Here’s a nice and fresh slow cooker recipe that I certainly appreciate.  While I love slow cooker dishes that resemble comfort, I also love this dish because it tastes light and fresh.  Of course, this is mostly because of the lemon flavor.  I mean, what is ever made with lemon that doesn’t taste fresh?

I first tried this dish on one of my slow cooker nights (I typically have one slow cooker night a week) and I knew I had to make some adjustments to ramp up the flavor.  So, I tried again and I am much happier with the results.  It seems that adding a little lemon zest and fresh parsley right before serving is definitely the trick!  This helped the lemon flavor to shine and took the freshness to an entirely new level.  I also added a little extra lemon juice mixed with cornstarch to thicken the sauce slightly so I could fully appreciate the sauce with every bite.

If you’re looking for something easy, delicious, and fresh . . . try this!

Slow Cooker Lemon Chicken
Adapted from SparkRecipes

1 teaspoon oregano
1/4 teaspoon lemon pepper
1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
3-4 tablespoons lemon juice (juice of 1 lemon)
1-2 teaspoons lemon zest (zest of 1 lemon)
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried parsley

For Finishing:
1-2 teaspoons lemon zest (zest of  1 lemon)
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

Mix oregano and lemon pepper and sprinkle evenly over chicken pieces.

In a large non-stick skillet, using medium heat, brown chicken evenly on both sides in olive oil.  Place chicken in slow cooker.

In a small bowl, mix remaining ingredients (except for the finishing ingredients) and pour over chicken.  Cover, and cook on low for 6 hours (or on high for 3 hours).

For Finishing:
Remove chicken from the slow cooker and pour juice/sauce into a medium microwave-safe bowl (I used a large liquid measuring cup).  In a separate bowl combine the lemon zest, lemon juice and cornstarch and whisk to combine.  Add to the slow cooker juice/sauce along with the chopped parsley.  Microwave on high for approximately 1 minute to allow sauce to thicken slightly.

Divide chicken amongst 6 plates and evenly distribute the sauce over each plate.  (I love to serve this over Baked Brown Rice.  It’s only 110 extra calories for 1/2 cup and it makes for a perfect, light meal.)

Serves 6.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving of Chicken & Sauce)
Calories:  132.7
Protein:  23.3g
Carbs:  3.1g
Fat:  3.4g (0.3g = Sat.)
Fiber:  0.3g
Sugars:  0.3g