rush can be a real challenge. That is why I absolutely love my slow cooker. It is my secret weapon for creating amazing meals without spending hours in the kitchen. These kinds of Crockpot Recipes are a lifesaver.

This Lemon Butter Chicken is a fantastic example. It is creamy, tangy, and so comforting. The chicken becomes incredibly tender, and the sauce is just amazing. It has become one of our go to Crockpot Recipes For Dinner, and I think your family will love it too.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

So what makes this dish so special? Honestly, it is the simplicity. You get a restaurant quality meal with very little effort. The slow cooker does all the hard work for you. It is a true set it and forget it kind of meal.

The flavor is another big win. The fresh lemon juice and zest create a bright, zesty sauce that cuts through the richness of the butter and half and half. It is a balanced and satisfying taste that is not too heavy.

Plus, this is one of those versatile Healthy Dinner Recipes. You can serve it over pasta, rice, or with a side of steamed vegetables. It is easy to adapt to what you have on hand. It is a wonderful choice for anyone looking for reliable Slow Cook Recipes.

Ingredients

  • 5 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon coarse ground black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 2 lemons, juiced and zested
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 cup half and half
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 1 tablespoon chicken base (optional, but adds great flavor)

Step By Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare And Sear The Chicken

First things first, let us get that skillet ready. Place a large cast iron skillet on your stove over medium high heat. Add one tablespoon of butter and let it melt completely. You want it to be shimmering just a little.

While the butter is melting, season your chicken breasts. Sprinkle the salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning evenly over all sides of the chicken. Place the seasoned chicken into the hot skillet.

Cook the chicken for about four to six minutes on each side. We are not cooking it all the way through here. The goal is to get a nice golden brown crust on the outside. This searing step adds so much flavor.

Step 2: Move Chicken To The Slow Cooker

Once your chicken has that beautiful color, it is time to move it to its new home. Carefully transfer the seared chicken breasts from the skillet into your slow cooker. Arrange them in a single layer if you can.

Step 3: Add The Flavor

Now for the good stuff. Cover the chicken with the fresh lemon juice and lemon zest. Sprinkle the minced garlic all over the top. Then, take the remaining five tablespoons of butter, cut them into small pieces, and dot them over the chicken.

Step 4: Slow Cook To Tenderness

Put the lid on your slow cooker and let it work its magic. You have two options for cooking time. You can cook it on low for four hours or on high for two hours. Either way, your chicken will come out incredibly tender and juicy.

Step 5: Create The Creamy Sauce

About an hour before the chicken is done, it is time to prepare the creamy sauce. In a large measuring cup or a small bowl, combine the half and half, cornstarch, and the optional chicken base. Whisk everything together very well until it is smooth.

You want to make sure there are no lumps of cornstarch. This mixture is what will thicken our sauce and make it rich and creamy. This is a key step for great Crockpot Recipes.

Step 6: Thicken And Finish

Pour the half and half mixture directly into the slow cooker over the chicken. Give it a gentle stir to combine with the juices in the pot. Put the lid back on and turn the heat up to high.

Let it cook for one additional hour on high. This final hour allows the sauce to thicken up beautifully and for all the flavors to meld together. Your kitchen will smell amazing.

How To Store Leftovers

If you happen to have any leftovers, storing them is super easy. First, let the chicken cool down to room temperature. You never want to put hot food directly into the fridge.

Once cooled, place the chicken and any extra sauce in an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to four days. This makes it a great option for meal prep or next day lunches. The flavors are even better the second day.

Tips

Want to take this dish up a notch? Try serving it over some egg noodles or creamy mashed potatoes. The sauce is so good, and you will want something to soak it all up. Simple white rice or quinoa also works well for a lighter meal.

For a bit of green, you can stir in a few handfuls of fresh spinach during the last 30 minutes of cooking. The spinach will wilt right into the sauce and add some extra nutrients. Roasted asparagus or steamed broccoli are also great side dishes.

When choosing a chicken base, look for a low sodium version if you are watching your salt intake. This gives you more control over the final seasoning of the dish. Some people find regular chicken base a bit too salty.

Conclusion

And there you have it. A simple, flavorful, and incredibly easy chicken dinner. This is one of those Crockpot Recipes that proves you do not need to be a professional chef to make a delicious homemade meal. It is a real crowd pleaser.

Whether you are looking for new Crockpot Recipes For Dinner or just need some fresh ideas for Healthy Dinner Recipes, this Lemon Butter Chicken is a fantastic choice. I really hope you give these Slow Cook Recipes a try and love them as much as we do. Enjoy!

FAQ

Can I Use Chicken Thighs Instead Of Breasts?

Yes, you absolutely can. Boneless, skinless chicken thighs would be a great substitute. They have a bit more fat, which can make the dish even more flavorful and moist. The cooking time should be about the same.

Is This Recipe Gluten Free?

This recipe can easily be gluten free. Cornstarch is naturally gluten free. The main thing to check is your chicken base. Some brands contain gluten, so be sure to read the label and choose a certified gluten free option if needed.

What Can I Serve With This Lemon Chicken?

This chicken is very versatile. It is wonderful served over pasta, rice, or quinoa to soak up the creamy lemon sauce. For a lower carb option, you could serve it with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice. Steamed or roasted vegetables like asparagus, broccoli, or green beans are also excellent choices.

Lemon Butter Chicken

★★★★★

This creamy, tangy Lemon Butter Chicken is a comforting slow cooker meal. The chicken becomes incredibly tender, and the rich sauce is delicious, making it a family favorite.

⏱ Total Time: 5h 20m
🍽️ Yield: 5 servings

Requirements

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Melt 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter in a large cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Sear for 4-6 minutes per side until golden brown.
  2. Carefully transfer the seared chicken breasts to your slow cooker, arranging them in a single layer.
  3. Cover the chicken with fresh lemon juice and lemon zest. Sprinkle minced garlic over the top, then dot with the remaining 5 tablespoons of butter.
  4. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 4 hours or on high for 2 hours until the chicken is incredibly tender.
  5. About an hour before the chicken is done, combine the half and half, cornstarch, and optional chicken base in a large measuring cup or small bowl. Whisk until very smooth, ensuring no lumps of cornstarch remain.
  6. Pour the half and half mixture directly into the slow cooker over the chicken. Give it a gentle stir, then cover and cook on high for one additional hour to allow the sauce to thicken beautifully.

Notes

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days after cooling to room temperature, making it ideal for meal prep. The flavors often enhance overnight.

Serve this delicious chicken over pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes to enjoy every drop of the creamy sauce. For extra vegetables, stir in fresh spinach during the last 30 minutes of cooking or serve with roasted asparagus or steamed broccoli. When using chicken base, consider a low-sodium option for better control over the dish’s seasoning.

Nutrition

450
Calories
2g
Sugar
30g
Fat
8g
Carbs

About the Author

Ricardo Solis
December 3, 2025
I've always seen food as a vibrant language. My passion ignited watching an old street vendor in Oaxaca transform humble ingredients into a symphony of flavors with just a simple grill. It wasn't just cooking; it was pure alchemy, a way to connect and tell a story. That moment, the aroma, the precision, it showed me my path was to translate culture through taste.

Leave a Comment