If you are looking for a delightfully easy yet impressive dinner, the Lemon Garlic Butter Crock Pot Chicken Thighs Recipe is an absolute gem. This dish brings together tender, juicy chicken thighs bathed in a luscious blend of butter, fresh lemon, and garlic that infuses every bite with vibrant, comforting flavors. Perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy weekend meal, it’s the kind of recipe that effortlessly fills your home with inviting aromas while you relax and savor each delicious forkful.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering a handful of simple, fresh ingredients is all it takes to create this rich and flavorful dish. Each component plays a key role, from the zesty lemon juice brightening the butter sauce to the aromatic herbs and spices seasoning the chicken to perfection.
- 6-8 boneless chicken thighs, skinless or with skin: The star of the dish, providing juicy and tender meat that absorbs the delicious flavors beautifully.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt and pepper, or to taste: Essential for enhancing the natural taste of the chicken and balancing the other flavors.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds a subtle, savory depth that complements the fresh garlic perfectly.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder: Brings a mild sweetness and complexity to the seasoning blend.
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red chili pepper flakes, or Cayenne (optional): Offers a gentle kick, ideal if you like a hint of heat.
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika: Provides a smoky undertone and beautiful color.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A fragrant mix of herbs that enhances the savory profile of the chicken.
- 4 garlic cloves, sliced or minced: Fresh garlic gives the dish its signature aromatic punch.
- 1/2 stick butter, diced (approximately 4 tablespoons): Creates the rich, creamy sauce that makes this recipe irresistibly comforting.
- Zest of half a lemon: Intensifies the lemon flavor with fragrant oils from the peel.
- Juice of one lemon: Provides a bright, tangy contrast that lifts the entire dish.
- 1/3 cup low sodium chicken broth: Keeps the chicken moist while blending all the flavors together.
- Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish: Adds a fresh, vibrant touch to finish.
- Lemon slices, for garnish: Beautiful and practical, enhancing the presentation and reinforcing the citrus notes.
How to Make Lemon Garlic Butter Crock Pot Chicken Thighs Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by arranging the boneless chicken thighs evenly in the bottom of your crock pot or slow cooker. This ensures they cook consistently throughout and each piece soaks up the delicious sauce fully.
Step 2: Mix the Liquids
In a small bowl, combine the low sodium chicken broth, fresh lemon juice, and lemon zest. Pour this vibrant, citrusy mixture evenly over the chicken thighs. This step infuses the meat with that signature brightness the dish is known for.
Step 3: Season the Chicken
Next, prepare a seasoning blend by mixing the Italian seasoning, onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, crushed red chili flakes (if you like a touch of heat), salt, and pepper. Sprinkle this aromatic mix generously over the chicken, giving every bite a balanced and flavorful base.
Step 4: Add Garlic and Butter
Scatter the sliced or minced fresh garlic cloves over the seasoned chicken. Then, dot the dish evenly with diced butter. As the chicken cooks, the butter melts, creating a rich and savory sauce that clings perfectly to the meat.
Step 5: Cook the Chicken
Cover the crock pot and cook on HIGH for 3 to 4 hours or on LOW for 6 to 8 hours. This slow, gentle cooking method ensures the chicken thighs become tender and fully infused with all those incredible flavors.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Once the chicken is cooked through and tantalizingly tender, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top and garnish with lemon slices. These garnishes add a fresh, colorful pop that makes the dish even more inviting.
How to Serve Lemon Garlic Butter Crock Pot Chicken Thighs Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley and lemon slices aren’t just pretty—they add brightness and a fresh herbal note that pairs beautifully with the buttery garlic chicken. Sprinkle some parsley generously for that pop of green and a burst of fresh flavor.
Side Dishes
This Lemon Garlic Butter Crock Pot Chicken Thighs Recipe is incredibly versatile. Serve it alongside cauliflower rice, spiralized zucchini noodles, fluffy white rice, tender pasta, or nutty quinoa. Each option complements the rich sauce and absorbs the lemony garlic goodness in a different but equally delicious way.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special touch, serve the chicken over a bed of garlic butter mashed potatoes or creamy risotto. You can also plate it with a crisp side salad for a lighter option. Drizzle some of the buttery cooking juices over everything to tie all the flavors together beautifully.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover Lemon Garlic Butter Crock Pot Chicken Thighs Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making it even better the next day.
Freezing
You can freeze leftover cooked chicken in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag for up to 3 months. Just be sure to leave some space for expansion and label it with the date for easy tracking.
Reheating
Reheat the chicken gently in the microwave or in a skillet over low heat to preserve its tenderness. Adding a splash of chicken broth or water while reheating helps to keep the meat juicy and the sauce luscious.
FAQs
Can I use bone-in chicken thighs for this recipe?
Absolutely! Bone-in chicken thighs can be used, but keep in mind that they may require additional cooking time to ensure they are fully cooked and tender.
Is it necessary to use fresh lemon juice, or can I use bottled lemon juice?
Fresh lemon juice is highly recommended for the brightest, freshest flavor, but bottled lemon juice can work in a pinch. Just choose a high-quality brand with no additives.
Can I double this Lemon Garlic Butter Crock Pot Chicken Thighs Recipe?
Yes, you can double the recipe, but make sure your crock pot is large enough to accommodate the extra chicken and ingredients for even cooking.
What can I substitute for butter if I want a dairy-free version?
For a dairy-free option, use a quality vegan butter or olive oil. These alternatives still provide richness and help meld the flavors wonderfully.
How spicy does this dish get with the crushed red chili pepper flakes?
The crushed red chili flakes add just a gentle warmth and subtle kick. You can adjust the amount or omit them entirely if you prefer the dish to be mild.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend the Lemon Garlic Butter Crock Pot Chicken Thighs Recipe enough—it’s truly comfort food made effortless. Whether you’re craving a cozy dinner or something to impress without fuss, this dish delivers juicy, flavorful chicken bathed in a bright and buttery garlic sauce. Give it a try, and I promise it will become a trusted favorite in your recipe collection.
Print
Lemon Garlic Butter Crock Pot Chicken Thighs Recipe
- 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 to 8 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Lemon Garlic Butter Crock Pot Chicken Thighs recipe offers tender, flavorful chicken cooked low and slow in a rich garlic butter sauce infused with bright lemon and Italian herbs. Perfect for an easy, hands-off meal, these juicy chicken thighs are seasoned with aromatic spices and slow-cooked to perfection in a crock pot, making dinner effortless and delicious.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 6–8 boneless chicken thighs, skinless or with skin
Seasonings
- 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 Butter Sauce
- 4 garlic cloves, sliced or minced
- 1/2 stick butter, diced (approximately 4 tablespoons)
- 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 evenly at the bottom of your crock pot or slow cooker for consistent cooking.
- Mix the liquids: 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, fresh flavor.
- Season the chicken: In another small bowl, blend the Italian seasoning, onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, crushed red chili flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Sprinkle this seasoning mix generously over the chicken for a balanced and aromatic taste.
- Add garlic and butter: Top the seasoned chicken thighs with the sliced or minced fresh garlic cloves. Then scatter the diced butter evenly over the meat 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 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. Serve alongside cauliflower rice, spiralized zucchini noodles, rice, pasta, or quinoa for a complete meal.
Notes
- Use boneless chicken thighs with or without skin, depending on your preference.
- Adjust crushed red chili flakes or cayenne according to desired spice level.
- For richer flavor, use chicken thighs with skin-on; remove skin after cooking if preferred.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Make sure the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
- Feel free to double the recipe for larger gatherings; adjust cooking time if needed.
