This slow cooker lemon pepper chicken recipe is a true weeknight hero, offering a delicious and healthy meal with minimal effort.

Slow Cooker Lemon Pepper Chicken (Low-Calorie) 16

It’s perfect for anyone looking for low-calorie options that don’t skimp on flavor, making it a fantastic addition to your Mediterranean diet crock pot recipes.

Imagine coming home to a perfectly cooked, tender chicken dish that’s bursting with bright lemon and savory pepper notes. This recipe delivers exactly that, transforming simple ingredients into a satisfying and wholesome dinner that the whole family will love.

What You’ll Love About This Quick And Easy Recipe
Everything You Need To Make This Recipe Without Stress
Time Needed From Start To Finish
How To Make It Step By Step With Visual Cues
Easy Variations And Serving Ideas That Fit Real Life
Common Slip-Ups And How To Avoid Them
How To Store It And Make It Ahead Without Ruining Texture
Questions People Always Ask Before Making This Recipe

What You’ll Love About This Quick And Easy Recipe

This slow cooker lemon pepper chicken is a game-changer for busy individuals and families alike. You’ll adore how effortlessly it fits into a hectic schedule, requiring just a few minutes of prep in the morning before the slow cooker does all the heavy lifting. It’s designed for those who crave flavorful, home-cooked meals but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen. This dish is ideal for a healthy weeknight dinner, a meal prep staple for lunches throughout the week, or even a light and satisfying option for a casual gathering. Its low-calorie and Mediterranean-diet-friendly profile makes it a smart choice for anyone focusing on wholesome eating without sacrificing taste. The bright, zesty lemon combined with the aromatic black pepper creates a universally appealing flavor that even picky eaters tend to enjoy.

Everything You Need To Make This Recipe Without Stress

Gathering your ingredients for this slow cooker lemon pepper chicken is straightforward, focusing on fresh, wholesome items that are easy to find. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity, using common pantry staples and fresh produce to create a truly delicious meal.

INGREDIENTS:

2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1/4 cup lemon juice (freshly squeezed is best)
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon lemon pepper seasoning
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
1/4 teaspoon black pepper (freshly ground is best)
1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)
1 lemon, thinly sliced (for garnish, optional)

For simple substitutions, if you don’t have fresh lemons on hand, bottled lemon juice can work in a pinch, though fresh will always provide a brighter flavor. Boneless, skinless chicken thighs can be used instead of breasts if you prefer a slightly richer, more tender cut, though this will slightly increase the calorie count. If you’re watching your sodium intake, ensure your lemon pepper seasoning is low-sodium or adjust the added salt accordingly. For a thicker sauce, you can whisk a tablespoon of cornstarch with a tablespoon of cold water and stir it into the slow cooker during the last 30 minutes of cooking.

Time Needed From Start To Finish

The beauty of this slow cooker recipe is its minimal hands-on time, allowing you to set it and forget it.

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 3-4 hours on high, or 6-8 hours on low
Total time: 3 hours 10 minutes to 8 hours 10 minutes (depending on cook setting)

How To Make It Step By Step With Visual Cues

Creating this flavorful lemon pepper chicken in your slow cooker is incredibly simple. Follow these steps for tender, juicy results every time.

Prepare the chicken: Pat the boneless, skinless chicken breasts dry with paper towels. This helps the seasoning adhere better. Place them in a single layer at the bottom of your slow cooker.
Whisk the sauce ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the lemon juice, olive oil, lemon pepper seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and chicken broth. Whisk everything together until well combined. The mixture should look slightly cloudy and fragrant.
Pour over the chicken: Carefully pour the prepared sauce evenly over the chicken breasts in the slow cooker. Ensure all the chicken is coated or submerged in the liquid.
Set and cook: Cover the slow cooker with its lid. Cook on the LOW setting for 6-8 hours, or on the HIGH setting for 3-4 hours. The chicken should be very tender and easily shreddable with a fork when done. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
Shred or serve whole: Once cooked, you can either remove the chicken and shred it with two forks (it will be very tender) or serve the breasts whole.
Garnish and serve: If desired, garnish with fresh chopped parsley and thin lemon slices before serving. The vibrant green of the parsley and bright yellow of the lemon add a beautiful touch.

