This easy Crock Pot lemon garlic butter chicken thighs dish is a winner! Juicy chicken cooked low and slow in a buttery, zesty sauce that makes your mouth water.
It’s a breeze to whip up! Just toss everything in the Crock Pot and let it work its magic while you relax. You’ll love coming home to the yummy smell! 🍋✨
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Thighs: Bone-in, skin-on thighs are juicy and tender, perfect for slow cooking. If you want to lower the fat, boneless thighs can work too, but they may cook faster.
Butter: Unsalted butter is my go-to for better control over seasoning. If you’re looking for a healthier option, olive oil is a tasty substitute that still brings out great flavors.
Garlic: Fresh garlic adds depth, but jarred minced garlic works in a pinch. Use half a teaspoon for each clove if you go that route.
Lemon: Fresh lemon gives the best flavor! If you’re out of lemons, try lime juice or a splash of vinegar for some acidity.
How Do You Get the Best Flavor from Your Chicken?
The secret to amazing flavor lies in the seasoning and the cooking method. Firstly, season your chicken thighs well with salt and pepper—it makes a big difference in taste. Secondly, allowing the chicken to cook slowly in the sauce helps to infuse those flavors thoroughly.
- Put the seasoned chicken in the Crock Pot skin side up to keep it moist.
- Pour your garlic butter mixture evenly over the chicken. The goal is to soak every piece!
- Cooking on low heat lets the chicken gently absorb all the yummy flavors over time.
If you want crispy skin, remember to use the broiler briefly after cooking—just watch it closely so it doesn’t burn! Enjoy your meal! 🍗🍋
Easy Crock Pot Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Thighs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 4-6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the Sauce:
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 lemon, thinly sliced, plus juice of half a lemon
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 tsp dried thyme (or 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves)
- 1 tsp dried parsley flakes (plus extra fresh parsley for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dish takes about 10 minutes to prep. You can let it cook in the Crock Pot for 6 hours on low heat or 3 hours on high heat—just enough time for the chicken to get tender and flavorful. With minimal effort, you’ll have a mouth-watering dinner waiting for you!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Seasoning the Chicken:
Start by seasoning your chicken thighs with salt and black pepper on both sides. Be generous—this is where a lot of the flavor comes from!
2. Layering in the Crock Pot:
Next, place the chicken thighs in the bottom of the Crock Pot, making sure they’re skin side up. This helps keep the chicken juicy.
3. Mixing the Sauce:
In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, minced garlic, juice from half a lemon, chicken broth, dried thyme, and dried parsley until well combined. This mixture will create a rich and flavorful sauce.
4. Pouring the Sauce:
Now, pour the buttery garlic mixture evenly over the chicken in the Crock Pot. Make sure all the chicken is well coated!
5. Adding Lemon Slices:
Arrange the thin lemon slices over and around the chicken thighs for added brightness and flavor during cooking.
6. Cooking the Chicken:
Cover the Crock Pot and cook on low for 6 hours or on high for 3 hours. You’re looking for the chicken to be tender and fully cooked—easy as that!
7. Crisping the Skin (Optional):
If you prefer crispy skin, you can pop the cooked chicken under the broiler in your oven for about 3-5 minutes. Watch it closely so it doesn’t burn!
8. Garnishing and Serving:
Finally, garnish your chicken with fresh chopped parsley, and spoon the delicious lemon butter sauce from the Crock Pot over the chicken before serving. Enjoy this cozy meal with rice or your favorite sides!
This recipe yields juicy, flavorful chicken thighs with a rich garlic butter and bright lemon sauce, perfect for an easy, cozy dinner!
FAQ: Easy Crock Pot Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Thighs
Can I Use Boneless Chicken Thighs Instead?
Yes, you can use boneless chicken thighs, but keep in mind they will cook faster, usually in about 2-3 hours on high. Be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly to avoid overcooking!
What if I Don’t Have Thyme or Parsley?
No worries! You can substitute dried thyme with Italian seasoning or oregano for a different flavor profile. Fresh herbs like rosemary or basil can also work well. If you don’t have dried parsley, you can simply skip it or use chopped fresh herbs as a garnish instead.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Cool any leftovers to room temperature, then store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the chicken in the sauce for up to 3 months. Just reheat gently in the microwave or on the stove!
Can I Make This Recipe in an Instant Pot?
Absolutely! You can pressure cook the chicken on high for about 8-10 minutes, then use natural release for 10 minutes. The texture will be different, but it’ll still be delicious!
