Crockpot Lemon Chicken

Lemon Chicken Recipe with Rice and Brown Sugar

Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 3-4 hours on high or 6-8 hours on low | Servings: 6-8

Introduction

Crockpot Lemon Chicken is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends. The tangy and sweet flavors of lemonade, brown sugar, and catsup combine to create a mouthwatering sauce that pairs perfectly with tender chicken pieces. Serve this dish over a bed of fluffy rice for a complete and satisfying meal.

History

The origins of Crockpot Lemon Chicken are not well-documented, but slow-cooking chicken in a flavorful sauce is a popular cooking method that has been around for centuries. This recipe puts a modern twist on a classic dish by using lemonade concentrate as the base for the sauce, adding a refreshing and zesty flavor to the chicken.

Ingredients

4 lb (1.81 kg) chicken pieces
0.25 cup all-purpose flour
2 tbsp cooking oil
6 oz (170 g) lemonade frozen concentrate, thawed
3 tbsp brown sugar
3 tbsp catsup
2 tbsp water
2 tbsp cornstarch
3 cups cooked rice
1.25 tsp salt

How to prepare

Combine flour and salt in a bowl, and thoroughly coat the chicken.
In a separate pan, brown the chicken pieces in oil and then drain the excess oil.
Stir together lemonade, sugar, catsup, and vinegar.
Place the chicken in a crockpot and pour the lemonade mixture over it.
Cook on high for 3 to 4 hours (or on low for 6 to 8 hours).
Drain the liquid into a saucepan, add cornstarch, and boil until reduced.
Pour the gravy back over the chicken and serve it over rice.

Variations

Add a splash of white wine or chicken broth to the sauce for added depth of flavor.
Experiment with different herbs and spices, such as thyme, rosemary, or garlic, to customize the dish to your taste preferences.
Substitute the chicken for pork or tofu for a different protein option.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to thoroughly coat the chicken pieces in flour and salt before browning them. This will help create a crispy and flavorful crust on the chicken.

- Browning the chicken before adding it to the crockpot adds an extra layer of flavor to the dish.

- Cooking the chicken on low heat for a longer period of time will result in more tender and juicy meat.

- Be sure to reduce the gravy until it reaches your desired consistency before pouring it back over the chicken.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Crockpot Lemon Chicken over a bed of fluffy rice and garnish with fresh parsley or lemon slices for a pop of color and freshness. Pair it with a side of steamed vegetables or a crisp green salad for a complete and nutritious meal.

Cooking Techniques

Slow-cooking the chicken in a crockpot allows the flavors to meld together and the meat to become tender and juicy. Browning the chicken before adding it to the crockpot adds an extra layer of flavor to the dish.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have lemonade concentrate, you can use fresh lemon juice mixed with a bit of sugar as a substitute.

- Cornstarch can be replaced with flour or arrowroot powder to thicken the gravy.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the flour-coated chicken and sauce mixture ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until you are ready to cook. Simply brown the chicken, add it to the crockpot with the sauce, and let it cook according to the recipe instructions.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Crockpot Lemon Chicken in a shallow bowl over a mound of rice, with the gravy drizzled over the top. Garnish with fresh herbs or lemon slices for a beautiful and appetizing presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Crockpot Lemon Chicken with a crisp white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, to complement the tangy flavors of the dish. A side of roasted vegetables or a green salad with a citrus vinaigrette would also pair well with this dish.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers of Crockpot Lemon Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through, adding a splash of water or chicken broth to prevent the chicken from drying out.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Calories: 380

Carbohydrates

Total Carbohydrates: 45g

Dietary Fiber: 1g

Sugars: 12g

Fats

Total Fat: 12g

Saturated Fat: 3g

Trans Fat: 0g

Proteins

Protein: 32g

Vitamins and minerals

Vitamin A: 4%

Vitamin C: 10%

Calcium: 2%

Iron: 10%

Alergens

Contains: Wheat

Summary

Crockpot Lemon Chicken is a balanced meal that provides a good source of protein and essential nutrients. It is relatively low in calories and fat, making it a healthy option for those looking to watch their intake.

Summary

Crockpot Lemon Chicken is a flavorful and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend meal. The tangy and sweet sauce pairs perfectly with tender chicken pieces, creating a delicious and satisfying dish that the whole family will love. Serve it over rice with a side of vegetables for a complete and balanced meal.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was captivated by its simplicity. It was a sunny afternoon, and I was browsing through an old cookbook that had been passed down to me from my mother. As I turned the pages, a picture of a steaming crockpot filled with succulent lemon chicken caught my eye. The recipe seemed so easy, yet so flavorful. I knew I had to try it.

I had always loved cooking, ever since I was a little girl watching my own grandmother in the kitchen. She had a way with food that was truly magical. She could take the simplest ingredients and turn them into a feast fit for a king. I had learned so much from her over the years, and now it was my turn to share that knowledge with my own family.

I gathered all the ingredients I needed for the crockpot lemon chicken recipe and set to work. The first step was to season the chicken with salt, pepper, and a generous amount of fresh lemon juice. The citrusy aroma filled the air, making my mouth water in anticipation.

Next, I diced some onions and garlic and tossed them into the crockpot along with the seasoned chicken. I added a few sprigs of fresh thyme and rosemary for added flavor, then poured in some chicken broth to keep everything moist during the slow cooking process.

I set the crockpot to low and let it do its magic. As the hours passed, the smell of the lemon chicken filled the house, making everyone's stomachs rumble with hunger. When it was finally time to eat, I lifted the lid of the crockpot and was greeted with the sight of perfectly tender chicken, infused with the tangy flavor of lemon and herbs.

My family eagerly dug in, savoring each bite of the delicious dish. My husband declared it was the best chicken he had ever tasted, and my children asked for seconds and thirds. I couldn't help but feel a sense of pride as I watched them enjoy the meal that I had prepared with love.

From that day on, crockpot lemon chicken became a staple in our household. It was a dish that never failed to impress, whether it was for a casual weeknight dinner or a special occasion. I shared the recipe with friends and neighbors, who all raved about its simplicity and taste.

Over the years, I have made some tweaks to the original recipe, adding in extra herbs or a splash of white wine for a different flavor profile. But the core of the dish – tender chicken infused with the bright, zesty taste of lemon – has remained the same.

I often think back to that sunny afternoon when I first discovered the crockpot lemon chicken recipe. It serves as a reminder of the joy that cooking brings me, and the memories that are created around the dinner table. I am grateful for all the recipes that have been passed down to me over the years, and I look forward to sharing them with future generations.

In the end, it's not just about the food itself, but the love and care that goes into preparing it. Cooking is a way for me to express my creativity and nourish those I care about. And as long as there are mouths to feed and memories to be made, I will continue to cook with passion and joy.