Another zesty recipe that you can make easily in your slow cooker or crockpot is this Lemon Pepper Chicken that you can enjoy with your family for a satisfying dinner, made with chicken breasts, lemon juice, Italian dressing mix, chicken broth, and butter. This flavorful Lemon Pepper Chicken recipe is perfect for dinner, takes about 3 hours and 40 minutes to prepare, and can serve up to 4 people.
Jump to Recipe Print RecipeSlow Cooker Lemon Pepper Chicken Breast Ingredients
- 3 teaspoons olive oil
- 1 large egg
- ⅛ teaspoon salt
- Pinch of freshly ground black pepper
- 1 slice rustic white bread (½ inch thick)
- 1 garlic clove
- 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup warm chunky marinara sauce (drained of excess liquid)
How To Make Slow Cooker Lemon Pepper Chicken Breast
- Prepare the Slow Cooker: Lightly coat the inside of a 6-quart slow cooker with cooking spray to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup later.
- Coat the Chicken: In a shallow dish, mix the flour and freshly ground black pepper. Dredge the chicken breasts in the flour mixture, making sure they’re fully and evenly coated on all sides.
- Brown the Chicken: In a medium skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts and lightly brown each side for about 3 to 5 minutes, until the outside is golden and slightly crispy. Don’t worry about cooking it through at this point, as it will finish cooking in the slow cooker.
- Transfer to Slow Cooker: Place the browned chicken into the slow cooker, and sprinkle the Italian dressing mix evenly over the top of the chicken.
- Add the Liquid: In a small bowl, whisk together the fresh lemon juice and chicken broth. Pour this mixture over the chicken and seasonings to ensure the chicken stays moist and flavorful.
- Cook Low and Slow: Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on Low for 3 to 4 hours. The chicken will be tender and fully cooked through at this point.
- Finish and Serve: Before serving, zest the lemon and sprinkle the zest, kosher salt, and more black pepper over the chicken. Garnish with fresh sliced scallions and lemon wheels. Serve the chicken alongside cooked white rice, and enjoy!
Recipe Tips
- Add more flavor: If you want a stronger lemon flavor, squeeze a bit more fresh lemon juice over the chicken just before serving to brighten up the overall taste.
- Use chicken thighs: If you prefer dark meat, substitute chicken breasts with chicken thighs. They cook faster and stay juicier, but remember to adjust the cooking time slightly to prevent overcooking.
- Thicken the sauce: For a thicker sauce, after cooking, remove the chicken and simmer the liquid on the stovetop until it reduces. This will concentrate the flavors and improve texture.
- Experiment with fresh herbs: Add some chopped fresh herbs like parsley or thyme at the end of cooking to introduce a fresh, herby note. I sometimes use thyme when I want an earthier flavor.
- Swap the rice: If you’re not a fan of white rice, serve this dish with mashed potatoes or couscous for a hearty and filling alternative that soaks up the flavorful sauce.
Recipe FAQs and Variations
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes, you can use chicken thighs instead of breasts. They tend to be juicier and cook a bit faster, so keep an eye on the cooking time to avoid overcooking.
How do I store leftover chicken?
Store leftover chicken in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. When reheating, use a microwave or stovetop, adding a bit of broth to keep it moist.
Can I make this dish in advance?
Yes, you can prepare everything the night before, store it in the refrigerator, and start cooking in the slow cooker the next day.
Check out More Slow Cooker Recipes:
Slow Cooker Lemon Pepper Chicken Breast
Course: DinnerCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy4
servings10
minutes3
hours30
minutes290
kcalAnother zesty recipe that you can make easily in your slow cooker or crockpot is this Lemon Pepper Chicken that you can enjoy with your family for a satisfying dinner, made with chicken breasts, lemon juice, Italian dressing mix, chicken broth, and butter. This flavorful Lemon Pepper Chicken recipe is perfect for dinner, takes about 3 hours and 40 minutes to prepare, and can serve up to 4 people.
Ingredients
3 teaspoons olive oil
1 large egg
⅛ teaspoon salt
Pinch of freshly ground black pepper
1 slice rustic white bread (½ inch thick)
1 garlic clove
1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese
¼ cup warm chunky marinara sauce (drained of excess liquid)
Directions
- Prepare the Slow Cooker: Lightly coat the inside of a 6-quart slow cooker with cooking spray to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup later.
- Coat the Chicken: In a shallow dish, mix the flour and freshly ground black pepper. Dredge the chicken breasts in the flour mixture, making sure they’re fully and evenly coated on all sides.
- Brown the Chicken: In a medium skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts and lightly brown each side for about 3 to 5 minutes, until the outside is golden and slightly crispy. Don’t worry about cooking it through at this point, as it will finish cooking in the slow cooker.
- Transfer to Slow Cooker: Place the browned chicken into the slow cooker, and sprinkle the Italian dressing mix evenly over the top of the chicken.
- Add the Liquid: In a small bowl, whisk together the fresh lemon juice and chicken broth. Pour this mixture over the chicken and seasonings to ensure the chicken stays moist and flavorful.
- Cook Low and Slow: Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on Low for 3 to 4 hours. The chicken will be tender and fully cooked through at this point.
- Finish and Serve: Before serving, zest the lemon and sprinkle the zest, kosher salt, and more black pepper over the chicken. Garnish with fresh sliced scallions and lemon wheels. Serve the chicken alongside cooked white rice, and enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
4 servings per container
- Amount Per ServingCalories290
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat
16g
25%
- Saturated Fat 7g 35%
- Cholesterol 117mg 39%
- Sodium 630mg 27%
- Total Carbohydrate
10g
4%
- Dietary Fiber 1g 4%
- Sugars 1g
- Protein 27g 54%
* The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
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