Crock Pot Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Thighs

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Sometimes, the best meals come from the simplest ingredients, and this slow cooker lemon garlic butter chicken thighs recipe is no exception. With minimal effort, you’ll have juicy, tender chicken infused with bright citrus, rich butter, and savory seasonings. Perfect for a busy day, this recipe requires just a few minutes of prep before letting the crockpot work its magic. The combination of lemon, garlic, and butter creates a mouthwatering sauce that’s both refreshing and indulgent.

This dish pairs well with a variety of sides—serve it over fluffy rice, quinoa, or pasta to soak up the flavorful sauce, or keep it low-carb with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles. It’s a great option for meal prep since the flavors only get better the next day. Whether you’re feeding a family or looking for leftovers to enjoy throughout the week, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household. Plus, with easy swaps and adjustments, you can customize it to fit different dietary needs. Now, let’s get cooking!

Servings: 6

Ingredients:

  • 6–8 boneless chicken thighs (skinless or with skin)
  • 1/3 cup low-sodium chicken broth
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced or sliced
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)
  • 1/2 teaspoon crushed red chili flakes or cayenne pepper (optional)
  • Zest of half a lemon
  • Juice of one lemon
  • 1/2 stick butter, diced
  • Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
  • Lemon slices, for garnish

Instructions:

  1. Arrange the chicken thighs at the bottom of your slow cooker.
  2. In a small bowl, whisk together chicken broth, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Pour the mixture over the chicken.
  3. In another bowl, mix Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, black pepper, and red chili flakes (if using). Evenly sprinkle the seasoning mixture over the chicken.
  4. Scatter the minced garlic over the top, then dot the diced butter around the chicken.
  5. Cover and cook on LOW for 6–8 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours, until the chicken is tender and fully cooked.
  6. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and lemon slices before serving.
  7. Enjoy with rice, pasta, quinoa, or a low-carb side like cauliflower rice or spiralized zucchini.

Nutritional & Dietary Information:

This dish is packed with protein and rich in healthy fats from butter while remaining low in carbohydrates. The lemon juice provides vitamin C, while garlic and herbs offer anti-inflammatory benefits. If you’re watching sodium, opt for low-sodium broth and adjust salt levels to taste. For a dairy-free option, swap the butter with olive oil. Those following a keto diet can enjoy it as-is, while those on a gluten-free diet should ensure all ingredients are compliant.

Sharing and Commenting is Caring

We love hearing from you! If you try this slow cooker lemon garlic butter chicken thighs recipe, let us know how it turned out in the comments. Did you add any personal twists? What sides did you pair it with? Sharing your experience not only helps others but also inspires new variations of this comforting dish. If you enjoyed this recipe, don’t forget to pass it along to family and friends—great food is meant to be shared!