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Lemon Herb Chicken Recipe – Easy Slow Cooker Whole Food Dinner

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This slow cooker lemon herb chicken is infused with fresh herbs, garlic, and zesty lemon for a juicy, flavorful, and wholesome dinner. It’s a simple, crowd-pleasing recipe perfect for family meals or impressing guests, with minimal prep and all whole food ingredients.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 whole chicken (3.5–4 lbs)
  • 2 large fresh lemons (zest and juice, plus slices for stuffing)
  • 6–8 cloves garlic, unpeeled
  • 2–3 sprigs fresh rosemary
  • 4–5 sprigs fresh thyme
  • Small handful fresh parsley (stems and all)
  • 2–3 tbsp olive oil
  • 1½ tsp sea salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • Optional: 1 small onion, quartered
  • Optional: 2–3 carrots, roughly chopped
  • Optional: 1 celery stalk, chopped
  • Optional: Additional herbs (sage, oregano, tarragon, dill) as desired

Instructions

  1. Remove giblets from the chicken cavity if present. Pat the chicken dry inside and out with paper towels.
  2. Check for leftover pin feathers and remove if needed.
  3. In a small bowl, combine olive oil, zest of 1 lemon, sea salt, black pepper, and chopped leaves from 2 rosemary sprigs, 3 thyme sprigs, and half the parsley. Stir to form a paste.
  4. Rub the oil and herb mixture all over the chicken, including under the skin if possible.
  5. Stuff the cavity with garlic cloves, remaining lemon (cut into wedges), and reserved herb sprigs.
  6. Optional: For extra flavor, sear the chicken in a skillet over medium-high heat with a little oil, browning on all sides (2–3 minutes per side).
  7. Scatter onion, carrot, and celery (if using) in the bottom of the slow cooker. Place the chicken on top, breast side up. Pour the juice of the second lemon over the chicken.
  8. Cover and cook on LOW for 5–6 hours, or HIGH for 3–4 hours, until a thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh reads 165°F.
  9. If there is too much liquid, prop the lid slightly ajar for the last 30 minutes to concentrate the juices.
  10. Transfer the chicken to a cutting board and let it rest for 10 minutes before carving. Serve with pan juices and a sprinkle of fresh parsley.

Notes

For extra flavor, rub herbs under the chicken skin and consider searing the chicken before slow cooking. Layer veggies under the chicken to prevent sogginess and create a built-in side. Broil the chicken for 3–5 minutes after slow cooking for crispy skin. Save the pan juices for drizzling or making a sauce. Leftovers keep well and can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: lemon herb chicken, slow cooker chicken, whole food dinner, healthy chicken recipe, gluten-free, dairy-free, easy chicken dinner, family meal, meal prep, paleo

Find it online: https://norasfoods.com/lemon-herb-chicken-recipe-easy-slow-cooker-whole-food-dinner/