During the week easy meals are a definite plus. Slow cooker meals, even better. Easy slow cooker meals with 5 or less ingredients. Well, that’s just a God send. I don’t think anyone out there would disagree.
When I saw this recipe from Number 2 Pencil, I immediately knew it would be going on the menu and soon. Not only is this a quick, easy and budget friendly meal but it’s a chicken that’s cooked in some of our favorite flavors; lemon and garlic.
The flavors of the garlic and lemon really penetrate throughout the entire chicken. Not only is the chicken stuffed with tons of garlic and lemon, it also sits on a bed of lemons, garlic and fresh herbs. The slow cooker does the rest; cooks it to juicy perfection for about 4 hours. I mean, it was so tender it was literally falling off the bone.
This deliciously tender chicken is perfect served along side garlic mashed potatoes or rice and a nice green salad. It’s also an ideal meal in both the winter and summer. If you need a light refreshing meal to chase those winter blues away, this is perfect. During the summer it’s perfect and lends those nice, fresh flavors we are so fond of during the warmer months.
Also the leftover chicken is delicious enjoyed with more rice or potatoes, but can also be used to make quesadillas, chicken salad and a variety of other dishes. This once chicken could easily provide you and your family with 2-3 delicious meals.
Slow Cooker Lemon Garlic Chicken
Ingredients:
4 Large lemons
2-3 Heads of garlic
1 (4-5 pound) whole chicken
Fresh rosemary, or herb(s) of your choice
Salt and pepper
Directions:
Remove the insides from the chicken and discard. Rinse thoroughly and pat dry. Set aside.
Cut the heads of garlic and two lemons in half, cut the bottom of the lemons so they will lay flat. Place half of the cut garlic in the bottom of the slow cooker, along with the halved lemons. Place herbs on top of the garlic and lemons.
Cut one lemon in quarters. Season the rinsed chicken well, inside and out with salt and pepper. Stuff the quartered lemon and garlic in the chicken. Place the seasoned chicken in the slow cooker. Cover with lemon slices and additional herbs.
Turn the slow cooker on high and cook for about 4 hours, or until the center reaches about 165. Alternately, turn the slow cooker on low and cook for 6-8 hours.
Once the chicken has reached an internal temperature of 165, turn the slow cooker off and allow to rest about 15 minutes. Remove from slow cooker, carve and serve.
Recipe Source: Number 2 Pencil
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