Looking for a simple yet delicious meal that your husband will love? Try this easy slow cooker recipe with frozen chicken breasts and just two other ingredients. This dish is not only quick to prepare but also delivers incredible flavor, making it perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings.
Why Make This Recipe
This slow cooker recipe is a game-changer for anyone who wants to enjoy a tasty meal without spending hours in the kitchen. The combination of lemon butter sauce and orange juice helps to create a juicy, flavorful chicken that pairs perfectly with rice, pasta, or a fresh salad. Plus, using frozen chicken means you can whip this up even if you forgot to thaw anything ahead of time!
How to Make Slow Cooker Lemon Orange Chicken
Ingredients:
- 2 pounds frozen boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup prepared lemon butter sauce or lemon garlic butter marinade
- 1 cup orange juice
Directions:
- Place the frozen chicken breasts in the slow cooker.
- Pour the lemon butter sauce over the chicken.
- Pour the orange juice around the chicken.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 5 to 6 hours or on HIGH for 2 1/2 to 3 1/2 hours until the chicken is cooked through.
- Shred the chicken and stir it back into the sauce.
- Let it sit on WARM for 5 to 10 minutes before serving.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Lemon Orange Chicken
Serve this dish over a bed of fluffy rice or alongside some whole-grain pasta. You can also garnish it with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro for an added touch. Pair it with a side of steamed vegetables or a crisp salad for a complete meal.
How to Store Slow Cooker Lemon Orange Chicken
Once the meal is finished, store any leftovers in an airtight container. It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, freeze the shredded chicken in an airtight bag or container, and it should last for about 2-3 months.
Tips to Make Slow Cooker Lemon Orange Chicken
- Make sure to use a good quality lemon butter sauce or marinade for the best flavor.
- If you like a bit of spice, add red pepper flakes to the mix for some heat.
- To save on prep time, you can use store-bought lemon butter sauce instead of making your own.
Variation
Feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers or snap peas to the slow cooker for a one-pot meal. You can also switch up the citrus by using lime juice instead of orange juice for a different flavor profile.
FAQs
Can I use fresh chicken instead of frozen?
Yes, you can use fresh chicken breasts; just reduce the cooking time accordingly.
What if I don’t have lemon butter sauce?
You can make a quick lemon marinade with melted butter, lemon juice, and garlic or use any preferred salad dressing.
Can I cook this on the stovetop?
While this recipe is designed for the slow cooker, you can make it on the stovetop by simmering the chicken in the sauce over low heat until cooked through.
Slow Cooker Lemon Orange Chicken
Ingredients
Method
- Place the frozen chicken breasts in the slow cooker.
- Pour the lemon butter sauce over the chicken.
- Pour the orange juice around the chicken.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 5 to 6 hours or on HIGH for 2 1/2 to 3 1/2 hours until the chicken is cooked through.
- Shred the chicken and stir it back into the sauce.
- Let it sit on WARM for 5 to 10 minutes before serving.
