Squeeze fresh lemon juice over raw chicken breasts, together with 3 ingredients, into slow cooker for a simple springtime dinner that's the first thing I suggest

This Slow Cooker Amish Lemon Asparagus Chicken is one of those simple springtime dinners I suggest first when friends ask for an easy, family-friendly meal. It uses just five ingredients and comes together by squeezing fresh lemon juice right over raw chicken breasts in the slow cooker, then letting everything gently cook until the chicken is tender and the asparagus is bright and crisp-tender. The flavors are clean and comforting, with a little nod to old-fashioned Amish farmhouse cooking—straightforward ingredients, no fuss, and a wholesome, homey feel.

Serve this lemon asparagus chicken over buttered egg noodles, mashed potatoes, or simple steamed rice to soak up the light lemony juices. A side of crusty bread is wonderful for sopping up the sauce, and a small green salad with a mild vinaigrette rounds out the plate. For kids, you can slice the chicken and serve it separately from the asparagus, adding a little shredded cheese or ranch on the side if that helps it go down easier.

Servings: 4

2 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts

Place the raw chicken breasts in a single layer on the bottom of a 4- to 6-quart slow cooker. If they overlap a little, that is fine.

Squeeze the fresh lemons directly over the raw chicken breasts in the slow cooker, catching the seeds with your fingers or a small strainer. You want the juice to coat the chicken well.

Spoon the condensed cream of chicken soup over the lemon-coated chicken, spreading it gently with the back of the spoon so most of the chicken is covered. Do not add extra water or milk; the soup should be thick going in.

Sprinkle the kosher salt evenly over the top. Cover the slow cooker with the lid.

Cook on Low for 4 to 5 hours, or on High for 2 1/2 to 3 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of at least 165°F (74°C). The chicken will release juices and create a light, lemony sauce with the soup.

About 30 minutes before serving, remove the lid and add the asparagus pieces on top of the chicken, gently pressing them down so they touch some of the hot sauce.

Cover again and continue cooking on High for 20 to 30 minutes, just until the asparagus is bright green and crisp-tender. Avoid overcooking so it does not turn mushy.

Taste the sauce and add a little more salt if needed. If you like, sprinkle black pepper over the chicken and asparagus.

Serve the chicken breasts topped with asparagus and spoon the lemony sauce from the slow cooker over each portion.

For picky eaters, you can leave the asparagus in larger pieces so it is easy to pick out, or steam a separate vegetable like green beans or peas and let everyone choose what they want. If your family prefers darker meat, boneless skinless chicken thighs work just as well; just trim extra fat and cook on Low for about 5 to 6 hours, checking that they are tender and fully cooked. For a slightly richer flavor, you can stir in 1 to 2 tablespoons of butter at the end of cooking until melted. If you need to keep this dairy-free, choose a dairy-free condensed soup alternative and double-check the label. You can also add a few thin lemon slices on top of the chicken before cooking for extra lemon aroma, but remove them before serving so the sauce doesn’t get too bitter. FOOD SAFETY TIPS: Always start with raw chicken that has been kept refrigerated at or below 40°F (4°C), and do not leave it out on the counter while prepping other ingredients. Place the chicken directly into the slow cooker and squeeze the lemon juice over it right away. Wash your hands, cutting boards, and any utensils that touched the raw chicken with hot, soapy water before handling the asparagus or other ingredients. Make sure the chicken reaches at least 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part before serving; use an instant-read thermometer if you have one. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours in shallow containers, and reheat until steaming hot before eating.