This Crock Pot Lemon Garlic Chicken and Veggies is easy to make, healthy, and provides everything you need to squelch the hangries in a single pot. It also happens to make a lot, so it’s perfect for gathering neighbors or friends around the table and sending them home with leftovers!
It always amazes me when I hear people say they “forgot to eat” on a particularly busy day. This concept is completely foreign to me. I have had busy days. I’ve had days where I’ve had to push back a meal or skip it in favor of scarfing a granola bar down in the car. But I honestly can’t remember a single time where I’ve just “forgotten” to eat. When I’m hungry, my body makes it awfully hard to forget. Those loud, angry stomach gurgles aren’t going to wait.
The term “hangry” has enjoyed a lot of success the past few years, at least partially because it’s a feeling so many people identify with. When I’m hungry I often find myself impatient and short tempered. I can easily snap at my husband or get upset about things that wouldn’t normally bother me. Hangriness isn’t a state that’s good for anyone–me, my family, or anyone unlucky enough to get between me and the sample ladies at Costco.
But here’s the sad truth. There are many families, in your community and in mine, who don’t just “forget” to eat or have a mild case of the hangries one day. There are many who face hunger on a daily basis.
We all know what hunger feels like, but imagine having that state drawn out for days or weeks at a time. Imagine the impact that would have not only on your own health, but on your family and your job. I know I find it difficult to focus when I have to push back lunch by an hour or two, but there are children in our city who are attempting to take tests and listen to their teachers on empty stomachs.
September is Hunger Action Month, and I wanted to take the opportunity to share with you a local partner who’s helping bridge the gap for hungry families in our community. Last year, Lutheran Social Services Food Pantry distributed 2.1 meals to 81,000 families in 14 Ohio counties. Families can visit their pantry on a weekly basis and shop for 3 days worth of meals. The challenge of pantry shopping is, of course, that you never know quite what you’re going to get, although the pantries strive to always have fresh produce, protein, and emergency staples like canned goods and peanut butter on hand.
When I think about NeighborFood, I think about organizations like LSS who are literally sharing food with our neighbors. In that same spirit, I wanted to share a recipe that could easily be made and adapted based on whatever a food pantry might have on hand.
This Crock Pot Lemon Garlic Chicken and Veggies is easy to make, healthy, and provides everything you need to squelch the hangries in a single pot. It also happens to make a lot, so it’s perfect for gathering neighbors or friends around the table and sending them home with leftovers!
The recipe is really a dump and go favorite. Place some potatoes, onions, and carrots in the slow cooker (feel free to substitute with what you have on hand), then place the chicken on top along with some olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and herbs.
You can swap the chicken in this for drumsticks or breasts and the fresh herbs for dried Italian seasoning if you prefer. After cooking, I like to pop the chicken under the broiler to get a nice crispy browned skin, but this extra step is optional.
If you would like to help hungry families here in Columbus, please visit Lutheran Social Service’s website, or, for those of you who aren’t local, check out Feeding America to find out how to take action in your own neighborhood.
This recipe can be easily adapted based on the ingredients you have on hand. Feel free to use chicken drumsticks or breasts instead of thighs and use dried herbs (Italian seasoning or dried rosemary/thyme) instead of fresh.
Crock Pot Lemon Garlic Chicken
Ingredients
Instructions
Notes
Nicki says
I made this last week and it was amazing! 😛
Courtney says
Yay! I’m so glad you liked it Nicki!
Vyacheslav says
can you cook this dish in the oven??
thank you
Courtney @ NeighborFood says
That should work fine! I would put everything on a foil lined sheet pan then bake at 400 degrees for 40-50 minutes.
Claudia Blondin says
Covered or not for the oven?!?
Can’t wait to try this tonight. I just didn’t have time to put it in the crock pot.
Coral mcguire says
In the oven does it have to be covered and why do you put on foil
Pamela Cordeau says
I am recently widowed. Cooking for one has been a problem. But I will make this, package it, and have several meals ready to go. My husband retired three years before I did. He took over meal preparation. Didn’t realize how spoiled I was.
