If you crave juicy chicken that melts in your mouth, packed with the bright zing of lemon, a whisper of garlic, and the sumptuous caress of buttery sauce, then Crock Pot Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Thighs is about to become your new obsession. This set-it-and-forget-it recipe delivers bold flavor and tender meat, and the crock pot does all the heavy lifting. Yes, it’s weeknight-easy, but the taste is pure weekend magic!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortless, Flavorful Results: The crock pot transforms basic ingredients into something crave-worthy with hardly any active work from you.
- Rich Yet Bright Sauce: The blend of garlic, lemon, and butter creates that “why is this so good?” sauce — perfect for spooning over everything.
- Family-Friendly & Customizable: You can tone down the heat or amp it up, and the flavors work for every palate at the table.
- Great for Meal Prep: Leftovers reheat beautifully for easy lunches or dinners all week long.
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the best things about Crock Pot Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Thighs is you only need a handful of everyday staples. Each ingredient is chosen for maximum flavor payoff: bright citrus, creamy butter, and a mix of spices make the most irresistibly juicy chicken.
- Boneless Chicken Thighs (6-8): Thighs stay ultra-juicy and soak up loads of flavor during slow cooking. You can use skinless or skin-on, based on your preference for richness.
- Salt & Pepper: Essential for bold seasoning—don’t be shy as the crock pot can mellow flavors.
- Garlic Powder & Onion Powder: A double hit of savory depth that blends perfectly into the rich sauce.
- Crushed Red Chili Flakes or Cayenne (optional): For subtle warmth and a kick, add as little or much as you like.
- Paprika: Adds gentle smokiness and beautiful golden color to the chicken.
- Italian Seasoning: A blend of classic herbs complements the citrus and garlic like a dream.
- Fresh Garlic Cloves (4, sliced or minced): Fresh garlic infuses every bite with aromatic flavor—don’t skip it!
- Butter (½ stick, diced): Butter makes the sauce silky, lush, and completely craveable.
- Lemon (zest of half and juice of one): Adds bright acidity and sunny notes that wake up the entire dish.
- Low-Sodium Chicken Broth (⅓ cup): Keeps the chicken moist and builds a flavorful base for the sauce.
- Chopped Fresh Parsley & Lemon Slices (for garnish): The finishing touch for a bit of color and freshness at serving.
Variations
This dish is endlessly adaptable, so don’t be afraid to get creative and make Crock Pot Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Thighs your own! You can adjust it for different spice levels, dietary needs, or simply put your personal stamp on it.
- Use Chicken Breasts: Swap thighs for boneless, skinless chicken breasts—just be careful not to overcook; check a little early for max juiciness.
- Dairy-Free Option: Use a quality vegan butter substitute—the sauce will still be rich and satisfying.
- Add Veggies: Layer sliced zucchini, bell peppers, or baby potatoes under the chicken for an all-in-one meal.
- Herb Up the Sauce: Basil, thyme, or rosemary can be swapped in or added for a twist on the herbal notes.
- Spice it Up: Amp up the chili flakes or stir in a little hot sauce before serving for extra zip.
How to Make Crock Pot Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Thighs
Step 1: Layer Chicken & Pour the Sauce
Start by nestling your chicken thighs in a single layer at the bottom of your slow cooker. In a measuring cup or bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, lemon juice, and lemon zest, then pour that sunny mixture all over the chicken. This creates a juicy, aromatic base that soaks into every bite as the thighs slow cook.
Step 2: Mix & Sprinkle the Seasonings
In a small bowl, combine the Italian seasoning, onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, chili flakes (if using), plus the salt and pepper. Generously sprinkle this spice blend over your chicken, making sure all the thighs are deliciously coated. Now, top everything with the fresh garlic slices and nestle in those diced cubes of butter—these melt down to create that irresistible sauce.
Step 3: Slow Cook to Tender Perfection
Cover the crock pot and let it work its magic: set to HIGH for 3–4 hours, or LOW for 6–8 hours, depending on your midday schedule. The end result? Chicken thighs that are fork-tender, infused with lemony-garlic flavor, and floating in a pool of decadent, buttery sauce.
Step 4: Garnish & Serve
Just before serving, sprinkle chopped parsley over the top and add a few fresh lemon slices for even more color and zip. Bringing Crock Pot Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Thighs to the table is sure to earn oohs and aahs—and, trust me, those aromas will draw everyone in!
