Tender, Flavorful, and Effortlessly Delicious
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Preparation Phase & Tools To Use
Tools:
- Crock Pot or slow cooker
- Small bowl for mixing seasonings
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Knife and cutting board for preparing chicken and garlic
Ingredients and Their Roles:
- Chicken breasts or thighs (about 2 pounds): The main protein, chosen for its tenderness and ability to absorb flavors.
- Salt and pepper: Basic seasonings to enhance the natural flavors of the chicken.
- Butter (1/4 cup): Adds richness and forms the base of the sauce.
- Garlic (4-5 cloves, minced): Provides a bold flavor that pairs beautifully with lemon.
- Chicken broth (1 cup): Adds moisture and helps to cook the chicken evenly in the Crock Pot.
- Lemon juice (from 2 lemons): Offers a bright, acidic contrast to the richness of the butter.
- Heavy cream (1 cup): Brings a luxurious creaminess to the sauce.
- Italian seasoning (1 teaspoon): Adds depth with a blend of classic herbs.
- Fresh parsley (a handful, chopped, for garnish): Introduces a fresh, herbal finish.
- Cornstarch (1 tablespoon, optional, mixed with 1 tablespoon water): Used to thicken the sauce, if desired.
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Step-By-Step Instructions:
- Season the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts or thighs generously with salt and pepper. Place them in the Crock Pot.
- Add Flavorings: Add the minced garlic, chicken broth, lemon juice, and sprinkle the Italian seasoning over the chicken. Dot the butter pieces evenly on top.
- Cook: Cover and cook on low for 5-6 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is thoroughly cooked and tender.
- Creamy Sauce: In the last 30 minutes of cooking, gently stir in the heavy cream. If you desire a thicker sauce, mix the cornstarch with water in a separate bowl until smooth, then stir into the Crock Pot. Continue cooking until the sauce has thickened slightly.
- Garnish and Serve: Once done, garnish the chicken with chopped parsley. Serve warm over cooked pasta, rice, or steamed vegetables.
Time and Servings:
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 3-6 hours (depending on setting)
- Total Time: 3 hours and 10 minutes to 6 hours and 10 minutes
- Servings: 4-6
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Nutritional Information & Health Benefits:
This dish is rich in protein and can be part of a balanced diet when served with a side of vegetables or whole grains. The lemon in the recipe provides vitamin C, while the garlic offers antioxidant benefits. To make a lighter version, you could use light cream or coconut milk instead of heavy cream.
Common Mistakes To Avoid & How to Perfect the Recipe:
- Overcooking the Chicken: Keep an eye on the cooking time, especially if your Crock Pot cooks on the hotter side. Overcooked chicken can become dry.
- Not Adjusting Seasoning: Taste the sauce before serving and adjust the seasoning if necessary. The acidity of lemons can vary, so you may need more or less lemon juice.
- Skipping the Garnish: Fresh parsley not only adds color but also a burst of fresh flavor that complements the creamy sauce.
Conclusion:
Crock Pot Creamy Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken is the epitome of comfort food with a zesty twist. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, requiring minimal prep for maximum flavor. The slow cooking process infuses the chicken with garlic and lemon, while the cream adds a silky, indulgent texture to the sauce. Serve this dish with your favorite sides for a satisfying meal that the whole family will love.