Courtney @ NeighborFood says
Hi Pamela,
I’m so sorry to hear that. I’m sure that is a really hard adjustment. I hope this recipe can help make your dinner times a little easier!
Cori says
Does the olive oil make it seem greasy?
Courtney says
I personally haven’t run into this issue, but I have received one other comment about it seeming greasy. If you’re worried about it, feel free to omit the olive oil. Another reader did that and said it turned out fine!
Peggy Rothschild says
I found this recipe quite by accident and thought it sounded easy, nutritious, and delicious.
I was right.
I have just found your website and will be selecting other of your recipes from now on.
Thank you!
Courtney @ NeighborFood says
This comment just made my day, Peggy. I’m so glad you enjoyed the recipe and hope you find many more favorites on the site!
Denise Maldonado says
Hello, this is the first time I ise a crockpot, can I just leave it on high for 6 hours? The people I have coming over will be here soon I don’t really have time to wait 12 hours till this is done thank you so much
Courtney @ NeighborFood says
It should be fine to do it on high. I would check it at 4 hours to see if it’s done, and if not go the full 6. Hope you enjoy!
Laura says
What a wonderful recipe this is. I have not seen my family members in a various number of years and we all live most of the time in the same general area but work interferes.
I will double this recipe this weekend and use a 5 quart crock-pot. Thanks and take care….
Courtney says
I’m so glad you like it and I hope your family will as well!
Sharon says
Do you think it would be ok to use boneless chicken breasts in this recipe?
Courtney @ NeighborFood says
I think you could try it, but I would bake the chicken breasts on a separate pan in case they get done before the rest of the meal. That way you can take them out early and avoid drying them out!
Courtney says
I’m so sorry, I just realized I responded on the wrong recipe. I think you could absolutely use chicken breasts in this recipe without making any changes. I hope that helps!
Emily says
Hi, looks lovely but I am wondering if it wouldn’t be a bit dry with only oil and lemon juice? Won’t it dry/burn to my slow cooker?
Thank you.
Jenny says
What liquids do I use in this recipe
Courtney @ NeighborFood says
No extra liquid needed! The chicken will cook in its own juices.
andy says
hi ,do we need to add water or ang liquid on the slow cooker pot ?
andy says
hi ,do we need to add water or ang liquid on the slow cooker pot ? crackpot slow cook lemonchicken and veggie
Courtney says
No extra liquid is necessary!
Candice says
Can I use coconut oil instead of olive oil?
Courtney says
That should work fine!
Erin says
The recipe says to remove the leaves from the thyme. Does that mean you use only the stems? Also, should the garlic be chopped or go in whole?
Courtney @ NeighborFood says
Sorry that’s confusing! I use the thyme leaves, not the stems. And the garlic can remain while, or if you have chopped you can use about a teaspoon chopped.
Paul Gissinger says
Can I use boneless chicken boneless breast
Courtney @ NeighborFood says
That should work fine!
Briana says
Do you have any suggestions for reheating? After being in the slow cooker for 8 hrs, I had to pack it up for future meals. To reheat, I put in the broiler on high for 10min. Mine was fine, but my husband’s was pink. I put it back in for another 5 min in tented foil and then turned off the broiler and kept it in for a few more minutes (trying to avoid drying it out). It darkened up, but of course we are concerned about food safety. There wasn’t really a thick enough portion of chicken left to check the temp. Thoughts?
Courtney says
Hmmm…pink is not necessarily a sign of doneness (or un-doneness). You could always try microwaving for a few minutes before placing in the oven to crisp up, just ot be sure.
Ted says
I notice that the recipe instructions say to stir half of the garlic and herbs in before starting to cook the meal. When does the remainder of these ingredients come into play?
Ted says
Never mind! Disregard please 🙂
Clara says
How long for boneless (new to crock pot cooking)
Courtney says
The time should be the same whether you use bone in or boneless!
Beverly Spoerhase says
Thank you..
Tita says
I made it twice and it was amazing both times!
Courtney says
Awesome! Thank you so much for coming back to let me know!
