If you’re looking for a dish that’s bursting with flavor yet incredibly easy to prepare, this Lemon Garlic Butter Crock Pot Chicken Thighs Recipe is going to become your new go-to meal. Imagine tender, juicy chicken thighs slowly cooked to perfection with the zing of fresh lemon, the punch of garlic, and the richness of melting butter all mingling together in one magical crock pot. It’s comfort food that feels homemade and sophisticated at the same time—ideal for busy days when you want to come home to something delicious without a fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this recipe plays a special role—simple, familiar, but essential to delivering the vibrant, savory taste and beautiful color of the finished dish. From spices that awaken your senses to fresh lemon juice that adds brightness, this list keeps things straightforward while packing maximum flavor.
- 6-8 boneless chicken thighs, skinless or with skin: The star of the show, these remain juicy and tender after slow cooking.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt and pepper, or to taste: Basic seasoning that enhances the natural flavors of the chicken.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds a deep, mellow garlic aroma throughout the dish.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder: Rounds out the seasoning with a subtle sweetness and depth.
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red chili pepper flakes or Cayenne (optional): Brings a gentle heat to balance the buttery richness.
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika: Gives a smoky hint and appealing color to the chicken.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A lovely blend of herbs that infuses earthy, fragrant notes.
- 4 garlic cloves, sliced or minced: Fresh garlic for that essential punch of savory flavor.
- 1/2 stick butter (approximately 4 tablespoons), diced: Melts into a luscious sauce that coats the chicken beautifully.
- Zest of half a lemon: Delivers a bright citrus aroma that lifts the dish.
- Juice of one lemon: Adds tang and freshness to perfectly balance the rich butter.
- 1/3 cup low sodium chicken broth: Keeps the chicken moist while contributing gentle savory notes.
- Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish: Adds a pop of color and a fresh herbal finish.
- Lemon slices, for garnish: For a pretty presentation and a lemony visual cue to the dish’s flavors.
How to Make Lemon Garlic Butter Crock Pot Chicken Thighs Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by arranging the boneless chicken thighs evenly at the bottom of your crock pot or slow cooker. This setup ensures each piece cooks uniformly and absorbs maximum flavor from the ingredients that follow. It’s the first step towards achieving that melt-in-your-mouth tenderness you’re craving.
Step 2: Mix the Liquids
Next, combine the low sodium chicken broth, fresh lemon juice, and lemon zest in a small bowl. Pour this vibrant liquid evenly over the chicken thighs, infusing them with bright, zesty citrus notes that brighten the richness to come. This mixture is what makes your dish sing with freshness every time.
Step 3: Season the Chicken
In a separate bowl, mix Italian seasoning, onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, crushed red chili flakes if using, salt, and pepper. Sprinkle this fantastic seasoning blend generously over the chicken. This combination balances the flavors and fills the slow cooker with an irresistible aroma as you get closer to that moment when you can finally dig in.
Step 4: Add Garlic and Butter
Scatter the sliced or minced fresh garlic cloves on top of the seasoned chicken, then toss the diced butter pieces across the meat. As the crock pot heats, the butter melts slowly, creating a velvety sauce that carries the garlic and herbs deep into every bite of chicken. This is the magic step that elevates this recipe from simple to sensational.
Step 5: Cook the Chicken
Cover your crock pot and cook on HIGH for 3 to 4 hours or on LOW for 6 to 8 hours. The long, slow cooking process guarantees the chicken thighs become beautifully tender and infused with flavor, ready to welcome you home with a warm, hearty meal that requires almost no effort.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Once your chicken is cooked, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top and garnish with lemon slices. These final touches not only add visual appeal but also refresh the palate. Now you’re all set to serve a plate full of incredible, comforting flavors that will wow anyone lucky enough to share your Lemon Garlic Butter Crock Pot Chicken Thighs Recipe.
