Slow Cooker Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken
Ingredients:

  • 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs – 0 points (chicken breasts) or 9 points (thighs)
  • 3 tablespoons butter (you can use light butter to lower points) – 12 points (regular) or 6 points (light)
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced – 0 points
  • Juice of 2 lemons – 0 points
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest – 0 points
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme – 0 points
  • 1 teaspoon dried rosemary – 0 points
  • Salt and pepper to taste – 0 points
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth (low sodium) – 0 points
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional, if you want a bit more richness) – 4 points

Total points:

  • Using chicken breasts and light butter: 6 points for the whole recipe
  • Using chicken thighs and regular butter: 21 points for the whole recipe

Instructions:

  1. Prepare the chicken:
    • Season the chicken breasts or thighs with salt, pepper, dried thyme, and rosemary.
  2. Sear the chicken (optional):
    • Heat a pan over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional). Sear the chicken on both sides until lightly golden (about 2-3 minutes per side). This step adds more flavor but is optional if you want to skip it and just place the raw chicken directly into the slow cooker.
  3. Prepare the sauce:
    • In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Stir in the lemon juice, lemon zest, and chicken broth, and bring the mixture to a simmer.
  4. Assemble in the slow cooker:
    • Place the chicken in the slow cooker. Pour the lemon garlic butter sauce over the chicken, ensuring it’s coated well.
  5. Cook:
    • Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
  6. Serve:
    • Garnish with fresh parsley or lemon slices if desired. Serve the chicken with steamed vegetables, over rice, or with a side of cauliflower rice for a low-point meal.

Points Breakdown (per serving):

  • If you use chicken breasts and light butter, the total points for the recipe are 6 points.
  • If you use chicken thighs and regular butter, the total points for the recipe are 21 points.

Divide the recipe into 4 servings:

  • 1.5 points per serving (using chicken breasts with light butter)
  • 5.25 points per serving (using chicken thighs with regular butter)

Nutritional Information (per serving):

  • Calories: ~180-250 calories (depending on chicken cut and butter used)
  • Protein: ~24-28g
  • Carbs: ~3g (mostly from lemon juice)
  • Fat: ~8-15g

Tips:

  • Light butter or spray butter: Swap regular butter for light butter or butter spray to lower the points further.
  • Vegetables: Add low-carb vegetables like zucchini or broccoli to the slow cooker for a complete meal.
  • Storing: This chicken stores well for up to 3 days in the fridge, making it perfect for meal prep.

Benefits:

  • Protein-packed: With the chicken, this dish is full of lean protein.
  • Low-carb and keto-friendly: By using chicken breasts and skipping heavy side dishes, this meal is both Weight Watchers- and keto-friendly.
  • Zesty and flavorful: The lemon and garlic add bright, fresh flavors to the chicken, making it a delicious and satisfying meal.

Conclusion:

This Slow Cooker Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken is a flavorful, protein-rich dish that’s incredibly easy to prepare. Depending on your choice of chicken cut and butter, it can range from 1.5 to 5.25 points per serving, making it adaptable for different diet goals. The combination of lemon, garlic, and herbs creates a delicious meal that pairs well with vegetables or low-carb sides!