Pro Tips for Making Crock Pot Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Thighs
- Skin-On or Skinless Choice: For richer flavor and a silkier sauce, opt for skin-on thighs, but go skinless if you want a lighter option or are planning to shred the chicken for meal prep.
- Layering with Veggies: If adding extra vegetables, always put them under the chicken—this lets them stew in buttery juices and prevents overcooking the chicken itself.
- Fresh Garlic for Big Flavor: Don’t rely on jarred—fresh minced or sliced cloves infuse the broth with the purest, most aromatic garlic taste.
- Sauce Thickening Secret: To thicken the sauce after cooking, quickly stir in a cornstarch slurry (1 tsp cornstarch + 1 tbsp water) and let it simmer on HIGH for a few minutes before serving.
How to Serve Crock Pot Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Thighs
Garnishes
Don’t skip the finishing touches! A shower of fresh chopped parsley adds color and a burst of herbal flavor, while thinly sliced lemons look gorgeous on the platter and add extra brightness. For a little crunch, try a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts or a dusting of parmesan right before serving.
Side Dishes
Crock Pot Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Thighs are heavenly alongside fluffy rice, tender quinoa, or buttery mashed potatoes (soaks up all that sauce!). For a lighter plate, think cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles. Toss in a crisp green salad or roasted veggies, and you have a full and fabulous meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party, serve the chicken in a shallow bowl with rustic grilled bread on the side for dipping. Or pile it on a pretty platter, garnished with herbs and lemon wheels. To make it casual and fun, shred the chicken and stuff it in a warm pita or wrap with fresh slaw—delicious and unexpected!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Crock Pot Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Thighs keep beautifully! Place the cooled chicken and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. The flavors become even more pronounced as they meld together overnight.
Freezing
To freeze, ensure the chicken and sauce are completely cool, then pack into a freezer-safe container or bag. Label and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best texture and flavor before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or water if needed to keep the sauce loose and glossy. For the best experience, reheat only what you plan to eat—this keeps the chicken moist and perfectly tender.
FAQs
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Can I use frozen chicken thighs in this recipe?
While you can cook chicken from frozen in a crock pot, it’s safest and most flavorful to thaw the chicken first. Starting with thawed chicken ensures even cooking and helps the seasoning absorb better.
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Can I double the recipe for a crowd?
Absolutely! Just make sure you don’t overcrowd the crock pot—if you need to layer, arrange the chicken evenly and add a bit more broth and seasonings so everything cooks through and stays flavorful.
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Is it possible to make Crock Pot Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Thighs without butter?
Of course! You can use a non-dairy butter substitute or even a drizzle of olive oil. The sauce will taste a little lighter, but you’ll still get plenty of lemony-garlic flavor.
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What’s the best way to ensure crispier chicken skin if I use skin-on thighs?
For irresistibly crispy skin, pop the cooked chicken thighs under your broiler for 2–3 minutes after slow cooking. This trick caramelizes the skin in moments, while the meat stays juicy underneath.
Final Thoughts
I hope you’re as excited to make Crock Pot Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Thighs as I am to share them! From busy weeknights to cozy weekends, this recipe is pure joy—bright, buttery, and bursting with flavor. Don’t be surprised if it becomes a fast favorite at your table, too. Enjoy, and happy slow cooking!
Print
Crock Pot Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Thighs Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 min
- Cook Time: 240 min
- Total Time: 250 min
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Calorie
Description
Delight your taste buds with these flavorful Crock Pot Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Thighs. Tender chicken cooked to perfection in a blend of zesty lemon, garlic, and butter, this dish is a surefire crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
Chicken Thighs:
- 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
Garlic Butter Mixture:
- 4 garlic cloves, sliced or minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 stick butter, diced
- Zest of half a lemon
- Juice of one lemon
- 1/3 cup low sodium chicken broth
- Chopped fresh parsley and lemon slices, for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Place chicken thighs in the slow cooker. Combine chicken broth, lemon juice, and zest; pour over chicken.
- Season the Chicken: Mix Italian seasoning, onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, chili flakes, salt, and pepper. Sprinkle over chicken. Add garlic and butter.
- Cook: Cover and cook on HIGH for 3-4 hours or LOW for 6-8 hours.
- Finish and Serve: Garnish with parsley and lemon slices. Serve with preferred sides.
Notes
- For a spicier kick, increase the amount of crushed red chili pepper flakes.
- Ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 27g
- Cholesterol: 140mg
