Zesty Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken & Root Veggies

Alright, gather 'round foodies! let's talk about easy weeknight dinners. you know those days when you just can't even? well, that's where my fave crock pot chicken recipes come in clutch! specifically, let me tell you about my zesty slow cooker lemon herb chicken & root veggies.

Honestly, it's like a sunday roast, but without all the fuss.

Zesty Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken: Sorted!

This dish is all about comfort food. you know, that kind of meal that warms you from the inside out.

It's basically a classic british sunday roast made easy. picture this: juicy, fall off-the-bone chicken infused with bright lemon and earthy herbs.

It's a one-pot wonder that's perfect for any night of the week.

This recipe is super simple! i'd rate the difficulty level as "easy peasy." prep time? about 20 minutes. cook time is 6- 8 hours on low or 3- 4 hours on high.

It makes around 6-8 servings, so plenty for the whole family (or leftovers for lunch!).

Why This Chicken is Awesome

One of the best things? this chicken is packed with protein! each serving clocks in between 30-40g of protein to keep you full and energized.

It's also loaded with vitamins from the root veggies. plus, it's the perfect excuse to break out that crockpot slow cooker you've been neglecting.

You know the one!

This zesty lemon herb chicken is especially good for those chilly autumn evenings. it is also great when you need something simple to make.

It’s also the perfect thing for a lazy sunday. what makes it special? the bright lemon flavor cuts through the richness.

It makes for a balanced and totally satisfying meal.

Now, let's dive into the stuff that really matters: the ingredients!

A Peek at What's Inside

Okay, so here's what you need. one whole chicken, about 3-4 pounds (1.3-1.8 kg). one tablespoon (15 ml) of olive oil to get things started.

We also need 1 large onion, chopped (approx. 1 cup / 150g). next up is 3 carrots, peeled and chopped (approx.

1.5 cups / 200g). don't forget 3 parsnips, peeled and chopped (approx. 1.5 cups / 200g). two large potatoes (russet or yukon gold) are also needed and peeled and chopped into 1 inch / 2.

5 cm pieces (approx. 2 cups / 300g). then add in 4 cloves of garlic, minced. slice one lemon thinly for that zesty flavor.

We also want 2 sprigs of fresh rosemary and 4 sprigs of fresh thyme. one teaspoon (5 ml) of dried oregano and one teaspoon (5 ml) of dried basil are important.

Grab one teaspoon (5 g) of salt, or to taste. also, add ½ teaspoon (2.5 g) of black pepper, or to taste.

Last but not least, make sure to have one cup (240 ml) of chicken broth.

Slow Cooker Kip: Easy Peasy!

Using the slow cooker makes this dish incredibly straightforward. it is the perfect crockpot chicken recipe for those busy weeknights when you crave something homemade but don't have time to slave over the stove.

This recipe has become a regular fixture in my pot dinners rotation. it's much easier than my grandma's recipe!

Honestly, once you try this Crockpot Chicken , you'll wonder why you ever bothered with those complicated recipes! It's seriously the bee's knees.

Alright, let's get cooking! this zesty slow cooker lemon herb chicken & root veggies recipe is pure comfort. honestly, it's like a hug in a bowl.

Think classic sunday roast, but way easier. it's one of those crock pot chicken recipes that'll become a family favorite.

Trust me.

Ingredients & Equipment

Let's talk about what you'll need to make this happen.

Main Ingredients

• Whole Chicken: 1 (3-4 pound / 1.3-1.8 kg) . Gotta get one whole bird, innit? Look for plump skin and no weird smells. Fresh is best , you know?
• Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon / 15 ml
• Onion: 1 large , chopped (approx. 1 cup / 150g )
• Carrots: 3 , peeled and chopped (approx. 1.5 cups / 200g )
• Parsnips: 3 , peeled and chopped (approx. 1.5 cups / 200g ) Don't skip these! Parsnips are what elevates it, but you can always sub with more carrots or sweet potatoes.
• Potatoes: 2 large (Russet or Yukon Gold), peeled and chopped into 1 inch / 2.5 cm pieces (approx. 2 cups / 300g )
• Garlic: 4 cloves , minced. Go big or go home, right?
• Lemon: 1 , thinly sliced
• Fresh Rosemary: 2 sprigs
• Fresh Thyme: 4 sprigs
• Dried Oregano: 1 teaspoon / 5 ml
• Dried Basil: 1 teaspoon / 5 ml
• Salt: 1 teaspoon / 5 g , or to taste
• Black Pepper: ½ teaspoon / 2.5 g , or to taste
• Chicken Broth: 1 cup / 240 ml

Seasoning Notes

This ain't just about salt and pepper, bruv. the oregano and basil are classic, but the fresh rosemary and thyme? they lift it.