Alison says
Trying this is the morning was wondering why recipe says 4 cloves of garlic then in making the recipe it only says 2 cloves
Courtney says
Sorry about that! The remaining 2 cloves go on top of the chicken! I’ve updated the recipe.
Diana Jackman says
What adjustments need to be made, if I want to double the recipe?
Courtney says
As long as you can fit it all in the crock pot, you shouldn’t need to make any adjustments other than doubling all the ingredients!
Catherine says
This recipe is so delicous. We’ve made this a couple times and it gets better everytime. I love the texture you get from the skin on chicken when it’s broiled as a last step.
Jack says
I ‘m trying the
Lemon garlic crock
Pot recipe.i bought boneless skinless thighs, is that ok ?
Natasha says
So you can place the uncooked chicken with the potatoes and carrots, correct? I just ask because I’m not super great with cooking chicken and I just wanted to make sure.
Courtney @ NeighborFood says
That’s right! You can place the chicken in the slow cooker raw, just make sure it’s not frozen!
Penny says
I stumbled upon this delicious looking recipe earlier today. It’s in the slow cooker right now and smells so good. Can’t wait for dinner tonight! I used skinless boneless chicken thighs, and following the recipe as written.
Nicolle Bouffard says
This came out outstanding! We followed the recipe to the tee and it was very tasty. I cooked on low for 8 hours and let it sit to cool some for 2 hours. Couple of changes I made/will make next time:
1. We added 1 cup of chicken broth to add moisture.
2. It really needed more salt – I thought I was being heavy handed, but I will add more next time.
3. I didn’t bother with the browning in the oven step and it was still great.
4. I would probably cut the potatoes and carrots by 1/4 of the amount each and add more onion. There seemed to just be too many potatoes and carrots ratio to chicken.
5. I’m thinking either the lemon juice or the lemon slices, but both seemed slightly overpowering.
Jenny says
When the chicken is done in the crock pot and it says to preheat the oven so the chicken is crispy it doesn’t say to what temperature. What should I preheat it to?
Courtney says
I just use the broiler! No need to preheat to a certain temperature.
Annie says
The directions say broil – so I would use low since the meat is already cooked. Just stick around and watch as the broiler can be tricky at times. I’m going to make this next week and will report back.
Jessie says
I am making this for dinner tonight. Thank you for the recipe, I however did use russet potatoes. And orange slices cause 8 didn’t want to go to the store. That should be ok right?
Courtney says
Hi there! I apologize for the delayed response. I hope the chicken still turned out great for you!
Gabby says
I loved this recipe! I love the fact that everything is natural. My sister was just put on a low sodium diet and this was the perfect recipe for her. Everyone absolutely loved it!
Courtney says
I am so glad! Thank you so much for taking the time to come back and let me know!
Micah says
Trying it tonight. Can’t wait!
Courtney says
I hope you enjoyed!
Darrel says
I am 33 yr old. Lol first crock pot meal made. Looked so easy and delicicious. Find out this evening. Thanks
Carol says
If you were to make this with boneless chicken breasts, how many breasts or how much should the breasts weigh? I’ve noticed that some recipes change the wgt. of the chicken breasts when substituting for chicken thighs. Thank you.
Courtney @ NeighborFood says
I would just use a standard package of 1-1.5 lbs. chicken breasts. I would also probably skip the broiler part at the end of the recipe to avoid drying them out.
Sharon says
Came across this recipe this weekend and just made in the oven — this is excellent! So glad that I came across this site – Thank you so much for sharing this!!
Courtney says
Awesome! So glad you loved it!
Koger says
I have 6 quart crock pot. Is this too big for this recipe ?
Courtney says
No that should work great!
Elaine says
Thanks so much for the amazing recipe. I made this and my husband couldn’t believe it’s home-cooked!
StephWhiteley says
Hiya :} Nice recipe. Just wondered if anyone else had bitter sauces? The lemon pretty much destroyed everything in the dish, carrots, onions and sauce, yet the chicken was fine. Although it seeped into the skin so that was inedible also. ):
Courtney says
So sorry to hear it didn’t work well for you!When you say the lemon destroyed the vegetables do you mean it was just too strong?
