Slow Cooker Creamy Lemon Chicken

When you need a dinner that practically cooks itself but tastes like you’ve been slaving away in the kitchen all day, this Slow Cooker Creamy Lemon Chicken is your answer! Tender, juicy chicken breasts swimming in the most incredible buttery lemon sauce – it’s comfort food that’s actually good for you!

This recipe breaks all the usual slow cooker rules (in the best possible way!). Normally I’d never put chicken breast in the slow cooker because it tends to dry out, but the secret searing step and all that gorgeous butter creates the most succulent, flavour-packed chicken you’ve ever tasted.

Love easy slow cooker meals? You’ll also want to try my Slow Cooker Apricot Chicken, Creamy Chicken Taco Soup, and Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff – all family favourites that practically cook themselves!

The beauty of this recipe is how versatile it is. Serve it over rice, pasta, or mashed potato to soak up that divine creamy lemon sauce. You can even slice the chicken for salads, wraps, or sandwiches the next day. It’s one of those recipes that keeps on giving!

“This is hands down the best slow cooker chicken recipe I’ve ever made! The sauce is absolutely incredible and my whole family loved it.” – Emma

Why You’re Going To Love This Recipe

Set and forget cooking – prep in 10 minutes, then let your slow cooker do all the work

Restaurant-quality flavour – that buttery lemon sauce tastes absolutely divine

Foolproof method – even chicken breast stays perfectly juicy and tender

Make-ahead friendly – perfect for meal prep and busy weeknight dinners

Versatile serving options – works with pasta, rice, potatoes, or vegetables

Family-friendly – kids love the creamy sauce, adults love the sophisticated flavour

Slow Cooker Lemon Chicken Ingredients

You probably have most of these ingredients in your kitchen already! The key to this recipe’s success is the combination of good searing and plenty of butter to keep the chicken moist.

Note: Scroll to the recipe card at the bottom for ingredient quantities and full detailed method.

For the Chicken:

Chicken breasts – boneless and skinless work best (the butter adds all the moisture you need)
Butter – don’t skimp on this! It’s what keeps the chicken juicy and creates that rich sauce
Italian seasoning – a good quality blend makes all the difference
Salt and pepper – for seasoning the chicken perfectly

For the Lemon Sauce:

Fresh lemons – both juice and zest for maximum citrus flavour
Garlic – fresh is best, but adjust to your taste
Half and half – creates that luxurious creamy texture
Cornstarch – helps thicken the sauce to perfection
Chicken base – optional but highly recommended for extra savoury depth

How To Make Slow Cooker Creamy Lemon Chicken

Don’t let the slow cooking time fool you – this recipe is actually incredibly simple to put together!

Note: Scroll to the recipe card at the bottom for ingredient quantities and full detailed method.

Step 1 – Season and Sear the Chicken

Season your chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Heat butter in a large pan and sear the chicken until golden on both sides. This step is crucial for locking in all those lovely juices!

Step 2 – Set Up Your Slow Cooker

Transfer the seared chicken to your slow cooker. Pour over the fresh lemon juice and zest, add the minced garlic, and dot with the remaining butter pieces.

Step 3 – Slow Cook to Perfection

Cover and cook on low for 4 hours or high for 2 hours until the chicken is beautifully tender and cooked through.

Step 4 – Create the Creamy Sauce

Whisk together the half and half, cornstarch, and chicken base until smooth. Pour this mixture into the slow cooker, give it a gentle stir, and cook for another hour on high until the sauce thickens to creamy perfection.

Variations

Lemon Parmesan Chicken – Stir through 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese in the last 15 minutes for extra richness.

Herb Lovers – Add fresh thyme, rosemary, or oregano along with the Italian seasoning.

Lighter Version – Use light cream or evaporated milk instead of half and half.

Vegetable Addition – Add baby potatoes or carrots to the slow cooker for a complete one-pot meal.

Extra Lemony – Add extra lemon zest at the end for an even brighter citrus hit.

Expert Tips

Don’t skip the searing – This step adds incredible flavour and helps keep the chicken moist throughout the long cooking process.

Use fresh lemon – Bottled lemon juice just won’t give you the same bright, zesty flavour.

Add cream at the end – Adding dairy products too early can cause them to curdle, so wait until the final hour.

Don’t overcook – Stick to the cooking times to avoid dry chicken and curdled sauce.

Make extra sauce – Double the sauce ingredients if you want more of that gorgeous creamy goodness to serve over sides.

Let it rest – Allow the finished dish to sit for 5 minutes before serving so the sauce can thicken slightly.

Storage – Keeps in the fridge for up to 4 days and reheats beautifully on the stovetop over low heat.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work beautifully in this recipe. They might be even more tender than the breasts, though you may want to remove some of the rendered fat before adding the cream.

Can I leave this cooking for 8 hours while I’m at work?

I wouldn’t recommend it with the cream sauce – it could curdle and the chicken might dry out. If you need longer cooking time, cook the chicken without the cream for 6-8 hours, then add the cream mixture in the last hour.

What if I don’t have half and half?

You can substitute with heavy cream (use a bit less) or evaporated milk. Even full-fat milk will work, though the sauce won’t be quite as rich.

Can I freeze this dish?

Yes! The cooked chicken and sauce freeze well for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stovetop, stirring occasionally.

What should I serve with this chicken?

This is delicious over rice, pasta, mashed potatoes, or with steamed vegetables. The sauce is so good you’ll want something to soak it up!

Related Recipes

Looking for more easy slow cooker dinners that the whole family will love? These recipes are perfect for busy weeknights!