Why I Love This Recipe
If you’re looking for an easy yet delicious slow cooker recipe that delivers on both flavor and tenderness, this Crockpot Chicken Thighs with Lemon-Garlic Butter Sauce is a must-try! The chicken thighs come out super tender, soaking up the vibrant lemony, garlicky sauce that makes each bite more delicious than the last. The combination of buttery sauce and zesty lemon with the aromatic blend of seasonings makes this dish a family favorite that will become a regular in your rotation. It’s perfect for any night of the week—whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just making a cozy meal for yourself. Serve over cauliflower rice or white rice for a low-carb option, and dinner is done!
Crockpot Chicken Thighs with Lemon-Garlic Butter Sauce
This Crockpot Chicken Thighs recipe is perfect for a flavorful, no-fuss dinner. The lemon-garlic butter sauce makes the chicken extra juicy and tender, while the slow cooker does all the work for you. You’ll be left with an easy, comforting dish the whole family will love!
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 3-4 hours on HIGH or 6-8 hours on LOW
Total Time: 3-4 hours (or 6-8 hours depending on your cooking time)
Servings: 6-8 servings
Ingredients
- 6-8 boneless chicken thighs (skinless or with skin)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp crushed red chili pepper flakes (or cayenne pepper—optional)
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 4 garlic cloves, minced or sliced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 stick butter, diced
- Zest of half a lemon
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1/3 cup low sodium chicken broth
- Chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
- Lemon slices (for garnish)
How to Make Crockpot Chicken Thighs with Lemon-Garlic Butter Sauce
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken and Sauce
- Place the boneless chicken thighs at the bottom of your slow cooker.
- In a small bowl, combine 1/3 cup chicken broth, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Pour this mixture over the chicken thighs.
- In another small bowl, combine garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, crushed red chili pepper flakes (optional), salt, and pepper. Sprinkle this seasoning mix evenly over the chicken.
- Top the chicken with fresh minced garlic and diced butter.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
- Cover the crockpot and set it to cook on HIGH for 3-4 hours or LOW for 6-8 hours.
- The chicken will be done when it is tender and fully cooked through. The meat should be juicy, and the sauce should be rich and flavorful.
Step 3: Garnish and Serve
- Once the chicken is cooked, garnish with chopped fresh parsley and lemon slices.
- Serve the chicken over a bed of cauliflower rice, white rice, pasta, quinoa, or spiralized zucchini noodles.
Recipe Tips
- One-Pot Dinner: For a one-pot meal, add chunky cauliflower florets at the bottom of the slow cooker along with the chicken. The cauliflower will absorb the flavors of the sauce, making it a perfect accompaniment to the chicken. If you’re not on a low-carb or keto diet, try adding baby or new potatoes instead.
- Zesty Touch: If you want to brighten the dish even more, add a dash of fresh lemon juice just before serving.
- Use Skinless Chicken Thighs: For a cleaner dish, use skinless chicken thighs. The chicken skin can make the dish too greasy, especially since we’re adding butter. If you prefer chicken breasts, feel free to substitute them, but be mindful that breasts can dry out if overcooked.
- Shredded Chicken Option: If you like shredded chicken, remove the cooked chicken thighs from the crockpot and shred the meat. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker, mixing it into the sauce to ensure it’s well-coated and heated through.
Recipe Notes
- Broth Consistency: If you prefer a thinner sauce, feel free to add 1/2 to 1 cup more water or chicken broth to the crockpot halfway through cooking.
- Spicy Kick: If you want more heat, increase the amount of crushed red chili pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Make It Lighter: For a lighter sauce, use half the amount of butter or substitute with a healthier fat like olive oil.
FAQs
Q: Can I use bone-in chicken thighs?
Yes, you can use bone-in chicken thighs, but you’ll need to adjust the cooking time slightly. It will likely take closer to 6-8 hours on LOW for bone-in thighs to cook fully. If you use bone-in, be sure to check the internal temperature to ensure it’s at least 165°F.
Q: What’s the best way to store leftovers?
Leftover Crockpot Chicken Thighs can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop with a little broth to keep the chicken moist.
Q: Can I freeze this recipe?
Yes! You can freeze the chicken thighs with the sauce for up to 3 months. Let the dish cool before transferring to a freezer-safe container. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and heat it on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Q: Can I use fresh garlic cloves instead of garlic powder?
Yes, fresh garlic works wonderfully in this recipe! Use about 4 minced cloves in place of the garlic powder for an even more intense garlic flavor.
Storage
- Refrigeration: Store any leftover chicken in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezing: You can also freeze the cooked chicken thighs and sauce for up to 3 months. Be sure to store in a freezer-safe container. When ready to reheat, allow it to thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stove or in the microwave.
This Crockpot Chicken Thighs with Lemon-Garlic Butter Sauce is an easy, flavorful dinner that will have everyone asking for seconds! The tender chicken, zesty lemon, and creamy garlic butter sauce come together in a no-fuss slow cooker meal that’s perfect for busy days. Whether you’re serving it over cauliflower rice, pasta, or your favorite side, this dish is guaranteed to become a family favorite
