Effortless & Flavorful: Your Ultimate Guide to Crock Pot Lemon Dill Chicken

Discover the secret to a stress-free, delicious dinner with our Crock Pot Lemon Dill Chicken recipe. This isn’t just another meal; it’s a culinary journey to bright, zesty flavors combined with the ultimate convenience of slow cooking. Imagine tender, succulent chicken infused with the vibrant taste of fresh lemon and aromatic dill, all cooked to perfection with minimal effort. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for busy weeknights or a relaxed weekend family meal.

As the days grow longer and a hint of warmth returns, our palates often crave lighter, more refreshing flavors. For many, the bright, citrusy notes of lemon evoke images of spring and summer—sun-drenched afternoons, fresh breezes, and outdoor gatherings. This Lemon Dill Chicken recipe brings that invigorating essence right into your kitchen, making it a perfect dish to welcome the changing seasons or simply brighten any day.

Why Choose Slow Cooker Lemon Dill Chicken?

In today’s fast-paced world, finding time to prepare wholesome, home-cooked meals can be a challenge. That’s where the magic of the slow cooker comes in. Our Crock Pot Lemon Dill Chicken recipe embodies convenience without compromising on flavor or nutrition. Here’s why it’s a must-try:

• Unbeatable Tenderness: Slow cooking chicken breasts or thighs in a liquid ensures they remain incredibly moist and fork-tender, absorbing all the delicious flavors of the lemon and dill.
• Hands-Off Cooking: Simply combine the ingredients, set it, and forget it! Your slow cooker does all the hard work, freeing you up to tackle other tasks or simply relax.
• Flavor Infusion: The prolonged cooking time allows the chicken to truly soak up the zesty lemon, aromatic dill, and savory garlic, resulting in a deeply flavorful dish that tastes like it took hours of intricate preparation.
• Simple Ingredients: You’ll likely find most of these ingredients already in your pantry or fridge, making this an accessible recipe for any home cook.
• Versatile Meal: This dish pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides, from fluffy rice and creamy pasta to roasted vegetables or a crisp green salad.
• Healthy Choice: Lean chicken breast combined with fresh herbs and lemon juice makes for a naturally healthy and low-calorie main course that supports a balanced diet.

The Perfect Flavor Duo: Lemon and Dill

The combination of lemon and dill is a classic for a reason. Lemon provides a bright, acidic counterpoint to the richness of chicken, cutting through fat and adding a refreshing tang. Dill, with its delicate, slightly anise-like flavor, complements the lemon beautifully, adding an herbaceous depth that elevates the entire dish. Together, they create a harmonious flavor profile that is both comforting and sophisticated.

This recipe is not only delicious but also incredibly flexible. It’s an ideal base for meal prepping, as leftovers can be easily transformed into salads, sandwiches, or wraps for lunch the next day. Serve it warm over your favorite grain or pasta, or chill it and enjoy as part of a vibrant cold plate. The possibilities are endless!

Essential Ingredients for Crock Pot Lemon Dill Chicken

Crafting this flavorful chicken dish requires a handful of simple yet impactful ingredients. The quality of your ingredients can truly elevate the final taste, so opt for fresh whenever possible.

Chicken

• Chicken Breasts: We recommend boneless, skinless chicken breasts for this recipe as they cook quickly and are easy to shred or slice. You can also use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for a richer flavor and even moister result.

Flavor Boosters

• Dill: Fresh dill is highly recommended for its vibrant aroma and taste. If fresh isn’t available, dried dill weed works as a good substitute (use about half the amount of dried for fresh).
• Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice will provide the best, brightest flavor. Bottled lemon juice can be used in a pinch, but fresh is definitely superior. Consider adding some lemon zest for an extra pop of citrus flavor.
• Garlic, minced: Freshly minced garlic adds a pungent, savory depth.
• Garlic Powder: Complements the fresh garlic, adding an underlying savory note.

Seasoning & Liquid

• Salt & Pepper: Essential for seasoning the chicken and enhancing all the other flavors. Adjust to your personal preference.
• Chicken Stock or Water: Chicken stock or broth will add more flavor to the sauce, but water can be used if you prefer a lighter base or don’t have stock on hand. Homemade chicken stock will always yield the richest results.

Thickener

• Cornstarch & Water: This mixture, known as a slurry, is crucial for thickening the sauce at the end of the cooking process, giving it a luxurious, clingy consistency.

Optional Additions for Enhanced Flavor

• Onion: Adding approximately ¼ cup of chopped onion to the slow cooker at the beginning of the cooking process can add another layer of savory depth to the dish.
• Other Herbs: A touch of fresh parsley or thyme can also complement the lemon and dill beautifully.
• Vegetables: For a one-pot meal, consider adding hearty vegetables like diced potatoes, carrots, or celery along with the chicken. Add them at the beginning of the cook time so they become tender.

Choosing Your Crockpot

For the best slow-cooking experience, we highly recommend using a slow cooker equipped with a digital timer that automatically switches to a “warm” setting once the cooking time is complete. This feature is a game-changer, ensuring your chicken is perfectly cooked without the risk of overcooking if you’re not home to turn it off immediately. It provides peace of mind and consistent results every time.

You can find a wide range of suitable slow cookers on Amazon.

More Delicious Crockpot Chicken Recipes

If you love the convenience of slow cooker chicken, be sure to explore some of our other fantastic recipes:

• Pineapple Salsa Chicken
• Hawaiian Chicken
• Chicken Orzo Casserole
• Tequila Chicken
• Bacon Ranch Chicken

For more culinary inspiration, explore our wide range of copycat recipes, dessert recipes, and an entire collection of Crock Pot Recipes.

