This is probably my favorite gluten free lemon chicken recipe that you make easily in the slow cooker.
Chicken is one of those foods that will never truly go out of style.
There are so many ways to enjoy this meat and reap the benefits of its high nutrient content.
Today I am going to be sharing one of my favorite ways to cook chicken. This slow-cooked chicken is not only absolutely delicious but is also gluten-free and dairy-free. Perfect for anyone with a sensitive gut!
It also serves 5 people so it is perfect if you are cooking for the whole family. Or if you just want some leftovers to enjoy the next day.
Let’s get started with some science first.
Why is Chicken So Popular in the Health Space?
Chicken’s extremely high nutrient content makes it extremely popular in the wellness space.
Its protein content is most certainly its prime selling point.
Chicken is one of the foods highest in protein, coming in 54 grams per boneless skinless chicken breasts. To give you a bit of perspective, the average adult needs about 50 grams of protein per day.
By eating a single chicken breast you can fulfill the recommended daily value.
Source: HERE
Why is Protein So Important?
One of the most important aspects of gut healing is adequate protein intake. Protein is made of amino acids, which are key to building literally every. single. cell.
Proteins not only build tissues but also have functions across the entire body that we don’t even consider.
Some of these consist of:
- enzymes- help with biochemical reactions
- digestive enzymes- VERY important for those with Gutsy issues
- break down the food we eat into smaller pieces that are more easy to digest
- repairs damaged tissue
- antibodies that make up the immune system- fight viruses that enter body
- structure of cell membrane
- transport and move molecules through the body
- composition of some hormones
- helps with the maintenance of DNA and RNA
All of these are absolutely critical to the overall maintenance of the body systems. Without proteins, our body truly would not be able to function.
Along with this, is the HEALING nature of protein. Protein works to rebuild and repair damaged tissue, which makes it essential for any kind of gut-healing journey. It strengthens your intestinal lining as well as cells damaged by pathogens.
I am predicting the topic of protein is going to get even bigger in the coming years. So I mention it on a recent podcast and talk more about protein in general. If you’re interested in listening in, here it is:
Gluten Free Lemon Chicken Recipe {Slow Cooker}
Click HERE to save this recipe card for the next time you’re craving a delicious chicken recipe.
This recipe is SUPER simple and so yummy. Once you make it for the first time, you’ll have it on repeat for years to come.
You only need 6 ingredients and while the cook time is several hours, the prep time is literally less than ten minutes.
Cooking this could literally fit into ANYONE’s schedule because once it’s in the slow cooker, your job is done.
It makes such an easy weeknight meal, so no excuses for not trying it.
Gluten Free Lemon Chicken Recipe {Slow Cooker}
Equipment
- 1 slow cooker
Ingredients
- 10 chicken legs / drummies thawed
- 5 Tbsp Red Palm Oil organic, sustainable (whenever possible)
- 2 lemons medium
- 2 Tbsp parsley fresh
- 1.5 tsp black pepper ground
- 1 tsp salt
Instructions
- Gather all of your ingredients
- Place chicken into a large bowl and thoroughly coat with the red palm oil
- Add salt, parsley, and pepper and mix
- Place the mixture into the slow cooker
- Zest two lemons with a grater and place in a small bowl
- Place the lemon zest over the mixture and then squeeze the remaining lemon slices to cover
- Slow-cook on low heat for 5-6 hours or until done
- Remove from slow-cooker and either serve or refrigerate in an airtight container
Notes
- Find a slow cooker that A Gutsy Girl recommends
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Some additions could include:
- olive oil
- brown sugar (for a little sweetness)
- garlic powder (be wary for those with super sensitive stomachs)
- avocado oil
- fresh thyme
- grated ginger
It honestly is that simple, and it is one of our favorite dinner recipes.
As with both cooking appliances, cooking time may vary, so make sure your chicken is thoroughly cooked before removing.
You can also add additional fresh herbs or oils if you want to play around with the flavor.
Adding simple ingredients or adjusting the amount of lemon or herbs is a fun way to bump up this delicious dish.
Some additions could include:
- olive oil
- brown sugar (for a little sweetness)
- garlic powder (be wary for those with super sensitive stomachs)
- avocado oil
- fresh thyme
- grated ginger
- extra lemon zest
- even more lemon slices (can you tell I love lemon for digestion?!)
All of these could be really fun to experiment with and make the recipe your own.
That’s one of the best parts of easy recipes, you can do whatever you want to add your own touch to it!
BTW – this recipe format – simple and easily customizable is what the 100+ Creations are from A Gutsy Girl’s Bible: a 21-day approach to healing the gut.
Grab your copy on Amazon HERE.
Or, have this book at your fingertips instantly by downloading the PDF now.
Red Palm Oil
Although you can use any red palm oil, this recipe was literally crafted to be paired with Nutiva’s organic red palm oil.
This particular recipe is filtered to remove some of the stronger flavors and create a smooth overall product. Get Nutiva’s Red Palm Oil.
It is extremely high in phytochemicals and vitamin E, which gives it numerous health benefits. Vitamin E is a common antioxidant as well as a key component to maintaining the immune system.
Other benefits of red palm oil include:
- heart health
- cognitive function: protection from radicals the degrade brain function
- eye function: vitamin A helps maintain eye health
Make note that there is a lot of controversy around red palm oil due to the sustainability. This is why I only use Nutiva’s because they are certified “Palm Done Right” + “Fair for Life.”
Source: HERE
Other Ideas
This recipe is extremely versatile. You can eat the chicken as is or use it in other recipes or combinations.
Here are some other ideas:
- use the leftover gluten-free lemon chicken bones to make a chicken broth
- pair with gluten-free pasta and red sauce
- add to brown rice, steamed vegetables and drizzle with soy sauce to make a chicken bowl
- make some sweet potato fries and serve with chicken and ketchup
- add lemon pepper seasoning to transform the dish even further
- serve with a side of roasted vegetables; roasted asparagus, root veggies, etc.
This simple lemon chicken recipe is such a staple, you can incorporate it into almost anything.
It will save in an airtight container for at least a few days after making it.
And that’s a wrap on this chicken dish. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do!
Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. All opinions remain my own.
If you liked this post, you might also enjoy:
- Instant Pot Recipes
- Keto Lemonade {Easy Recipe for Constipation} – made with fresh lemon juice!
- Baked Chicken Drummies — you could even make a baked lemon pepper chicken recipe using the ingredients in this post + linked method
Xox,
SKH
Janie Greene is