Kelli Athas says
I’m cooking this now…do I need to make any adjustments for boneless skinless thighs?
Courtney says
Those should work just fine!
Diane says
Made this yesterday and my husband now thinks I am a genius! He said we can make this for guests, so I knew he loved it 🙂
Courtney says
That is AWESOME. I love feeling like a genius. 🙂
Gail says
Love the idea of this, but not a fan of dark meat chicken. How would I adjust the cooking time if I used bone-in chicken breast? Thank you.
Courtney says
The cooking time should be about the same with chicken breasts!
Lin says
Love this chicken! I have made this twice already and everyone loves it. I use the skinless thighs, I brown them first. I found 5 hours on low is more then enough. Last time did the 7 hours and it was a bit too much. I also add a cup of chicken bouillon. Lately I’m tired of stuff I have tried making like pot roast, turkey,pork, it always comes out tough so now trying new recipes. This is a keeper. I also use the Near East Couscous Couscous with wild mushroom and it’s excellent!! The smell of this cooking for hours is so great, thanks for this recipe.
Lin says
I’d like to add as above poster said it was bitter but I find that at all in fact I may use a little more lemon especially since I added the chicken bouillom
Courtney says
I’m so glad you enjoyed it! It sounds wonderful with the couscous!
Deborah Ward says
I’m trying it with boneless skinless thighs hope it turns out OK. Have you done it with boneless skinless?
Courtney says
I haven’t, but I think it would still work fine. I hope it turned out great for you!
Michele says
What will happen if you use frozen chicken?
Courtney @ NeighborFood says
Technically, the USDA doesn’t recommend using frozen chicken in the slow cooker. I think it would work okay, although the texture if you use skin-on chicken thighs might be off.
Laurie says
I made this recipe on lunch and the house smells great. Can’t wait to try it for dinner!
You have one small typo- at the end, I think you meant broileR not broiled.
Thanks for the wonderful recipes 🙂
Heather ONeil says
What if I don’t have a broiler ? Can i bake to get the same texture on the tops of the chicken after they have slow cooked ?
Courtney says
Baking would probably help crisp up the chicken, but I’d be a little more concerned about drying it out. I would just try a really hot oven for a short amount of time.
Charlene J. Bronson says
I have read that for safety you should never reheat chicken but eat it cold if you have leftovers. Is this a true statement?
Courtney says
I don’t believe that’s true. These are the guidelines I follow for reheating leftovers. https://www.foodsafety.gov/blog/holiday_leftovers.html
Ryan says
As a bachelor, there’s two things that I appreciate. A slow cooker, and awesome people who share recipes for the slow cooker. Cheers on the awesome recipe.
Courtney says
I appreciate you taking the time to come back and comment! So glad you liked the recipe!
Carolyn says
Tried it last night was amazing thank you for sharing this amazing recipe !
Angela Holt says
Hi I made this with sweet potato but when I served it the potato was still quite hard. So were the carrots. It have been cooking on Auto for 8 hours. Any tips? Would some extra chicken stock help? Im new to crock pot cooking.
Courtney says
Hmm…the vegetables definitely should’ve been soft after cooking that long. I’m not familiar with the “auto” setting. My crock pot just has low or high. Is it possible that setting isn’t warm enough?
Holly says
Hello,
I don’t have any potatoes on hand. Can I make this without any potatoes using the same cooktime? I do have couscous on hand. Do you cook the couscous together with the chicken or separately just before serving?
Thank you!
Courtney @ NeighborFood says
You can definitely omit the potatoes. I would cook the couscous separately right before serving.
Todd says
Just tried this tonight and all I can say is YUMMMM.. Great call on broiling the chicken after cooking turned nice and crispy. Will look forward to having it again tomorrow after it sits overnight. Keep up the great work and looking forward to trying more of your recipes.
Courtney says
This makes me so happy! I’m so glad you liked it and I hope you find many more recipes to enjoy!