Stay connected with Tammilee Tips for all our latest recipe posts and kitchen adventures! Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest.

Crockpot Lemon Dill Chicken Recipe

This Crockpot Lemon Chicken Recipe is a fantastic family dinner option that’s both easy to prepare and incredibly delicious. Everyone will love it!

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 4 hours

Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes

Servings: 6 people

Calories: 232 kcal

Author: Tammilee Tips

Print Recipe

Ingredients

• 5 Chicken Breasts (boneless, skinless)
• ¼ C Dill Weed (fresh, chopped, or half the amount if dried)
• ¼ C Lemon Juice (freshly squeezed for best flavor)
• 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
• 1 teaspoon Garlic, minced (freshly minced)
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 1 teaspoon Black Pepper
• ½ C Chicken Stock (or water)
• ½ Tablespoon Cornstarch
• 2 Tablespoons Water (for slurry)
• Optional: ¼ cup chopped onion for added flavor

Instructions

1. Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces for even cooking and easier serving.
2. Season the chicken pieces generously with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
3. Place the seasoned chicken into the slow cooker. Add the dill, chicken stock (or water), and minced garlic. If using, add chopped onion now.
4. Cook on high for 3-4 hours or on low for 7-8 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender. Cooking times may vary slightly depending on your slow cooker.
5. Carefully remove the cooked chicken from the slow cooker and set it aside. You can shred it with two forks or leave it in pieces.
6. In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and 2 tablespoons of water to create a smooth slurry.
7. Pour the cornstarch slurry into the liquid remaining in the slow cooker. Stir well to combine.
8. Return the chicken to the slow cooker. Continue to cook on high for another ½ hour, allowing the sauce to thicken to your desired consistency.
9. Serve immediately with your favorite sides like rice, pasta, or quinoa, garnished with fresh lemon slices and a sprinkle of dill if desired.

Kitchen Tools

• Slow cooker (preferably with an automatic warm setting)
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife
• Small bowl and whisk for slurry

Nutrition

Nutrition Facts

Crockpot Lemon Dill Chicken Recipe

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Amount Per Serving

Calories 232 | Calories from Fat 45

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% Daily Value*

Fat 5g 8%

Saturated Fat 1g 6%

Cholesterol 121mg 40%

Sodium 636mg 28%

Potassium 748mg 21%

Carbohydrates 3g 1%

Protein 40g 80%

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Vitamin A 210IU 4%

Vitamin C 8mg 10%

Calcium 13mg 1%

Iron 0.9mg 5%

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* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Serving Suggestions & Leftover Ideas

This Crock Pot Lemon Dill Chicken is incredibly versatile when it comes to serving. For a comforting meal, spoon it over a bed of fluffy white or brown rice, which perfectly soaks up the savory, lemony sauce. If you’re a pasta lover, egg noodles or a delicate orzo make an excellent pairing. Quinoa is another healthy and absorbent grain option.

Looking for a lighter option? Serve the chicken alongside steamed or roasted vegetables like asparagus, green beans, or broccoli. A simple side salad with a light vinaigrette also makes a refreshing complement. Mashed potatoes or cauliflower mash can also provide a creamy contrast to the zesty chicken.

Don’t let any leftovers go to waste! This dish stores beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. It’s fantastic for meal prep:

• Chicken Salad: Shred the cold chicken and mix it with a light mayonnaise, a touch more fresh dill, and finely diced celery for a delightful chicken salad.
• Wraps & Sandwiches: Use the chicken as a flavorful filling for wraps with fresh greens and a smear of hummus, or stack it between slices of crusty bread for a satisfying sandwich.
• Grain Bowls: Add the cold chicken to a grain bowl with your favorite roasted vegetables, avocado, and a squeeze of fresh lemon.

Troubleshooting Common Slow Cooker Issues

While slow cooking is generally straightforward, here are a few tips to ensure your Lemon Dill Chicken turns out perfect every time:

• Chicken is Dry: Overcooking is the most common culprit. Ensure you’re using the correct cook time for your slow cooker and the size of your chicken pieces. Using chicken thighs instead of breasts can also help maintain moisture.
• Sauce is Too Thin: If your sauce isn’t thickening enough with the cornstarch slurry, you can add a bit more slurry (mixed with cold water first) and cook for another 15-30 minutes until desired consistency is reached. Alternatively, if you prefer not to use more cornstarch, you can remove some liquid and reduce it on the stovetop over high heat before adding it back.
• Not Enough Flavor: Don’t be shy with the seasonings! Taste the sauce before adding the chicken back in after thickening. Adjust salt, pepper, lemon juice, or dill as needed. Fresh ingredients always yield the best flavor.
• Chicken is Rubbery: This can happen if the chicken cooks too quickly or at too high a temperature for too long. Ensure your slow cooker isn’t running too hot, and stick to the recommended cooking times.

Variations to Try

Once you master the basic Lemon Dill Chicken, feel free to experiment with these variations:

• Lemon Herb Chicken: Substitute or add other fresh herbs like parsley, thyme, or oregano for a different aromatic profile.
• Spicy Lemon Chicken: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper to the slow cooker for a subtle kick.
• Creamy Lemon Dill Chicken: Stir in a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of cream cheese during the last 30 minutes of cooking for a richer, creamier sauce.
• Mediterranean Twist: Include chopped artichoke hearts, Kalamata olives, or sun-dried tomatoes along with the chicken for a Mediterranean-inspired flavor.

This Crock Pot Lemon Dill Chicken recipe is more than just a meal; it’s a celebration of simple, fresh flavors and the joy of effortless home cooking. Give it a try, and let its bright, comforting taste become a new favorite in your kitchen.

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Recipe originally shared on March 15, 2017. Updated November 2020.