Savory Slow-Cooked Lemon Pepper Chicken Delight
Indulge in the succulent flavors of this Savory Slow-Cooked Lemon Pepper Chicken Delight, a dish that has captured the heart of my fiancé! With minimal prep and a slow cooker doing all the work, this recipe yields tender chicken breasts bathed in a creamy lemon pepper sauce that perfectly complements hot cooked rice. For those who like to spice things up, feel free to enhance the flavor profile by adding paprika, garlic powder, and a hint of cayenne pepper. Not only is this dish delicious, but it can also be made healthier with lower fat options for the soup and milk. Ideal for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings, this is a comforting meal that never disappoints!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
Boneless skinless chicken breasts
4 (Trimmed and ready for seasoning)
Condensed cream of chicken soup
1 (10.5 ounce) can (No preparation needed, straight from the can)
Milk
3/4 cup (Use low-fat or fat-free if desired)
Water
3/4 cup (Plain water)
Lemon pepper seasoning
to taste (Sprinkle generously on chicken)
Vegetable oil cooking spray or olive oil flavored cooking spray
as needed (For coating the pans)
Additional water or milk
as necessary (For covering the chicken if needed)
Hot cooked rice
for serving (Prepare according to package instructions)
Instructions
1
Begin by seasoning both sides of the boneless skinless chicken breasts generously with lemon pepper seasoning.
2
In a skillet over medium heat, lightly coat with vegetable or olive oil cooking spray and brown the chicken breasts for about 2-3 minutes on each side. Remember, the chicken doesn't need to be cooked through at this stage.
3
Once browned, transfer the chicken breasts to a prepared crock pot, which should be coated with cooking spray.
4
In a mixing bowl, combine the condensed cream of chicken soup, 3/4 cup of milk, and 3/4 cup of water. Whisk until well blended and pour this mixture over the chicken in the crock pot.
5
Check the liquid level; if needed, add more water or milk to ensure that the chicken is covered by fluid.
6
Set the slow cooker to low and allow the chicken to cook for 6 hours, resulting in tender, flavorful meat.
7
To thicken the sauce, transfer it to a small saucepan. Mix in a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons of cold water) and bring to a gentle boil, stirring until thickened. Adjust the seasoning if necessary.
8
Serve the chicken with the creamy sauce over hot cooked rice and enjoy!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Slow-Cooked Lemon Pepper Chicken Delight?
It is a dish featuring tender chicken breasts cooked in a creamy lemon pepper sauce using a slow cooker, perfect for serving over rice.
How many chicken breasts are needed for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts.
What is the primary seasoning used?
Lemon pepper seasoning is used to generously coat the chicken.
Should I brown the chicken before putting it in the slow cooker?
Yes, browning the chicken for 2-3 minutes on each side in a skillet helps develop flavor.
Do I need to cook the chicken all the way through in the skillet?
No, the chicken only needs to be lightly browned; it will finish cooking in the crock pot.
What kind of soup is used for the sauce?
The recipe uses one 10.5 ounce can of condensed cream of chicken soup.
How much milk is required?
The sauce requires 3/4 cup of milk.
How much water is added to the sauce?
The recipe calls for 3/4 cup of water to be mixed with the soup and milk.
What should I do if the chicken is not covered by liquid?
You can add additional water or milk as necessary to ensure the chicken is covered.
What is the recommended slow cooker setting?
The slow cooker should be set to the low setting.
How long does the chicken cook in the slow cooker?
The chicken should cook for a total of 6 hours on low.
How can I thicken the sauce?
Thicken the sauce by mixing it with a cornstarch slurry and bringing it to a gentle boil in a saucepan.
What are the ingredients for the cornstarch slurry?
Mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water.
What is the best way to serve this dish?
It is best served with the creamy sauce over hot cooked rice.
Can I make this recipe spicy?
Yes, you can add paprika, garlic powder, and a hint of cayenne pepper for a spicier profile.
Is there a healthier version of this recipe?
Yes, you can use lower fat options for both the condensed soup and the milk.
What type of cooking spray should I use?
Vegetable oil or olive oil flavored cooking spray works well for coating the pans and crock pot.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, you can substitute chicken thighs, though the cooking time and texture may vary slightly.
What if I do not have lemon pepper seasoning?
You can use a mix of black pepper, lemon zest, and salt as a substitute.
Can I use chicken broth instead of water?
Yes, using chicken broth can add even more depth of flavor to the sauce.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
The recipe generally serves 4 people, as it uses 4 chicken breasts.
Is this a good recipe for weeknight dinners?
Yes, it requires minimal prep and the slow cooker does most of the work.
Can I add vegetables to the crock pot?
Yes, vegetables like mushrooms or carrots could be added to cook along with the chicken.
How should I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days.
Can this dish be frozen?
Yes, you can freeze the cooked chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
Does the sauce require salt?
The condensed soup and lemon pepper seasoning usually contain enough salt, but you can adjust to taste at the end.
Why do I need to whisk the soup mixture?
Whisking ensures the soup, milk, and water are well blended for a smooth sauce.
Can I use a high setting on the slow cooker to save time?
You can, but the low setting for 6 hours is recommended for the most tender results.
What kind of rice is best for serving?
Any hot cooked rice, such as white, brown, or jasmine rice, works perfectly.
Is the chicken trimmed before cooking?
Yes, the chicken breasts should be trimmed and ready for seasoning before you begin.