Simply Spectacular Slow-Cooker Lemon Recipes

By Mary Shannon Wells

Credit: Jennifer Causey Styling: Lindsey Lower

A squeeze of lemon juice or sprinkle of lemon zest can add immediate freshness to any meal, and bright lemon is an ideal flavor to welcome spring and summer. Even though you might think of your slow cooker as a fall and winter staple, don’t underestimate its potential for fresh summer slow-cooker recipes. Citrus flavors brighten up these slow-cooker dinner recipes, and there are even a few slow-cooker dessert recipes made with lemon. From slow-cooker chicken recipes with lemon to short ribs and collard greens, lemon adds a pop of acidity to achieve a beautiful balance of flavor. It might not be your first instinct, but these recipes will convince you to get out your slow cooker the next time life gives you lemons.

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Artichoke and Crab Meat Dip

Credit: Jennifer Davick

Recipe: Artichoke and Crab Meat Dip

Spinach and artichoke are classic dip companions, but crab meat will be your new favorite pairing with artichokes. This appetizer recipe is ideal for a summer cookout.

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Slow-Cooker Chicken

Credit: Southern Living

Recipe: Slow-Cooker Chicken

This slow-cooker chicken is stuffed with lemon, garlic, and onion, and rubbed with a spice mixture that carries a kick. Eat it on its own or use it in our Skillet Chicken Pot Pie with Leeks and Mushrooms, Spicy Red Curry with Chicken, or Chicken Biscuit Sandwiches for lunches and dinners throughout the week.

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Slow-Cooker Ginger, Sweet Tea, and Whiskey Short Ribs

Credit: Hector Manuel Sanchez; Prop Styling: Mindi Shapiro Levine; Food Styling: Torie Cox

Recipe: Slow-Cooker Ginger, Sweet Tea, and Whiskey Short Ribs

This bright sauce makes a heavier main dish light enough for summer.

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Salmon Bagel Sandwiches

Credit: Victor Protasio; Food Styling: Torie Cox; Prop Styling: Kay E. Clarke

Recipe: Salmon Bagel Sandwiches

Serve these sandwiches up for a fun weekend brunch or pack them up for a way more flavorful brown bag lunch than tired turkey and cheese or PB&J options.

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Turkey with Shallot-Mustard Sauce and Roasted Potatoes

Credit: Victor Protasio; Food Styling: Torie Cox; Prop Styling: Kay E. Clarke

Recipe: Turkey with Shallot-Mustard Sauce and Roasted Potatoes

Give weeknight chicken recipes a rest and try turkey with fingerling potatoes. Use the same turkey at lunch the next day in our Wedge Salad with Turkey and Blue Cheese-Buttermilk Dressing or mix up your casserole rotation with our Kentucky Hot Brown Casserole.

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Lemon Chicken Vegetable Soup

Credit: Jennifer Davick

Recipe: Lemon Chicken Vegetable Soup

Pollen has arrived, and if allergy season is hitting you hard, this lemony chicken soup is comforting but light and springy enough for warm weather.

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Shrimp, Sausage, and Black Bean Pasta

Credit: Victor Protasio; Food Styling: Torie Cox; Prop Styling: Kay E. Clarke

Recipe: Shrimp, Sausage, and Black Bean Pasta

Add a little creole flavor to your weeknight with this pasta recipe. The black beans can cook in the slow cooker during the day, and the rest of the dish is ready in just 40 minutes.