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Slow Cooker Lemonade Chicken

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Slow Cooker Lemonade Chicken is a sweet, tangy, and tender dish made with lemonade concentrate, ketchup, and brown sugar. It’s an easy, hands-off recipe that delivers bold flavor with minimal effort—perfect for family dinners or meal prep.

Ingredients

  • 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
  • 1 can (12 oz) frozen lemonade concentrate, thawed
  • 1/2 cup ketchup
  • 1/3 cup brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
  • 2 tablespoons water (for slurry)
  • Optional garnish: chopped parsley, lemon slices

Instructions

  1. Season chicken with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Place in the bottom of the slow cooker.
  2. In a bowl, whisk together lemonade concentrate, ketchup, brown sugar, and vinegar (if using).
  3. Pour sauce over the chicken, making sure it’s well coated.
  4. Cover and cook on low for 5–6 hours or on high for 2.5–3.5 hours, until chicken is tender and cooked through.
  5. Optional: Remove chicken and stir in a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch + 2 tablespoons water). Cook sauce on high for 10–15 minutes until thickened. Return chicken to the slow cooker.
  6. Serve hot over rice, mashed potatoes, or vegetables. Garnish with parsley or lemon slices if desired.

Notes

  • Add red pepper flakes or sriracha for a spicy kick.
  • Try orange juice or pineapple concentrate for a fruity variation.
  • Add bell peppers or onions in the last hour of cooking.
  • This sauce also works great as a marinade for grilled chicken.
  • Bake in a covered dish at 375°F for 40–45 minutes as an alternative to slow cooking.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://thefamilycooking.com/slow-cooker-lemonade-chicken/