Slow-Cooked Lemon & Rosemary Chicken Delight
Indulge in the refreshing flavors of our Slow-Cooked Lemon & Rosemary Chicken Delight. This recipe combines the zesty brightness of fresh lemon juice with the earthy aroma of rosemary, resulting in incredibly tender and juicy chicken breast that practically melts in your mouth. Ideal for busy weeknights, this dish requires minimal prep but rewards you with bold flavors and ease of cooking. Serve it alongside seasonal vegetables for a complete meal that is both nutritious and satisfying.
4
Servings
112
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
Lemon juice
1/2 cup (freshly squeezed)
Vegetable oil
1 tablespoon (N/A)
Garlic clove
1 (crushed)
Dried rosemary
1 teaspoon (N/A)
Salt
1/4 teaspoon (N/A)
Pepper
1/4 teaspoon (N/A)
Boneless skinless chicken breasts
1.5-2 lbs (N/A)
Instructions
1
In a large resealable food storage bag, combine the lemon juice, vegetable oil, crushed garlic, dried rosemary, salt, and pepper.
2
Add the chicken breasts to the bag, seal it tightly, and gently massage the marinade into the chicken to ensure even coating.
3
Place the bag in the refrigerator and marinate the chicken for 3 to 4 hours, turning the bag occasionally for maximum flavor absorption.
4
After marinating, transfer the chicken to the slow cooker and pour the remaining marinade over it, ensuring the chicken is well coated.
5
Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or until the chicken is tender and cooked through, basting occasionally with the marinade if possible.
6
For a nutritious side, add frozen broccoli and carrots to the slow cooker approximately 1 to 1.5 hours before cooking time is complete. These will steam perfectly alongside the chicken.
Nutrition Information
0.5g
Carbs
11g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main flavors in this chicken dish?
The dish features a bright, zesty flavor from fresh lemon juice combined with the earthy, aromatic notes of dried rosemary and crushed garlic.
How long does the chicken need to marinate?
For maximum flavor absorption, the chicken should be marinated in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 hours.
What is the recommended cooking time in the slow cooker?
The recipe suggests cooking the chicken on low for 6 to 8 hours until it is tender and fully cooked through.
What type of chicken should I use for this recipe?
This recipe specifically calls for 1.5 to 2 pounds of boneless skinless chicken breasts.
Can I add vegetables directly into the slow cooker?
Yes, you can add frozen broccoli and carrots to the slow cooker approximately 1 to 1.5 hours before the cooking time is finished.
How many calories are in one serving?
Each serving of this Slow-Cooked Lemon & Rosemary Chicken contains approximately 112 calories.
Is this a low-carbohydrate meal?
Yes, this dish is very low in carbohydrates, containing only 0.5g per serving.
How much protein is in each serving?
Each serving provides 11g of protein.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe is designed to produce 4 servings.
Should I use fresh or bottled lemon juice?
Freshly squeezed lemon juice is recommended for the best flavor profile.
Do I need to brown the chicken before putting it in the slow cooker?
No, the recipe instructions state to transfer the marinated chicken directly into the slow cooker.
What should I do with the leftover marinade after marinating?
Pour the remaining marinade over the chicken once it is in the slow cooker to ensure it stays well coated during the cooking process.
What kind of oil is used in the marinade?
The recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil.
Can I use fresh rosemary instead of dried?
While the recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of dried rosemary, you can substitute fresh rosemary, though you may want to increase the amount slightly as dried is more concentrated.
How should the garlic be prepared?
The garlic clove should be crushed before being added to the marinade bag.
Is it necessary to turn the bag during marinating?
Yes, turning the bag occasionally helps ensure even flavor absorption across all the chicken breasts.
Does the recipe require basting?
Basting occasionally with the marinade during the slow cooking process is recommended if possible to keep the chicken moist.
What is the benefit of adding vegetables near the end of cooking?
Adding frozen vegetables in the last hour allows them to steam perfectly without becoming overly mushy.
Is this recipe considered healthy?
Yes, with low calories, high protein, and low carbs, it is labeled as a healthy meal option.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
While the recipe specifies breasts, chicken thighs can be used, though you should monitor the internal temperature as cooking times may vary slightly.
How much salt and pepper is needed?
The recipe uses 1/4 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of pepper.
Is this a good meal for meal prep?
Yes, it requires minimal preparation and uses a slow cooker, making it ideal for busy weeknights or preparing ahead of time.
What side dishes go well with this chicken?
Seasonal vegetables, frozen broccoli, and carrots are suggested as nutritious sides.
Do I cook on 'High' or 'Low' heat?
The recipe specifically recommends the 'Low' setting for 6 to 8 hours to ensure tenderness.
Can I marinate the chicken longer than 4 hours?
While 3-4 hours is ideal, you can marinate longer, but be cautious with high-acid marinades (like lemon) as they can eventually change the texture of the meat.
How do I ensure the marinade is evenly distributed?
Gently massage the marinade into the chicken while it is inside the sealed resealable food storage bag.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Based on the ingredients listed (chicken, lemon, oil, garlic, rosemary, spices), this recipe is naturally gluten-free.
What makes the chicken 'melt in your mouth'?
The combination of the acidic lemon marinade and the long, slow cooking process helps break down the fibers for a very tender result.
Can I use this recipe in a Crock-Pot?
Yes, this recipe is perfectly suited for a Crock-Pot or any brand of slow cooker.
Is there any sugar in this recipe?
The nutritional data indicates the sugar content is negligible or null.