A Fresh, Easy Summer Dinner That Practically Cooks Itself

Hey friends! ☀️ If your summer days are packed with sunshine, pool time, or chasing kids around the backyard (same here!), then you’re probably looking for a dinner that’s healthy, easy, and doesn’t involve standing over a hot stove. Let me introduce you to my go-to warm weather lifesaver: Slow Cooker Citrus Herb Chicken with Summer Vegetables.

This dish is light, zesty, and packed with garden-fresh flavor. Just toss it in the crockpot and let it do its thing while you go live your summer life. Trust me—this is one of those dump-and-go meals that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen.

Ingredients:

4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts)
1 large zucchini, chopped
1 yellow squash, chopped
1 red bell pepper, sliced
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 small red onion, sliced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
1/4 cup orange juice
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp dried thyme
Zest of 1 lemon
Fresh basil or parsley for garnish

Step-by-Step: How to Make Citrus Herb Chicken in the Crockpot

Step 1: Layer the Veggies

Add zucchini, squash, bell pepper, cherry tomatoes, and onion to the crockpot.

Step 2: Season and Add Chicken

Season chicken with salt, pepper, oregano, thyme, and lemon zest. Place on top.

Step 3: Make the Sauce

Whisk lemon juice, orange juice, olive oil, garlic, and pepper flakes. Pour over contents.

Step 4: Cook

Cover and cook on LOW for 7–8 hrs or HIGH for 4 hrs.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Top with fresh herbs. Serve over rice, couscous, quinoa, or in pita.

Tips, Swaps & Variations

Use white wine instead of some citrus juice.
Top with crumbled feta for extra flavor.
Add spinach in the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Serve over cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.
Add Greek yogurt or tzatziki when serving for creaminess.

Bonus: Get the Printable Recipe Card

Want to keep this one handy? 📎 Download the FREE printable recipe PDF and keep it on your fridge!

Final Thoughts

Cooking in the summer should be about ease, flavor, and enjoying every bite without the sweat. This Slow Cooker Citrus Herb Chicken checks every box: fresh, flavorful, and easy to prep. If you try it, tag me or leave a comment—I’d love to hear your twist on it!

Citrus Herb Chicken with Summer Vegetables