1-First Step: Prepare the slow cooker and chicken Coat a 6-quart slow cooker with nonstick spray so cleanup stays easy. Set the chicken breasts on a plate and season both sides with the coarse salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Then dredge each breast in the all-purpose flour, shaking off any extra coating. This light flour layer helps the chicken develop a nicer crust when browned. It also gives the sauce a slightly fuller texture later on. Keep the coating thin, because too much flour can make the sauce heavy.

2-Second Step: Brown the chicken for better flavor Melt 1 tablespoon of the unsalted butter in a large pan over medium heat. Once the butter is hot and foamy, add the chicken breasts and brown them for about 3 minutes per side. You are not cooking them all the way through at this point, just building flavor and color. Browning is worth the extra few minutes. It gives the chicken a golden crust and adds a deeper taste to the final dish. If your pan feels crowded, brown the chicken in two batches so each piece gets good contact with the heat.

3-Third Step: Transfer everything to the slow cooker Place the browned chicken breasts into the prepared slow cooker in a single layer if possible. Sprinkle the packet of Italian dressing seasoning mix evenly over the top. Then pour in the fresh lemon juice and the low-sodium chicken broth. Add the remaining butter slices across the surface of the chicken. As the butter melts, it mixes with the broth and lemon juice to create a smooth, flavorful sauce. Try to pour the liquid around the chicken rather than directly washing off the seasoning.

4-Fourth Step: Slow cook until tender Cover the slow cooker with the lid and cook on low for 4 hours. The chicken is ready when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. If you have a meat thermometer, check the thickest part of the largest breast for the most accurate reading. During cooking, the chicken absorbs the Italian seasoning and lemon flavor while staying moist in the buttery broth. Avoid lifting the lid too often, since that can let heat escape and slow down the cooking time. For best results, do not overcook, because chicken breasts can dry out if left too long.

5-Final Step: Slice, shred, and serve Once the chicken is done, transfer it to a cutting board and let it rest for a few minutes. You can slice it for a neat presentation or shred it for a more rustic, saucy meal. Spoon the lemon broth from the slow cooker over the chicken before serving. Serve it hot with rice, pasta, mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or crusty bread to soak up the sauce. If you want a complete meal with a fresh side, a simple salad works beautifully too. For more savory meal ideas, check out our peach cobbler recipe when you want a sweet finish to dinner.