If you’re looking for a dish that’s not only delicious but also easy to whip up, you’ve come to the right place! This LOW CARB CREAMY LEMON CHICKEN is one of my family’s favorite recipes. It’s rich, creamy, and bursting with bright lemon flavor, making it perfect for busy weeknights or special family gatherings. Plus, it’s low in carbs, which means you can indulge without the guilt!
I love this recipe because it requires minimal effort while delivering maximum flavor. The slow cooker does most of the work for you, allowing the chicken to become tender and flavorful as it cooks. Trust me; your loved ones will be asking for seconds!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy preparation: With just a few simple steps, you can have a warm and comforting meal ready.
- Family-friendly appeal: This dish is sure to please even the pickiest eaters with its creamy sauce and zesty lemon flavor.
- Make-ahead convenience: You can prepare it in advance and let the slow cooker do its magic while you enjoy your day.
- Deliciously versatile: Perfect for serving over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles for an extra healthy touch.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For this LOW CARB CREAMY LEMON CHICKEN, you’ll need some simple and wholesome ingredients that are likely already in your pantry. Get ready to create something delicious!
For the Chicken
- 5 boneless and skinless chicken breasts, trimmed of excess fat
- 1/2 cup butter, divided
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground pepper, to taste
For the Flavor
- 2 lemons, zested and juice reserved
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red onion, cut into wedges
For the Sauce
- 1 cup chicken stock
- 1 cup parmesan cheese, freshly shredded or grated is best
- 1 cup heavy cream
- Parsley, for garnish
Variations
This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Here are some variations you might enjoy trying:
- Swap the protein: If you’re not a fan of chicken, use turkey breasts or even tofu for a vegetarian twist.
- Add more veggies: Toss in some bell peppers or spinach for an added nutritional boost and more color.
- Change up the cheese: Try using mozzarella or goat cheese instead of parmesan for a different flavor profile.
- Herb it up: Fresh herbs like thyme or basil can add another layer of flavor that complements the lemon beautifully.
How to Make LOW CARB CREAMY LEMON CHICKEN
Step 1: Season the Chicken
Start by seasoning your chicken breasts generously on both sides with salt and pepper. This step is crucial as it builds a flavorful base that enhances every bite.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
In a large skillet, melt ¼ cup of butter over medium-high heat. Once hot, add your seasoned chicken breasts. Sear them on both sides for about 2 to 3 minutes until they are slightly browned. Searing locks in juices and adds depth to the dish.
Step 3: Prepare Your Slow Cooker
Spray the inside of your slow cooker with non-stick cooking spray. Place your seared chicken breasts inside. This helps prevent sticking and ensures easy cleanup later.
Step 4: Make the Sauce Base
Add chicken stock to the skillet where you seared the chicken. Use a wooden spoon to deglaze the bottom of the pan by scraping up any tasty bits stuck there. Add lemon juice and stir gently to combine before pouring it over your chicken in the slow cooker.
Step 5: Add Aromatics
Tuck onion wedges around your chicken in the slow cooker. Top everything with lemon zest, minced garlic, additional pepper, and any remaining butter cut into slabs. The onions will caramelize beautifully as they cook.
Step 6: Slow Cook
Cook on high for 3 to 4 hours or low for 6 hours. When done, remove the chicken and keep it warm while you prepare the sauce.
Step 7: Create Creamy Sauce
Transfer broth from your slow cooker to a large skillet and bring it to a boil over medium-high heat. Stir in some parmesan cheese and whisk until blended smoothly. Add heavy cream and cook until reduced by half while stirring often—this will create a rich sauce that envelops each piece of chicken.
Step 8: Serve Up
Serve your succulent chicken drizzled with cream sauce, garnished with chopped parsley or additional sliced lemon if desired. Enjoy every creamy bite!
Pro Tips for Making LOW CARB CREAMY LEMON CHICKEN
Creating the perfect low carb creamy lemon chicken is a delightful experience, and a few simple tips can make it even better!
