This Lemon Pepper Chicken Crock Pot recipe delivers effortlessly tender chicken slow-cooked to perfection for a mouthwatering meal.
Imagine biting into a piece of chicken that’s so tender and juicy, that it practically melts in your mouth. Now, add the zesty punch of lemon and the warm, aromatic kick of pepper.
That’s what you get with this Lemon Pepper Chicken Crock Pot recipe! This dish turns simple ingredients into a flavorful, comforting meal that’ll make your taste buds dance. It’s perfect for those days when you want a delicious dinner with minimal fuss.
This Lemon Pepper Chicken Crock Pot recipe is a ticket to a hassle-free, scrumptious dinner that’ll have everyone asking for seconds. With the ease of a slow cooker and the bold flavors of lemon and pepper, you’ll find yourself coming back to this recipe time and again.
Whether you’re looking for a new recipe to spice up your dinner routine or need a reliable dish for your weekly meal prep, this lemon pepper chicken won’t disappoint.
So, why wait? Give it a try and see for yourself why it’s a dish worth making today… and the next time… and maybe even the week after that!
Common Questions About Lemon Pepper Chicken Crock Pot
Can I use boneless chicken breast instead of thighs?
Absolutely! I never have a problem with changing the ingredients a bit. While thighs are juicier, breast meat works great, especially if you prefer a leaner option. Just check the internal temperature to make sure it’s cooked through.
Is it necessary to sear the chicken before slow cooking?
Searing isn’t a must, but it adds a golden brown crust and locks in flavors, making the chicken even more delicious! These days, I almost always sear the meat I’m cooking with. Again, it’s all about adding even more flavor to the dish.
What if I don’t have lemon pepper seasoning?
No worries! Mix some black pepper with extra lemon zest for a homemade twist. You’ll just be making this dish even more “homemade”. You really can’t go wrong here.
Storage
I’m always looking for new ways to make chicken. It’s a staple in our house. This recipe is just as good the next day!
Refrigerator
Keep leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer
Freeze in a suitable container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Tips
I love healthy recipes like this one. Also, there is really nothing better than letting the crock pot do all the work for you. Just toss it all in and it comes out perfect every time!
- Use a slow cooker liner for easy cleanup.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and lemon slices for a burst of freshness.
- For a thicker sauce, whisk in a small bowl of cornstarch and water during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- A sprinkle of Parmesan cheese before serving adds a nice touch.
- Ensure your chicken reaches the safe internal temperature of 165°F.
Ingredients
I seriously love these ingredients. It all comes together to give you some of the most flavorful chicken you’ve ever had.
- Bone-in, skinless chicken thighs
- Olive oil
- Lemon (juiced and zested)
- Lemon pepper seasoning
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Dried thyme
- Dried rosemary
- Chicken broth
- Salt and pepper
- Fresh parsley (optional for garnish)
How to Make Lemon Pepper Chicken Crock Pot
Aren’t slow cooker chicken recipes the best? Maybe I’m just a crock pot fan girl, haha! Seriously, though. Easy recipes like this one are always my go-to on busy weeknights.
- Mix the lemon juice, lemon zest, lemon pepper seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper to create the marinade.
- Place the chicken thighs into a shallow dish or gallon-size freezer bag. Pour the marinade over the chicken. Allow the chicken to marinate for 10 minutes.
- Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the oil and heat until hot but not smoking. Sear the chicken thighs on each side until golden brown.
- Transfer the seared chicken thighs to the Crock Pot.
- Pour the remaining marinade into the skillet and bring to a boil. Scrape the bottom with a wooden spoon to deglaze the pan. Pour the chicken marinade over the chicken in the slow cooker.
- Set the Crock Pot on low heat and cook for 4-6 hours until the chicken is tender..
- Serve the Lemon Pepper Chicken over rice or with your favorite side dishes.
- Garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and enjoy this effortlessly flavorful and comforting dish!
Kitchen Supplies You’ll Need for Lemon Pepper Chicken Crock Pot
Let your slow cooker shine! Don’t skip the part where you marinate the chicken. It really makes a big difference in the flavor. You really can’t go wrong when marinating chicken.
- Crock Pot (slow cooker)
- Large skillet
- Wooden spoon
- Shallow dish or gallon-size freezer bag
What to Serve With Lemon Pepper Chicken Crock Pot
Rice is a perfect side dish to this meal. I also like some garlic bread or some other crusty bread to go along with it.
- Fluffy white rice or brown rice to soak up the luscious sauce
- Steamed green beans or roasted vegetables for a healthy side
- A side of egg noodles or creamy mashed potatoes for comfort food vibes
Why You Should Make Lemon Pepper Chicken Crock Pot
Is there anything better than the aroma that fills your house when you’re using the slow cooker? It’s one of my favorite things.
- It’s an easy meal for busy days.
- Offers a delicious way to enjoy healthy proteins.
- Can be customized with your favorite herbs or veggies.
- A family favorite that pleases both kids and adults.
- A great option for meal prep for the week ahead.
Variations and Add-Ins for Lemon Pepper Chicken Crock Pot
Did you add anything else to the pot when you made this recipe? Let me know in the comments! I always love hearing your input!
- Use bone-in chicken thighs for more flavor.
- Add Italian seasoning for an herbal note.
- Mix in cream of chicken soup for a creamy variation.
- Stir in some fresh minced garlic for extra zing.
- Incorporate a cup of water and rice flour for a gluten-free gravy.
If you love this easy slow cooker chicken recipe, you’re going to love these other slow cooker chicken recipes too. Please click each link below to find the easy, printable recipe!
More Great Chicken Thigh Recipes
Grilled Boneless Chicken Thighs
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Lemon Pepper Chicken – Crock Pot
Ingredients
- 6 chicken thighs bone-in, skinless (you can use boneless too)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 lemon juiced and zested
- 1 teaspoon lemon pepper seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon dried rosemary
- ½ cup chicken broth
- salt and pepper to taste
fresh parsley for garnish – optional
Instructions
- Mix the lemon juice, lemon zest, lemon pepper seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper to create the marinade.
- Place the chicken thighs into a shallow dish or gallon-size freezer bag. Pour the marinade over the chicken. Allow the chicken to marinate for 10 minutes.
- Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the oil and heat until hot but not smoking. Sear the chicken thighs on each side until golden brown.
- Transfer the seared chicken thighs to the slow cooker.
- Pour the remaining marinade into the skillet and bring to a boil. Scrape the bottom with a wooden spoon to deglaze the pan. Pour the chicken marinade over the chicken in the slow cooker.
- Set the slow cooker on low heat and cook for 4-6 hours until the chicken is tender.
- Serve the lemon pepper chicken over rice or with your favorite side dishes.
- Garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and enjoy this effortlessly flavorful and comforting dish!
Equipment
- Crock Pot/ Slow Cooker
Nutrition
Nutritional information for the recipe is provided as a courtesy and is approximate. Please double-check with your own dietary calculator for the best accuracy. We at Yummi Haus cannot guarantee the accuracy of the nutritional information given for any recipe on this site.
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