Slow-Cooked Lemon Herb Chicken
Transform your weeknight dinners with this Slow-Cooked Lemon Herb Chicken. This recipe takes the classic combination of lemon and herbs to a tender and succulent level. While it may require some initial preparation, the end result is a flavorful dish that fills your home with delightful aromas as it simmers to perfection. The chicken is lovingly browned for an added layer of flavor and then slowly cooked with fragrant herbs, garlic, and a splash of sherry or broth. Finished with a spritz of fresh lemon juice, this dish is sure to impress family and friends alike. Serve it alongside your favorite vegetables or over a bed of rice for a complete meal.
N/A
Servings
525
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
broiler-fryer chicken
3 lb (whole or cut into pieces)
crumbled dry oregano
1 teaspoon (none)
crumbled dried rosemary
1/2 teaspoon (none)
garlic cloves
3 (minced)
butter
2 tablespoons (none)
sherry wine or chicken broth
1/4 cup (none)
lemon juice
1/4 cup (none)
salt
to taste (none)
pepper
to taste (none)
Instructions
1
Begin by washing the chicken thoroughly under cold water, then pat it dry with paper towels. Season the chicken generously inside and out with salt and pepper.
2
Sprinkle half of the dried oregano, rosemary, and minced garlic inside the cavity of the chicken for optimal flavor infusion.
3
In a large frying pan, melt the butter over medium-high heat. Once hot, carefully add the chicken and brown it on all sides, which should take about 5-7 minutes. This step is crucial for developing a rich flavor, so be patient and allow each side to get a nice golden color.
4
Once browned, transfer the chicken to your slow cooker or crock pot. Sprinkle the remaining oregano, rosemary, and garlic over the top of the chicken.
5
Next, deglaze the frying pan by adding the sherry wine (or chicken broth) to the pan, stirring to loosen any browned bits from the bottom. This adds depth to your dish. Pour this liquid over the chicken in the slow cooker.
6
Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on LOW for 7 hours. About 30 minutes before it's done, add the lemon juice, allowing the acidity to brighten the flavors of the dish.
7
After the cooking time is complete, carefully transfer the chicken to a cutting board. Let it rest for a few minutes before carving.
8
While the chicken rests, skim any excess fat from the cooking juices. Serve these juices over the sliced chicken for an extra layer of flavor.
Nutrition Information
30g
Fat
2.5g
Carbs
52.5g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Slow-Cooked Lemon Herb Chicken?
It is a tender and succulent dish made by browning a 3lb chicken and slow-cooking it with oregano, rosemary, garlic, and lemon juice.
How long does this recipe take to cook?
The chicken cooks in the slow cooker on LOW for 7 hours.
Can I use chicken pieces instead of a whole chicken?
Yes, the recipe allows for a 3 lb broiler-fryer chicken to be used whole or cut into pieces.
What herbs are used in the Slow-Cooked Lemon Herb Chicken?
The recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of crumbled dry oregano and 1/2 teaspoon of crumbled dried rosemary.
Why do I need to brown the chicken first?
Browning the chicken in butter for 5-7 minutes is crucial for developing a rich, golden color and an added layer of flavor.
What can I substitute for sherry wine?
You can use an equal amount of chicken broth if you prefer not to use sherry wine.
When should I add the lemon juice?
Add the lemon juice about 30 minutes before the cooking time is complete to brighten the flavors.
What are the nutritional values for this dish?
Each serving contains approximately 525 calories, 30g of fat, 2.5g of carbohydrates, and 52.5g of protein.
How much garlic is required?
The recipe requires 3 minced garlic cloves.
Is this recipe low in carbohydrates?
Yes, with only 2.5g of carbohydrates per serving, this is a low-carb meal option.
How do I prepare the chicken cavity?
Sprinkle half of the dried oregano, rosemary, and minced garlic inside the cavity for optimal flavor infusion.
What is the purpose of deglazing the pan?
Deglazing with sherry or broth loosens the browned bits from the pan, which adds depth to the final dish when poured over the chicken.
Should the chicken rest after cooking?
Yes, transfer the chicken to a cutting board and let it rest for a few minutes before carving.
How should I serve the cooking juices?
Skim any excess fat from the juices and serve them over the sliced chicken.
What sides go well with this chicken?
It is recommended to serve this dish alongside your favorite vegetables or over a bed of rice.
Do I cook this on high or low heat?
This specific recipe is designed to be cooked on the LOW setting for 7 hours.
Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried?
While the recipe specifies dried oregano and rosemary, you can use fresh herbs, though you may need to increase the quantity as dried herbs are more concentrated.
How much butter is needed for browning?
You will need 2 tablespoons of butter.
Does this recipe include salt and pepper?
Yes, salt and pepper should be added to taste both inside and outside the chicken.
What size chicken is best for this recipe?
A 3 lb broiler-fryer chicken is the recommended size.
How much lemon juice is used?
The recipe calls for 1/4 cup of lemon juice.
What is the first step in preparing the chicken?
Wash the chicken thoroughly under cold water and pat it dry with paper towels.
Can this be made in a crock pot?
Yes, this recipe is specifically designed for a slow cooker or crock pot.
How much protein is in one serving?
There are 52.5g of protein per serving.
Is the chicken seasoned before or after browning?
The chicken is seasoned with salt, pepper, and some of the herbs before it is browned in the frying pan.
What should I do with the remaining herbs?
The remaining oregano, rosemary, and garlic should be sprinkled over the top of the chicken once it is in the slow cooker.
How long does it take to brown the chicken?
It takes about 5-7 minutes to brown the chicken on all sides.
Does the recipe require any fiber or sugar?
According to the nutritional data, this recipe contains no fiber or sugar.
Is this considered a comfort food?
Yes, it is tagged as a comfort food and a weeknight dinner favorite.
What kind of wine is used for deglazing?
The recipe recommends 1/4 cup of sherry wine.