Summer crockpot chicken: 5 minutes to an amazing meal

I cannot even tell you how hot it gets in my kitchen during the middle of July. Last Tuesday was a total disaster until I remembered I had this recipe ready to go. I was running around like crazy with the kids and the last thing I wanted to do was turn on that big oven and turn the house into a sauna. This summer crockpot chicken literally saved our family dinner. I just tossed everything in and went about my day without breaking a sweat. It is my absolute favorite way to keep things cool and still eat something that tastes like a five star meal without the heat.

Why You Will Love This Summer Crockpot Chicken

You are going to love this summer crockpot chicken because it is the ultimate set it and forget it meal for those long sunny days. When it is eighty degrees outside the last thing you want to do is stand over a hot stove and stir a pan. This dish has these really light and bright citrus flavors that just scream summer. It does not feel heavy or weighed down like a winter stew might. It is just fresh and easy which is exactly what we all need when the schedule gets packed with outdoor activities.

Essential Ingredients for Summer Crockpot Chicken

You only need a few fresh things to make this summer crockpot chicken happen. I like to keep these basics in my pantry so I can whip this up whenever the sun is shining.

• Two pounds of chicken breasts or thighs depending on what you like
• The juice and zest of two fresh lemons
• Three cloves of minced garlic and do not be shy with it
• A few sprigs of fresh rosemary for that earthy hit
• One cup of chicken broth to keep everything nice and juicy

Prepping Your Summer Crockpot Chicken Ingredients

Before you toss everything in take a minute to trim any extra fat off your chicken pieces. It makes the final dish much cleaner and better to eat. Also make sure you zest those lemons before you juice them because trying to zest a squeezed lemon is a total nightmare. That zest is where all the big bright flavor lives for your summer crockpot chicken. I like to have everything lined up on the counter so I can just drop it all into the pot at once and get back to my day.

Substitutions and Variations

If you do not have chicken on hand you can actually use beef strips for this and it tastes great with the lemon and garlic. You can also throw in some seasonal veggies like sliced zucchini or bright bell peppers during the last hour of cooking. They soak up all that seasoned broth and it is a great way to use up what you have in the garden or the fridge while making your summer crockpot chicken even more filling.

How to Make Summer Crockpot Chicken Step-by-Step

First you want to put your chicken in the bottom of the pot in a nice even layer so everything cooks at the same speed. In a small bowl mix your fresh lemon juice and minced garlic with the chicken broth. Pour that seasoned liquid right over the meat until it is mostly covered. Lay your rosemary sprigs right on top and put the lid on tight. That is really all there is to making summer crockpot chicken. It is so simple you might think you missed a step but I promise you did not.

Cooking Times and Settings

I really recommend cooking this for 4 hours on the low setting. I know it is tempting to put it on high for 2 hours when you are in a rush but low and slow is the secret to keeping the meat tender and juicy. If you cook it too fast on high the meat can get a bit tough and we want this summer crockpot chicken to just fall apart when you touch it with a fork.

Expert Tips for the Best Summer Crockpot Chicken

One thing that used to confuse me when I first started was how much liquid to add to the pot. You might think you need to submerge the meat completely but you really do not. The chicken is going to release its own natural juices as it cooks down. If you add too much broth you will end up with a soup instead of a nice light sauce for your summer crockpot chicken. Just trust the process and let the machine do the hard work for you.

Common Questions About Summer Crockpot Chicken

People always ask me if they can use frozen chicken for summer crockpot chicken. You technically can but it might release more water and take a bit longer to cook so I always suggest thawing it in the fridge the night before. For leftovers just put them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It stays good for about three days and actually tastes even better the next day after the lemon and garlic have a chance to really soak in.

Nutritional Information for Summer Crockpot Chicken

Here is a quick look at the estimated data for one serving of this summer crockpot chicken so you know what you are getting. This recipe makes about four generous servings.

• Calories: 250
• Protein: 35 grams
• Fats: 8 grams
• Carbohydrates: 4 grams

It is a really solid and healthy choice for a light summer night when you want to eat well but stay out of the hot kitchen.

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