Choose the right chicken: Opt for fresh, high-quality chicken breasts. They cook more evenly and retain moisture, ensuring your dish is juicy and tender.
Don’t skip the searing: Searing the chicken before adding it to the slow cooker builds a rich flavor and creates a beautiful golden crust. This step enhances the overall taste of your dish.
Use fresh ingredients: Fresh garlic and lemons will elevate the flavors in this recipe. They provide a burst of brightness that complements the creaminess perfectly.
Monitor cooking time: Depending on your slow cooker, cooking times may vary. Make sure to check your chicken for doneness to avoid overcooking, which can lead to dryness.
Adjust seasoning to taste: Different brands of chicken stock can vary in saltiness, so taste your sauce before serving and adjust the seasoning if needed. This ensures a well-balanced flavor profile.
How to Serve LOW CARB CREAMY LEMON CHICKEN
Presenting low carb creamy lemon chicken can enhance its appeal and make it look as good as it tastes! Here are some ideas on how to serve this delicious dish.
Garnishes
- Fresh parsley: Chopped parsley adds a pop of color and freshness that brightens up the plate.
- Sliced lemons: A few slices of lemon not only look inviting but also allow guests to add extra zing to their portion.
- Cracked black pepper: A sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper adds texture and enhances the dish’s vibrant flavors.
Side Dishes
Garlic Mashed Cauliflower: This creamy alternative to traditional mashed potatoes is low in carbs but full of flavor, making it an ideal pairing with your creamy chicken.
Roasted Asparagus: Drizzled with olive oil and lightly seasoned, roasted asparagus offers a satisfying crunch that complements the tenderness of the chicken.
Zucchini Noodles: Lightly sautéed zucchini noodles provide a fresh and healthy base that soaks up all that delicious cream sauce without adding unnecessary carbs.
Steamed Broccoli: Simple yet nutritious, steamed broccoli adds vibrant color and a slight crunch to your meal while keeping it wholesome.
Enjoy crafting this delightful low carb creamy lemon chicken! Your family will surely appreciate this flavorful twist on dinner time.
Make Ahead and Storage
This low carb creamy lemon chicken is perfect for meal prep! You can easily make it ahead of time, store it, and enjoy it throughout the week. Here’s how to keep your delicious dish fresh and flavorful.
Storing Leftovers
- Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- It will stay fresh for up to 3 days.
- Add some of the sauce to keep the chicken moist when storing.
Freezing
- Allow the chicken to cool completely before freezing.
- Place it in a freezer-safe container or resealable bag, removing as much air as possible.
- Freeze for up to 3 months for best quality.
Reheating
- Thaw the chicken overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Heat gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of chicken stock or water to keep it from drying out.
- You can also microwave it in short intervals until heated through.
FAQs
Here are some common questions about this delightful recipe!
Can I make low carb creamy lemon chicken without heavy cream?
Yes! You can substitute heavy cream with a plant-based cream alternative or coconut cream for a dairy-free version while keeping it low carb.
How can I adjust the flavors in my low carb creamy lemon chicken?
Feel free to add herbs like thyme or rosemary for extra flavor. A pinch of red pepper flakes can also give it a nice kick!
Can I use frozen chicken breasts for this low carb creamy lemon chicken recipe?
Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw them completely before cooking for even results and proper seasoning absorption.
Final Thoughts
I hope you find joy in preparing this low carb creamy lemon chicken! It’s not only easy to make but also brings a burst of flavor that everyone at your table will love. Enjoy making it for family dinners, meal prep, or even special occasions. Remember, cooking is all about sharing love and warmth through food—so have fun with it!
American Cuisine
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Low Carb Creamy Lemon Chicken is a delightful combination of tangy lemon and rich cream, creating a dish that’s not only low in carbohydrates but also packed with flavor. It’s perfect for a family dinner, and the creamy sauce elevates the chicken to a gourmet level. Plus, it’s simple to make and cooks beautifully in a slow cooker, allowing you to enjoy a stress-free meal.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 5 boneless and skinless chicken breasts, trimmed of excess fat
- 1/2 cup butter, divided
- Salt to taste
- Freshly ground pepper to taste
- 2 lemons, zested and juice reserved
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red onion, cut into wedges
- 1 cup chicken stock
- 1 cup parmesan cheese (freshly shredded or grated is best)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- Parsley for garnish
Variations
- Add Vegetables: Toss in some spinach or kale for added nutrition and color.
