Description
This Lemon Garlic Butter Crock Pot Chicken Thighs recipe offers tender, flavorful chicken thighs slow-cooked to perfection with a zesty lemon garlic butter sauce. Utilizing a crock pot, the recipe makes an easy and effortless meal that’s packed with bright citrus notes and savory herbs, perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Seasonings
- 6-8 boneless chicken thighs, skinless or with skin
- 1/2 teaspoon salt and 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
Garlic and Butter Mixture
- 4 garlic cloves, sliced or minced
- 1/2 stick butter, diced (approximately 4 tablespoons)
Lemon and Broth
- Zest of half a lemon
- Juice of one lemon
- 1/3 cup low sodium chicken broth
Garnish
- Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
- Lemon slices, for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare Chicken: Place the boneless chicken thighs in the bottom of your crock pot or slow cooker, making sure they are arranged evenly to ensure consistent cooking.
- Mix Lemon Broth: In a small bowl, combine the low sodium chicken broth, fresh lemon juice, and lemon zest. Pour this citrus mixture evenly over the chicken thighs to infuse bright lemon flavor.
- Season Chicken: In another small bowl, mix together Italian seasoning, onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, crushed red chili flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Sprinkle this blend generously over the chicken thighs to build a balanced and aromatic profile.
- Add Garlic and Butter: Top the seasoned chicken with the sliced or minced fresh garlic cloves and scatter the diced butter evenly on top to create a rich and savory sauce during cooking.
- Cook the Chicken: Cover the crock pot and cook on HIGH for 3 to 4 hours, or alternatively on LOW for 6 to 8 hours, until the chicken is tender and fully cooked through.
- Garnish and Serve: Once cooked, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley and garnish with lemon slices. Serve with cauliflower rice, spiralized zucchini noodles, rice, pasta, or quinoa for a complete meal.
Notes
- You can use chicken thighs with skin for extra flavor or skinless for a leaner option.
- Adjust crushed red chili flakes or cayenne pepper to control the heat level to your preference.
- Butter can be substituted with olive oil for a lighter option but will change the flavor profile.
- For even more lemon flavor, add extra lemon zest or a few lemon slices inside the crock pot during cooking.
- Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days and can be reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.
- This recipe pairs well with low-carb sides like cauliflower rice for a gluten-free or keto-friendly meal.
