I am excited by this slow cooker lemon garlic chicken. My crockpot recipe marries succulent bone-in chicken thighs with fresh garlic, tangy lemon zest and juice along with savory thyme and butter. Infused with a delicate balance of salt and pepper, every bite captures simple yet unforgettable, undeniably satisfying flavors.

Jump to Recipe

I’ve been experimenting in the kitchen lately and I came across a twist on a favorite that I just had to share. My Crock Pot Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Thighs has become a staple in my dinner rotation.

I start by seasoning 8 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs with salt and pepper before letting them soak up a mix of 1/2 cup chicken broth, the juice and zest of a lemon, and 4 minced garlic cloves. Then I toss in some unsalted butter pieces and a pinch of dried thyme.

The slow cooker does all the work while the flavors meld together into a tangy, buttery, garlicky sauce that elevates the dish into something seriously delicious. Once it’s finished, I sprinkle a little chopped fresh parsley on top for that extra burst of freshness.

I love sharing this easy, flavorful, and fun dinner idea with everyone who is looking for a little culinary adventure.

Why I Like this Recipe

I really love this recipe because it’s super easy to put together, and you don’t have to be a master chef to nail it. I mean, you just season the chicken, toss in the garlic, lemon, and herbs, and let the crock pot do its magic.

I also love how the lemon and garlic butter sauce fills the whole dish with a bright, tangy flavor. It gives the chicken such a delicious kick without being overpowering.

The way the chicken turns tender and juicy after slow cooking is another reason I dig it. Even if you mess up a little with the timing, it still tastes amazing.

Plus, I appreciate that there’s a bunch of simple ingredients in here that most people already have in their pantry. It makes whipping up a flavorful meal so convenient and satisfying.

Ingredients

Print Recipe (No Advertisments)

Bone skin-on chicken thighs offer protein, juicy meat, and rich flavor perfect for slow cooking.
Chicken broth adds savory moisture and helps meld all flavors in slow cooker dish.
Lemon juice and zest bring tangy brightness, vitamin C and a refreshing citrus note.
Garlic’s pungent aroma and antioxidants boost flavor and health benefits beautifully.
Unsalted butter lends creamy texture and rich flavor while balancing tanginess and spices.
Fresh parsley adds a touch of color, vitamins, and a mild herby note to finish.
Salt and pepper season the dish, enhancing and intensifying all natural flavors.

Ingredient Quantities

8 bone in, skin on chicken thighs (about 2 to 2.5 lbs)

1 tsp salt (or to taste)

1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper (or to taste)

1/2 cup chicken broth

Juice of 1 lemon

Zest of 1 lemon

4 garlic cloves, minced

1/4 cup unsalted butter, cut into pieces

1/2 tsp dried thyme

2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (optional)

How to Make this

Print Recipe (No Advertisments)

1. Pat the chicken thighs dry, then season both sides with salt and black pepper.

2. Place the chicken thighs in the crock pot, making sure they’re in a single layer if possible.

3. In a small bowl, mix together minced garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, and dried thyme.

4. Pour the mixture over the chicken in the crock pot.

5. Add the chicken broth to the crock pot, pouring it all around the chicken thighs.

6. Scatter the pieces of butter over the chicken.

7. Cover the crock pot and cook on low for about 6 hours or on high for about 3 to 4 hours until the chicken gets tender.

8. Once cooked, give the dish a little stir to mix the sauce, then garnish with chopped fresh parsley if you like before serving.

Equipment Needed

1. Crock pot – This is the main appliance used for slow cooking the chicken to make it tender.
2. Cutting board – Needed for preparing the chicken, chopping parsley, and other ingredients.
3. Sharp knife – For trimming, mincing garlic, and cutting the butter into pieces.
4. Small bowl – Used to mix the minced garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, and dried thyme.
5. Measuring cups and spoons – To accurately measure the chicken broth, salt, pepper, and thyme.
6. Citrus juicer or fork – Useful for extracting the lemon juice efficiently.
7. Grater or zester – Essential for getting the lemon zest without too much hassle.
8. Stirring utensil (such as a spatula or tongs) – Needed to mix the sauce once the chicken is cooked.

FAQ

Q: Can I use boneless chicken thighs instead?

A: Yeah, you can use boneless chicken thighs but know that they might cook quicker and might not be as juicy as bone in ones.

Q: How long should I cook the chicken in the crock pot?

A: Cook it on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for about 4 hours. Just keep an eye on it so it doesn't dry out.

Q: Can I substitute lemon juice with lime juice?

A: Sure, you can use lime juice if you prefer. It will give a different flavor note but still tastes pretty good.

Q: Is it okay to add more garlic for extra flavor?

A: Definitely, feel free to increase the amount of garlic if you love that extra kick. Just remember it might get a bit punchy.

Q: Can I add veggies like potatoes or carrots to the crock pot?

A: Yes, adding veggies is a great idea. Just make sure you adjust the amount of broth if you add a lot so it cooks evenly.

Crock Pot Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Thighs Recipe Substitutions and Variations

If you dont have chicken thighs, you can try using boneless ones or even chicken breasts, but keep in mind they might cook faster.
Instead of chicken broth, you can use veggie broth or just water with a bit of bouillon powder to give it that savory kick.
If you’re out of unsalted butter, try using regular butter (just reduce the extra salt a bit) or even a little olive oil if you prefer.
No thyme on hand? You could use a pinch of rosemary or oregano instead for a different flavor twist.
If lemons are too tart or not available, a mix of lime juice and a tiny bit of orange juice can kinda mimic the citrus vibe.

Pro Tips

1. Try to pat the chicken as dry as you can before seasoning it coz it helps to get a really nice crisp on the skin.
2. If you want a extra punch of flavor, toss in a bit more lemon zest after the dish is done; it really brightens everything up.
3. Make sure the chicken thighs are arranged in a nice single layer so they all get cooked evenly and none of them end up underdone.
4. When you stir the sauce at the end, do it gently so you don’t break up the chicken too much, keeping the texture appealin’.