Slow Cooker Lemon Pepper Chicken – This crockpot lemon pepper chicken consist of tender, juicy chicken infused with the zesty, tangy flavor of lemon and a peppery kick.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Minimal Prep: Only a few ingredients and simple steps.
- Hands-Off Cooking: The slow cooker takes care of everything while you go about your day.
- Bursting with Flavor: Lemon, black pepper, garlic, and herbs come together to create a vibrant, flavorful chicken dish.
- Versatile: Serve it with rice, potatoes, or veggies, or shred the chicken for salads and sandwiches.
Ingredients
Before we dive into the recipe, let’s cover the key ingredients you’ll need to make this Lemon Pepper Chicken in the slow cooker:
- Chicken Thighs or Breasts: You can use bone-in or boneless chicken, but thighs tend to stay more tender and juicy in the slow cooker.
- Lemon Juice and Zest: Adds a bright, tangy flavor that pairs beautifully with the savory spices.
- Black Pepper: Freshly ground black pepper is key here for that bold, peppery flavor.
- Garlic: Provides depth and richness.
- Olive Oil: Helps to crisp up the chicken skin, especially if you broil it afterward.
- Herbs: Dried oregano or thyme work well, but feel free to use what you have.
- Chicken Broth: Keeps the chicken moist and adds a subtle, savory background.
- Butter (Optional): A pat of butter at the end gives the dish a luxurious richness.
Tips and Tricks for the Best Slow Cooker Lemon Pepper Chicken
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Freshly squeezed lemon juice and zest will elevate the flavor profile compared to store-bought lemon juice.
- Don’t Skimp on the Pepper: The pepper is a star ingredient here. Freshly ground black pepper gives the dish its signature sharp, slightly spicy taste.
- Broil for Crispy Skin: If you’re using chicken thighs with the skin on, broiling them for a few minutes after slow cooking will give you a crispy texture without drying out the meat.
- Layering Flavor: You can add a couple of smashed garlic cloves or a sprig of rosemary into the slow cooker for even more depth.
Variations
Looking to switch things up? Here are some fun variations of this slow cooker lemon pepper chicken recipe:
- Lemon Pepper Chicken with Veggies: Add chopped potatoes, carrots, or green beans to the slow cooker for a complete one-pot meal.
- Honey Lemon Pepper Chicken: Add 2 tablespoons of honey to the seasoning mix for a sweet and tangy twist.
- Creamy Lemon Pepper Chicken: Stir in 1/2 cup of heavy cream during the last 30 minutes of cooking for a rich, creamy sauce.
- Spicy Lemon Pepper Chicken: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the seasoning for a spicy kick.
How to Serve Lemon Pepper Chicken
This dish is incredibly versatile, making it easy to pair with various sides and mains. Here are some serving ideas:
- Over Rice: Spoon the lemony sauce over fluffy white or brown rice.
- With Mashed Potatoes: The sauce doubles as a gravy when paired with mashed potatoes.
- With Vegetables: Serve alongside roasted veggies like broccoli, asparagus, or Brussels sprouts.
- In a Salad: Shred the chicken and toss it into a green salad with avocado and tomatoes for a light lunch.
- In a Sandwich: Make a delicious chicken sandwich with some arugula, mayonnaise, and pickles on a toasted bun.
How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
This Slow Cooker Lemon Pepper Chicken stores beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep!
- In the Fridge: Store leftover chicken in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- In the Freezer: Freeze in a freezer-safe container or zip-lock bag for up to 3 months. Be sure to remove as much air as possible.
- Reheating: Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop. If frozen, thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Recipe FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Absolutely! While chicken thighs are more flavorful and tender in the slow cooker, boneless chicken breasts work just as well. Just be careful not to overcook them, as they tend to dry out faster than thighs.
Can I make this lemon pepper chicken in the Instant Pot?
Yes! For an Instant Pot version, season the chicken as directed, then cook on high pressure for 10-12 minutes with a natural release.
What’s the best way to thicken the sauce?
If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water and stir it into the slow cooker juices. Let it cook on high for an additional 15 minutes to thicken.
Can I cook the chicken from frozen?
It’s generally recommended to thaw chicken before slow cooking for food safety reasons. However, if you’re in a pinch, cook the frozen chicken on high for 5-6 hours.
Slow Cooker Lemon Pepper Chicken
Slow Cooker Lemon Pepper Chicken - This crockpot lemon pepper chicken consist of tender, juicy chicken infused with the zesty, tangy flavor of lemon and a peppery kick.
Ingredients
- 1 whole chicken, cut into pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- 3 lemons, sliced thick
- 2 cups chicken or vegetable stock
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 3 garlic cloves, whole
Instructions
- Brown the Chicken: Heat the olive oil in a heavy-bottomed pan over medium heat. Sprinkle the chicken with salt and pepper, then brown the pieces in the hot pan. Work in batches if needed to get that golden-brown color.
- Prep the Slow Cooker: Place most of the lemon slices and garlic cloves on the bottom of the slow cooker. Layer the browned chicken on top.
- Add Stock and Seasoning: Pour the stock gently over the chicken, then top with the remaining lemon slices and sprinkle the thyme over everything.
- Slow Cook: Set the slow cooker to low and let it cook for about 6 hours until the chicken is tender and juicy.
- Strain the Broth: Once the chicken is done, remove it from the slow cooker and strain the broth for a smooth base to make a rich gravy.
For the Gravy:
- Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a saucepan over medium heat.
- Whisk in 2 tablespoons of flour, cooking until golden brown.
- Slowly add the strained broth, whisking constantly until smooth and thickened.
How to Serve:
- This lemony chicken and savory gravy pair perfectly with rice, noodles, or creamy grits. Simple, comforting, and full of flavor!
Nutrition Information
Yield
6Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 395Total Fat 24gSaturated Fat 6gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 16gCholesterol 130mgSodium 931mgCarbohydrates 5gFiber 1gSugar 1gProtein 39g
All Chicken Recipes.com, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although allchickenrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Final Thoughts
This Slow Cooker Lemon Pepper Chicken recipe is a true gem for busy weeknights or when you want a comforting meal with minimal effort. The slow cooker method ensures perfectly tender and juicy chicken every time, with bright lemon and pepper flavors that will have your family coming back for seconds. Plus, the versatility of this dish means you can easily customize it to your tastes. Whether you enjoy it as-is or switch things up with one of the suggested variations, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your household.
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