LEMON CHICKEN SLOW COOKER RECIPES

Steps:

• Make rub for chicken. Combine mustard, 1 teaspoon of the lemon zest, oregano, thyme, 1/4 teaspoon of salt and 2 teaspoons of the olive oil in a small bowl. Use fingers or a brush to coat chicken on both sides with the mustard rub.
• In another bowl or measuring jug, combine remaining lemon zest (2 teaspoons), lemon juice and the chicken stock. Set aside. Note: Both the chicken and lemon-chicken stock mixture can be prepared up to one day in advance. Cover both and keep in the refrigerator.
• Heat remaining teaspoon of oil in a large oven-safe skillet or frying pan over medium heat. Add the chicken, skin-side down, and cook 3 to 5 minutes or until the skin has turned golden brown and some fat has rendered.
• Transfer the browned chicken to a slow cooker and arrange in one layer with the skin facing up. Cover with lid then cook on LOW for 5 to 6 hours or until the chicken is cooked through. Save the skillet with drippings for making the sauce.
• Remove all but 2 tablespoons of fat from the skillet used to brown the chicken. If there is not enough fat, add butter so that 2 tablespoons of fat are in the pan.
• Place over medium heat until hot then whisk in the flour. Continue to whisk until the flour and fat turn into a smooth paste and look medium blonde in color; about 1 minute. Pour in the lemon juice-stock mixture and whisk until smooth.
• Bring the sauce to a low simmer. As it simmers, it thickens and becomes glossy. Transfer to a jar or measuring jug and refrigerate for when the chicken is cooked.
• When the chicken is done, it will be sitting in an inch or so of cooking liquid and rendered fat. Transfer the chicken to a plate then skim as much fat from the liquid as possible. There should be almost 2 cups of liquid left in the slow cooker.
• Warm the lemon gravy made earlier then add the lemon gravy to the slow cooker and stir until blended. Place the chicken thighs back into the slow cooker for serving or serve with the gravy drizzled on top.

Steps:

• Spray 3 1/2- to 4-quart slow cooker with cooking spray.
• In 12-inch nonstick skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of the butter over medium-high heat. Season chicken with 1/2 teaspoon of the lemon pepper and the salt. Place half of the chicken thighs skin-side down in skillet; cook 4 to 5 minutes or until skin is golden brown and chicken releases easily from surface. Turn chicken over; cook 2 minutes. Repeat for remaining chicken.
• Layer chicken thighs, skin-side up, inside slow cooker; sprinkle with garlic. In 2-cup measuring cup, mix chicken broth, lemon peel, lemon juice and remaining 1/2 teaspoon lemon pepper; pour over chicken thighs. Cover and cook on Low heat setting 3 to 3 1/2 hours or until chicken is tender (at least 165°F).
• Remove chicken to serving platter; cover and keep warm. In small bowl, mix water and cornstarch; beat with whisk into cooking juices in slow cooker. Cover and cook on High heat setting 20 to 30 minutes or until slightly thickened and bubbly around edges. Stir in remaining 2 tablespoons butter. Serve sauce with chicken and cooked rice.