How to Serve Lemon Garlic Butter Crock Pot Chicken Thighs Recipe
Garnishes
A simple handful of chopped fresh parsley and a few thin lemon slices instantly brighten your dish. They add a visually appealing contrast to the golden chicken and provide bursts of herbal freshness and citrus aroma that complement the richness beautifully.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with light, fresh sides that soak up the buttery sauce. Think cauliflower rice or spiralized zucchini noodles for a low-carb option. If you want something heartier, fluffy rice, pasta, or quinoa all make perfect companions, balancing the tangy garlic butter flavors with their subtle textures.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive touch, try serving your chicken thighs over a bed of sautéed greens or alongside roasted vegetables to add color and texture. You can also plate the chicken with a drizzle of the remaining lemon garlic butter sauce from the crock pot for an elegant finish that friends and family will admire.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Lemon Garlic Butter Crock Pot Chicken Thighs Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making for an even tastier lunch or dinner the next day. Be sure to consume within 3 to 4 days for freshness.
Freezing
This recipe freezes beautifully. Cool the chicken and sauce completely before placing them in freezer-safe containers or bags. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw overnight in the refrigerator to maintain that tender, juicy texture and vibrant flavor.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until warmed through. Avoid overheating to keep the chicken moist and tender. Adding a splash of chicken broth during reheating can help refresh the sauce and prevent dryness.
FAQs
Can I use bone-in chicken thighs for this recipe?
Absolutely! Bone-in thighs will take a little longer to cook but add extra flavor. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly—typically about 30 minutes longer on both HIGH and LOW settings.
Is it necessary to use butter in the recipe?
While butter adds richness and depth, you can substitute with olive oil for a lighter version. However, using butter does give the characteristic creamy taste that makes this recipe so comforting.
Can I prepare this chicken the night before caring for a crowd?
Yes! You can assemble the ingredients in the crock pot the night before, keep it covered, and refrigerate. Just leave the crock pot at room temperature to come to warmth before starting the cooking cycle in the morning.
How spicy is this recipe with the chili flakes?
The crushed red chili flakes add just a gentle kick that complements the other flavors without overpowering them. Feel free to omit if you prefer a completely mild dish.
What other herbs can I use instead of Italian seasoning?
If you don’t have Italian seasoning, dried thyme, rosemary, or a mix of oregano and basil all work wonderfully in this recipe to maintain that herbaceous profile.
Final Thoughts
This Lemon Garlic Butter Crock Pot Chicken Thighs Recipe is pure comfort wrapped in bright, zesty flavors that are simple enough for every night but impressive enough for company. It’s one of those meals that fills your kitchen with mouthwatering aromas and leaves everyone asking for seconds. I hope you give it a try soon and enjoy every buttery, garlicky bite as much as I do!
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Lemon Garlic Butter Crock Pot Chicken Thighs Recipe
- Total Time: 3 hours 10 minutes (HIGH) or 8 hours 10 minutes (LOW)
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Salt
Description
This Lemon Garlic Butter Crock Pot Chicken Thighs recipe offers tender, flavorful chicken infused with bright lemon, aromatic garlic, and rich butter, all cooked slowly to perfection in a crock pot. Perfect for an easy, hands-off dinner, this dish pairs beautifully with low-carb or grain-based sides for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 6–8 boneless chicken thighs, skinless or with skin
Seasoning
- 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
- 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 the chicken: Place the boneless chicken thighs at the bottom of your crock pot or slow cooker, arranging them evenly for consistent cooking.
- Mix the liquids: In a small bowl, combine the low sodium chicken broth, fresh lemon juice, and lemon zest. Pour this mixture evenly over the chicken thighs to infuse bright citrus flavor.
- Season the 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 seasoning blend generously over the chicken thighs for a balanced and aromatic taste.
- Add garlic and butter: Top the seasoned chicken with the sliced or minced fresh garlic cloves, then scatter the diced butter evenly over the meat to create a rich, savory sauce as it cooks.
- Cook the chicken: Cover the crock pot and cook the chicken thighs on HIGH for 3 to 4 hours, or alternatively on LOW for 6 to 8 hours, until the chicken is tender and thoroughly cooked.
- Garnish and serve: Once cooked, sprinkle the chicken thighs with chopped fresh parsley and garnish with lemon slices before serving. Pair with your choice of cauliflower rice, spiralized zucchini noodles, rice, pasta, or quinoa for a complete meal.
Notes
- For extra spice, add more crushed red chili flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- You can use skin-on chicken thighs if preferred; cooking times remain the same.
- If you want a thicker sauce, remove the chicken after cooking and reduce the liquid on the stovetop before serving.
- Make sure not to overcook to keep chicken juicy and tender.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 3-4 hours on HIGH or 6-8 hours on LOW
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