Easy Variations And Serving Ideas That Fit Real Life

This slow cooker lemon pepper chicken is incredibly versatile, making it easy to adapt for different tastes and occasions. For a kid-friendly twist, you can shred the chicken and serve it in soft rolls as sliders, or mix it with a little cooked pasta for a simple chicken and noodle dish. The mild, citrusy flavor is generally well-received by children.

To vary the flavor profile, consider adding a pinch of dried oregano or thyme to the sauce for an herbaceous Mediterranean touch. For a little heat, a dash of red pepper flakes can be included. You could also add some vegetables directly to the slow cooker during the last hour of cooking, such as chopped zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus, for a complete one-pot meal.

This dish shines when served with a variety of sides. For a light and healthy option, pair it with steamed green beans, roasted broccoli, or a fresh garden salad. Brown rice, quinoa, or couscous are excellent choices for soaking up the delicious lemon pepper sauce. If you’re looking for something heartier, mashed potatoes or a crusty whole-grain bread would be perfect. For a party or buffet, shred the chicken and serve it warm in a chafing dish, alongside mini pita breads or lettuce cups for guests to create their own wraps.

Common Slip-Ups And How To Avoid Them

Even with a simple slow cooker recipe, a few common mistakes can impact the outcome. One frequent slip-up is overcooking the chicken. While slow cookers are forgiving, cooking chicken breasts for too long, especially on high, can result in dry, stringy meat. To avoid this, stick to the recommended cooking times and check for doneness using a meat thermometer (165°F / 74°C internal temperature). If you plan to be out all day, opt for the low setting.

Another mistake is not patting the chicken dry before seasoning. Excess moisture on the surface can dilute the seasoning and prevent it from adhering properly, leading to less flavorful chicken. A quick pat with a paper towel makes a noticeable difference.

Under-seasoning is also a common issue. Don’t be shy with the lemon pepper seasoning and other spices. Taste the sauce mixture before adding it to the slow cooker if you’re unsure, and adjust the salt and pepper as needed. Remember that flavors can mellow slightly during long cooking times.

Finally, lifting the lid too frequently during cooking can significantly extend the cooking time. Every time you open the lid, a lot of heat escapes, and the slow cooker has to work harder to get back up to temperature. Resist the urge to peek until closer to the end of the cooking time.

How To Store It And Make It Ahead Without Ruining Texture

This slow cooker lemon pepper chicken is fantastic for meal prep and stores beautifully, making your weeknights even easier. To store leftovers, allow the chicken and sauce to cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The chicken remains tender and flavorful, and the sauce often tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld further.

For longer storage, you can freeze the cooked chicken and sauce. Place them in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag, ensuring there’s minimal air to prevent freezer burn. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Thaw frozen chicken in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

When reheating, for best results, gently warm the chicken and sauce on the stovetop over medium-low heat until heated through. If reheating in the microwave, use short intervals and stir occasionally to ensure even heating and prevent the chicken from drying out. Adding a splash of extra chicken broth or water can help maintain moisture if the sauce has thickened too much. This dish holds its texture remarkably well, making it an excellent candidate for make-ahead meals.

Questions People Always Ask Before Making This Recipe

Can I use frozen chicken breasts? Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts, but you may need to increase the cooking time by 1-2 hours on either setting. Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) before serving.

Is this recipe spicy? No, traditional lemon pepper seasoning is not spicy. It offers a zesty, savory, and slightly tangy flavor profile. If you prefer a little heat, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes.

Can I add vegetables to the slow cooker? Absolutely! Heartier vegetables like carrots, potatoes, or celery can be added

FAQs

Can I make these ahead? Yes—prep ahead, refrigerate, then serve when ready.
How long do leftovers last? Store covered in the fridge for 3–4 days for best texture.
Can I adjust sweetness? Yes—add more or less sweetener to taste.
Can I change the fruit? Yes—swap strawberries for blueberries, raspberries, or sliced banana.