Are you dreaming of a juicy, flavorful chicken dinner that requires minimal effort? Look no further! This Lemon Pepper Crock Pot Chicken recipe is your answer. It's a simple, healthy, and delicious meal perfect for busy weeknights. Say goodbye to complicated recipes and hello to effortless homemade cooking. This easy recipe is a quick dinner idea that's guaranteed to become a family favorite.
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 lemon, zested and juiced
- 2 tablespoons lemon pepper seasoning
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup chicken broth
Instructions:
Getting Started:
- Place the chicken breasts in your slow cooker.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon zest, lemon juice, olive oil, lemon pepper seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
Cooking the Chicken:
- Pour the lemon pepper mixture over the chicken, ensuring each piece is coated evenly.
- Pour the chicken broth into the slow cooker.
- Cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and easily shreds with a fork.
Serving Suggestions:
- Once cooked, shred the chicken using two forks. You can serve it directly from the slow cooker or transfer it to a serving dish.
- Serve your delicious lemon pepper chicken over rice, quinoa, mashed potatoes, or with your favorite vegetables.
Tips for the Best Lemon Pepper Chicken:
- Don't overcrowd the slow cooker: Ensure there's enough space between the chicken breasts for even cooking. If necessary, cook in batches.
- Use fresh lemon: Freshly squeezed lemon juice adds a brighter, more vibrant flavor than bottled juice.
- Adjust seasonings to your taste: Feel free to add more or less lemon pepper seasoning, garlic powder, or onion powder depending on your preference.
- Thicken the sauce: For a thicker sauce, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water and stir into the slow cooker during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Delicious Variations:
- Spicy Lemon Pepper Chicken: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the seasoning mixture for a spicy kick.
- Lemon Herb Chicken: Replace some of the lemon pepper seasoning with your favorite herbs, such as oregano, thyme, or rosemary.
- Garlic Lemon Chicken: Increase the amount of garlic powder for a stronger garlic flavor.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients used and serving size.
- Calories: Approximately 200-250
- Protein: Approximately 30-35g
- Fat: Approximately 5-7g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 5-10g
This Lemon Pepper Crock Pot Chicken recipe is a fantastic example of easy recipes that deliver big on flavor. It's a perfect addition to your collection of healthy meals and best recipes. Enjoy this quick dinner idea and the ease of homemade cooking! It's a delicious dish that’s sure to become a staple in your meal rotation.