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
Scale
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.
