Slow Cooker 5-Ingredient Lemon Garlic Chicken Packets
This five-ingredient lifesaver is ideal for busy days. These foil-wrapped chicken packets cook up juicy and flavorful with almost no cleanup. As they slowly cook, the lemon, garlic, and butter blend together into a bright, savory sauce that feels far more indulgent than the effort required.
Serving Ideas
- Open the packets at the table for a warm, aromatic presentation
- Spoon the buttery lemon sauce over rice, pasta, mashed potatoes, or roasted potatoes
- Pair with a fresh green side like steamed green beans, a simple salad, or roasted broccoli
- Serve with crusty bread to soak up the garlic-lemon juices
Slow Cooker Lemon Garlic Chicken Packets
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 2 lbs), patted dry
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
- 4 cloves garlic, minced (or 1 teaspoon garlic powder)
- 2 medium lemons, thinly sliced (optional: add 1 tablespoon juice)
- 1½ teaspoons salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 4 sheets heavy-duty foil
Instructions
Prepare the foil
Cut four pieces of heavy-duty foil, each about 12–14 inches long. Slightly fold up the edges to help hold in the juices.
Season the chicken
Pat the chicken breasts dry. Season both sides evenly with salt, pepper, and garlic powder if using that instead of fresh garlic.
Assemble the packets
Place one chicken breast in the center of each foil sheet. Add 1 tablespoon of butter on top, along with minced garlic (if using fresh) and 2–3 slices of lemon. Drizzle a little lemon juice over each if desired.
Seal the packets
Fold the foil over the chicken, sealing the edges tightly so no steam can escape during cooking.
Place in the slow cooker
Arrange the sealed packets seam-side up in the slow cooker. They can overlap slightly as long as they remain sealed. Cover with the lid.
Cook
Cook on LOW for 3½–4½ hours, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Avoid opening the lid too often to maintain heat.
Rest and open
Let the packets sit for about 5 minutes before opening. Carefully open them to avoid the hot steam.
Serve
Spoon the flavorful juices over the chicken. Garnish with the softened lemon slices or an extra squeeze of fresh lemon if desired. Serve directly in the foil for easy cleanup or transfer to plates.
