Description
This Lemon Garlic Butter Crock Pot Chicken Thighs recipe delivers tender, flavorful chicken slow-cooked in a zesty lemon garlic butter sauce. Easy to prepare and packed with aromatic herbs and spices, this dish is perfect for a comforting family meal served alongside rice, pasta, or vegetables.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Chicken and Seasoning
- 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
- 4 garlic cloves, sliced or minced
Sauce and Garnish
- 1/2 stick butter, diced (about 4 tablespoons)
- 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 Chicken and Seasoning: Place the chicken thighs at the bottom of your slow cooker. In a small bowl, combine the chicken broth, lemon juice, and lemon zest; pour this mixture evenly over the chicken thighs. In another bowl, mix Italian seasoning, onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, crushed red chili pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Sprinkle this spice mixture evenly over the chicken thighs. Top with the minced garlic and diced butter pieces.
- Cook: Cover the crockpot and cook on HIGH for 3 to 4 hours or on LOW for 6 to 8 hours, until the chicken is tender and fully cooked through.
- Garnish and Serve: Once cooked, sprinkle the chicken thighs with chopped fresh parsley and garnish with lemon slices. Serve hot alongside your choice of cauliflower rice, spiralized zucchini noodles, rice, pasta, or quinoa.
Notes
- Cooking times may vary depending on your slow cooker; check doneness by ensuring the internal temperature of chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).
- For spicier flavor, increase the amount of crushed red chili flakes or add freshly ground black pepper.
- Skin-on chicken thighs can be used for extra richness, but will be less lean.
- This dish pairs well with light sides like steamed vegetables or salads for a balanced meal.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently to retain moisture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh with sauce
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