Lemon is the star, so use fresh slices. if you're feeling adventurous, a tiny pinch of red pepper flakes gives it a kick .

Equipment Needed

Alright, keep it simple.

• Slow cooker (6-quart or larger). This is where the magic happens, the Crockpot Slow Cooker , if you will. It’s good to have a big Crock Pot for Crock Pot Dinners and Easy Crockpot Dinners .
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife. Don't be using no butter knife!
• Measuring spoons and cups

Honestly, the Hawaiian Crockpot and Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken Recipe are pretty similar when it comes to equipment.

Alright, buckle up buttercups! we're diving headfirst into crock pot chicken recipes that'll make your taste buds sing. i'm talkin' 'bout the kind of meal that's basically a warm hug after a long day.

Forget slaving over a hot stove. this slow cooker kip recipe is all about "set it and forget it" magic.

Zesty Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken & Root Veggies: Comfort Food, Sorted!

Honestly, nothing beats the smell of Hawaiian Chicken wafting through the house. This ain't quite that, but trust me, this Zesty Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken is a winner, winner, chicken Crock Pot Dinners !

Prep Steps: Let's Get Organized!

Essential mise en place is your friend. chop your veggies, measure your herbs, and get that chicken ready. time saving tip: chop those veggies the night before.

Safety first! always wash your hands before and after handling raw chicken.

step-by-step: Easy Peasy Lemon Squeezy

1. Pat that 1.3-1.8 kg chicken dry. Seriously, dry it!
2. (Optional but recommended) Sauté 1 cup chopped onion and 4 cloves minced garlic in 1 tbsp olive oil.
3. Layer 1.5 cups chopped carrots, 1.5 cups chopped parsnips, and 2 cups chopped potatoes in your slow cooker.
4. Place the chicken on top.
5. Stuff lemon slices under the chicken skin. Sprinkle 1 tsp dried oregano, 1 tsp dried basil, 2 sprigs rosemary, and 4 sprigs thyme. Season with 1 tsp salt and ½ tsp black pepper.
6. Pour in 240 ml chicken broth.
7. Slow cook on Low for 6- 8 hours or High for 3- 4 hours , until chicken reaches 165° F ( 74° C) .
8. Shred (optional) and serve.

Pro Tips: Elevate Your Crock Pot Chicken Recipes Game

Brown the chicken first . sear it in a hot pan to get that golden brown goodness. i know it adds a step, but it really makes a difference.

Don't overcrowd the slow cooker. veggies need space to cook evenly. common mistake alert! don't keep opening the lid! it lets out heat and messes with the cooking time.

make-ahead option: assemble everything in the slow cooker the night before and store it in the fridge. just remember to add the broth when you start cooking.

You'll be thanking yourself in the morning. this really helps with meal planning for those crazy busy weekdays. speaking of which, anyone else constantly on the hunt for easy crockpot dinners ? 'cause i sure am!

also, if you are looking for something very popular, consider mississippi chicken or even mississippi pot roast recipes.

They are always a hit. you know? just a thought!

This chicken is delicious served as-is, over rice, or even in tacos. this diner recept is a total game changer! speaking of easy, have you ever tried the sweet hawaiian crockpot chicken recipe ? it’s a perfect dish for dinner! it uses super basic stuff like pineapples and chicken chunks.

Honestly, figuring out what to make every night can feel like a proper chore. this recipe? it’s a total lifesaver.

Plus, it's packed with veggies, so you can feel good about feeding it to your family.

See? Deliciousness doesn't have to be complicated. Get your crock pot out and get cooking!

Alright, let's dive into some extra bits for this zesty slow cooker lemon herb chicken & root veggies . we want to make sure you nail this, right? think of these as your personal cheat codes to crock pot chicken recipes perfection.

Recipe Notes

This isn't just a dump and-go crock pot chicken recipe . It's a thoughtful dump and-go, you know? I really love Crock Pot Dinners , and this recipe delivers every time.

