Lemon Garlic Butter Crock Pot Chicken Thighs Recipe
This Lemon Garlic Butter Crock Pot Chicken Thighs recipe features tender, juicy chicken thighs slow-cooked in a flavorful lemon garlic butter sauce. The combination of aromatic spices, fresh garlic, and lemon zest creates a bright, savory dish that’s perfect for an easy weeknight dinner. This hands-off crockpot meal pairs wonderfully with various sides like cauliflower rice, zucchini noodles, rice, pasta, or quinoa.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 to 4 hours on HIGH or 6 to 8 hours on LOW
- Total Time: 3 hours 10 minutes (HIGH) or 8 hours 10 minutes (LOW)
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Chicken and Seasonings
- 6-8 boneless chicken thighs, skinless or with skin
- 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red chili pepper flakes, or cayenne (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Additional Ingredients
- 4 garlic cloves, sliced or minced
- 1/2 stick butter (about 4 tablespoons), diced
- Zest of half a lemon
- Juice of one lemon
- 1/3 cup low sodium chicken broth
- Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
- Lemon slices, for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken and sauce: Place the boneless chicken thighs at the bottom of your slow cooker. In a small bowl, mix together the chicken broth, fresh lemon juice, and lemon zest. Pour this mixture evenly over the chicken thighs. In another bowl, combine the Italian seasoning, onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, crushed red chili flakes, salt, and pepper, then sprinkle this seasoning blend evenly over the chicken.
- Add garlic and butter: Sprinkle the minced or sliced fresh garlic over the seasoned chicken thighs. Distribute the diced butter pieces evenly on top, which will melt during cooking to create a rich, flavorful sauce.
- Cook in the crockpot: Cover the slow cooker with the lid and cook on HIGH for 3 to 4 hours, or on LOW for 6 to 8 hours, until the chicken thighs are fully cooked and tender.
- Garnish and serve: Once cooking is complete, garnish the chicken thighs with freshly chopped parsley and lemon slices. Serve the dish hot alongside your choice of cauliflower rice, spiralized zucchini noodles, rice, pasta, or quinoa for a complete meal.
Notes
- You can opt to use skin-on chicken thighs for a slightly richer flavor and texture.
- Adjust the crushed red chili flakes or cayenne pepper to control the heat level according to preference.
- Butter adds richness; for a healthier option, consider using less or substituting with olive oil.
- Use fresh lemon juice and zest for the best bright flavor.
- Do not overcook the chicken to maintain juiciness and tenderness.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months.
