Description
This Lemon Garlic Butter Crock Pot Chicken Thighs recipe offers tender, flavorful chicken cooked slowly in a zesty lemon and garlic butter sauce. Perfectly seasoned with Italian herbs and spices, this easy slow cooker dish is a comforting and delicious meal ideal for busy days, providing juicy, melt-in-your-mouth chicken thighs with minimal effort.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Chicken and Seasonings
- 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
Sauce and Garnish
- 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
- 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
- You can use either skinless or skin-on chicken thighs according to preference; skin-on will add extra richness.
- If you prefer less heat, omit the crushed red chili flakes or cayenne pepper.
- Substitute fresh herbs for Italian seasoning if desired (such as rosemary, thyme, and basil).
- Ensure the chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for food safety.
- Stir the sauce at the end if you want to combine the remaining butter and juices for serving as a drizzle.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh with sauce
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 1.5g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
