Lemon and basil are a great combination, perfect for a chicken slow cooker recipe. Using a simple homemade sauce of lemon juice, basil and a few other ingredients, this healthy recipe is both paleo and whole30.
What cut of chicken? Like most of my recipes, any cut of chicken. Do you like white meat or dark meat? I used a combination of bone-in, skin-on chicken and legs but you can use boneless, skinless breasts if you want.

before

If basil really isn’t your thing, then you can substitute your favorite herb whether it be basil, oregano, thyme, rosemary, or parsley.

after
No, I did not broil my chicken before or afterwards but you like crispy skin then you’re going to want to do that after it’s done slow cooking.
PrintSlow Cooker Lemon-Basil Chicken (Paleo/Whole30)
- Prep Time: 5 mins
- Cook Time: 3 hours
- Total Time: 3 hours 5 mins
- Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 lbs chicken
- 1 lemon, sliced
Sauce:
- 1/3 cup lemon juice
- 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 1/2 tsp dried basil
- 1 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp pepper
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
Instructions
- Add chicken to the slow cooker.
- In a small bowl, mix together sauce ingredients.
- Pour sauce on top of chicken.
- Top with lemon slices and half of the fresh basil.
- Cook HIGH 2-3, LOW 4-6.
- Top with remaining fresh basil before serving.
Sometimes I substitute water for the chicken broth. It loses a bit of its flavor but it still does the trick. When dried basil cooks in the slow cooker, the end result is what looks like large black pepper flakes. Don’t be alarmed, it’s just the basil and it will still taste like…basil.

PIN FOR LATER
Simple and delicious – cant wait to try this in my slow cooker
I’m definitely saving this to make later. It sounds so yummy and yet very easy. Can’t wait. 🙂