- Herb Infusion: Experiment with fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary for a fragrant twist.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.
- Different Proteins: Substitute chicken with boneless pork chops or turkey breasts.
How to Make
- Season your chicken breast generously on both sides with salt and pepper.
- In a large skillet, melt ¼ cup of butter over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breast and sear on both sides for 2 to 3 minutes or until slightly browned.
- Spray inside slow cooker with non-stick cooking spray. Place your chicken breast in the slow cooker.
- Add chicken stock to the skillet and deglaze the bottom of the pan by scraping with a wooden spoon. Add lemon juice and stir gently to combine. Pour the chicken stock from skillet over the chicken in the slow cooker.
- Tuck onion wedges around chicken. Top with lemon zest, minced garlic, additional pepper, and any remaining butter, cut into slabs.
- Cook on high for 3 to 4 hours or low for 6 hours. Remove the chicken and keep warm. Transfer broth to large skillet and heat it to a boil over medium-high heat. Stir in some parmesan and whisk to blend. Then, add the cream and cook until reduced by half while stirring often.
- Serve your chicken with cream sauce, chopped parsley, and/or additional sliced lemon as garnish.
Pro Tips
- Searing the Chicken: Don’t skip the searing step; it adds a wonderful depth of flavor.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Freshly squeezed lemon juice and freshly grated parmesan make a significant difference in taste.
- Adjust Cooking Time: Cooking times may vary based on your slow cooker; check for doneness to ensure juicy chicken.
How to Serve
Serve your Low Carb Creamy Lemon Chicken over a bed of sautéed spinach or zucchini noodles for a complete meal. Pair it with a fresh green salad or roasted vegetables to round out your dinner.
Make Ahead and Storage
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the chicken and sauce a day in advance. Just store them separately in the refrigerator and reheat before serving.
- Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken breasts?
Yes, but make sure to cook them longer in the slow cooker.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free; just ensure your chicken stock is gluten-free.
Can I freeze the leftovers?
Absolutely! Store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw and reheat thoroughly before serving.
Final Thoughts
This Low Carb Creamy Lemon Chicken is a fantastic dish that brings together simplicity and elegance in one pot. It’s perfect for those busy weeknights or when you want to impress guests without spending hours in the kitchen. Enjoy the bright flavors and creamy goodness that will leave everyone asking for seconds!
LOW CARB CREAMY LEMON CHICKEN
Discover the delightful Low Carb Creamy Lemon Chicken, a dish that beautifully blends tangy lemon with rich cream for a meal that’s both satisfying and guilt-free.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
- Category: Main
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 5 boneless and skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup butter
- Salt and freshly ground pepper
- 2 lemons (zested and juiced)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 red onion (cut into wedges)
- 1 cup chicken stock
- 1 cup parmesan cheese (shredded)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Season chicken breasts on both sides with salt and pepper.
- Melt ¼ cup of butter in a skillet over medium-high heat; sear the chicken for 2 to 3 minutes per side until slightly browned.
- Spray the slow cooker with non-stick spray and place the seared chicken inside.
- Deglaze the skillet with chicken stock, scraping up any bits from the bottom, then stir in lemon juice and pour over chicken.
- Add onion wedges, lemon zest, garlic, remaining butter cut into slabs, and additional pepper.
- Cook on high for 3 to 4 hours or low for 6 hours. Remove chicken when done.
- Transfer broth to a skillet; bring to boil and whisk in parmesan cheese until blended, then add heavy cream and reduce by half.
- Serve chicken drizzled with sauce and garnished with parsley.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fat: 38g
- Saturated Fat: 23g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
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