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
Scale
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