Serving Like a Pro

Okay, so plating. honestly? this is comfort food, not fine dining. but! a little effort goes a long way. arrange the chicken chunks nicely over the root veggies.

Drizzle generously with those gorgeous pan juices. i love a sprinkle of fresh parsley on top for a pop of color.

A side of crusty bread is essential for soaking up every last bit. for a drink, think something crisp, like a sauvignon blanc or even just some sparkling water with a lemon slice.

Storing That Slow Cooker Kip Goodness

Got leftovers? lucky you! refrigerate in an airtight container. should be good for 3-4 days. freezing? yep, totally doable! let it cool completely first.

Then portion it into freezer safe containers or bags. it'll keep for up to 3 months. reheating? easiest is in the microwave.

But for best results, reheat gently in a saucepan on the stovetop with a splash of chicken broth. don't let it dry out!

Remixing Your Dinner Recept

Feeling adventurous? Let's tweak it!

• Low-Carb Life: Swap out the potatoes for cauliflower. Boom! Low-carb friendly.
• Fall Vibes: Instead of carrots and parsnips, go for butternut squash and sweet potatoes. Seasonal, baby! I once tried making Hawaiian Crockpot with pineapple and jalapeno and this Hawaiian Chicken recipe was pretty amazing!

Crock Pot Ideas : A Little Health Boost

Okay, i'm no nutritionist. but! this is a pretty balanced meal. you're getting protein from the chicken, vitamins and fiber from the veggies.

Plus, the lemon adds a nice dose of vitamin c. just watch the sodium if you're using store-bought broth. making easy crockpot dinners has been a game changer!

Honestly, with a few tweaks, this could become sweet hawaiian crockpot chicken recipe or even a mississippi chicken variation! there are tons of crockpot dishes out there, and this is a good base recipe.

Even a mississippi pot roast recipe shares similar roots, you know?

So there you have it! all my secrets for pot dinners success. don't be scared to experiment and make it your own.

Grab your crockpot slow cooker and get cooking! you got this!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen chicken in my crock pot chicken recipes, or do I need to defrost it first?

While it might be tempting to toss in a frozen chicken straight from the freezer, it's generally not recommended. Cooking frozen chicken in a slow cooker can prevent it from reaching a safe internal temperature quickly enough, increasing the risk of bacterial growth.

For best (and safest) results, fully defrost your chicken in the fridge before popping it into the crock pot, mate.

My slow cooker chicken always seems dry. What am I doing wrong?

Dry chicken is a common slow cooker woe, but easily avoided! First, make sure you're not overcooking it - slow cookers vary, so check for doneness (165°F/74°C) a bit earlier. Second, bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs are naturally more forgiving than chicken breasts.

You could also try adding a little extra liquid, like chicken broth, to help keep everything moist. Nobody wants a dry bird, eh?

How can I make the vegetables in my crock pot chicken recipes from getting too mushy?

Mushy veg is a classic slow cooker problem, almost as annoying as a rainy bank holiday! To combat the mush, add heartier root vegetables like potatoes, carrots, and parsnips towards the bottom of the slow cooker as they take the longest to cook.

More delicate vegetables like broccoli or zucchini should be added during the last hour or so of cooking. This way they’ll be cooked through, but still retain some bite - no one wants a soggy sprout!

Can I brown the chicken before putting it in the slow cooker? Does it make a difference?

Absolutely! Browning the chicken before slow cooking is a game changer for flavour. Searing the chicken in a hot pan creates a beautiful caramelised crust, adding depth and richness to the dish. It's an extra step, but well worth the effort think of it as giving your crock pot chicken the VIP treatment.

Plus, it makes the finished dish look a lot more appealing, a bit like giving your sunday best a dry clean before the pub.

What's the best way to store leftover crock pot chicken and vegetables?

Storing leftover slow cooker chicken is easy peasy, lemon squeezy. Allow the chicken and vegetables to cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Make sure to use a container that seals tightly to avoid drying it out.

You can also freeze leftovers for longer storage (up to 2-3 months), but the texture of the vegetables might change slightly after thawing.

Is slow cooker chicken healthy? What are the nutritional benefits?

Slow cooker chicken can be a very healthy meal option! It's packed with lean protein from the chicken and loaded with vitamins and fiber from the added vegetables. Cooking it slowly often helps retain more nutrients compared to other cooking methods.

Just be mindful of adding too much salt or unhealthy fats, and you've got a nourishing and delicious meal fit for a king or queen!