Ingredients
Chicken
- 3-4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into thirds or use chicken tenders
Coating
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
For Searing
- 2-3 tablespoons oil or butter
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Seasoning & Sauce
- 1 packet Good Seasons Italian dressing mix
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
Instructions
- Coat the chicken: Lightly dredge the chicken breast pieces in all-purpose flour, shaking off any excess flour, and place them on a plate to prepare for searing.
- Heat the oil: Pour 2-3 tablespoons of oil into a large skillet and heat over high heat until the pan is very hot, ready for browning the chicken.
- Sear the first half: Add half of the chicken pieces to the hot skillet and brown them on both sides, about 3 minutes per side, to develop flavor and color.
- Season while searing: Sprinkle salt and pepper over the chicken pieces as they cook to enhance their taste.
- Sear the remaining chicken: Remove the first batch, add more oil if necessary, and brown the remaining chicken pieces on both sides in the same manner.
- Transfer to crock pot: Place all the browned chicken pieces into the crock pot evenly.
- Add seasoning: Sprinkle the dry Italian dressing mix and minced garlic evenly over the chicken in the crock pot.
- Add liquids: Pour the chicken broth and lemon juice over the chicken mixture, ensuring an even distribution for flavor and moisture.
- Slow cook: Cover the crock pot with its lid and cook on low heat for about 3 to 3½ hours until the chicken is tender and fully cooked.
Notes
- Brown the chicken well to lock in juices and create a rich flavor base for the slow cooking process.
- If chicken tenders are used, adjust browning time slightly to avoid overcooking.
- For extra zest, add thin lemon slices on top before cooking if desired.
- This recipe pairs well with rice, mashed potatoes, or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
- Ensure the chicken is cooked thoroughly to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American