Crock Pot Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Thighs Recipe

I recently whipped up a Crock Pot Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Thighs dish that is irresistible. Tender bone in, skin on chicken thighs mingle with minced garlic, lemon juice, and rich butter. With a hint of dried thyme and rosemary, this recipe creates a captivating medley of flavors too good to pass up.

I recently discovered this recipe for Crock Pot Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Thighs and it quickly became one of my favorite dinner ideas. I start with 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs, seasoned with salt and black pepper, then smother them in a sauce made with 4 tablespoons of cubed unsalted butter and 4 minced garlic cloves.

I mix in the juice of 1 lemon and toss in a few lemon slices for that extra zing, before pouring in 1 cup of chicken broth. To bring out a unique herbal flavor, I add 1 teaspoon of dried thyme and 1 teaspoon of dried rosemary.

It all simmers slowly in the crock pot to create a rich and creamy lemon garlic butter sauce that makes the whole house smell amazing. This is the perfect recipe if you’re in the mood for a simple Slow Cooker Lemon Garlic Chicken that really stands out at dinner.

Enjoy!

Why I Like this Recipe

I really love how the lemon and garlic combo gives the chicken a tangy, mouth-watering flavor that just hits the spot every time. I also like how easy it is to make in the crock pot; I don’t have to fuss over the stove for hours like some recipes. The slow cooking makes the chicken super tender, and I always end up with that rich sauce from the butter and herbs that reminds me of home cooking. Lastly, I appreciate that it’s a simple recipe but still feels fancy enough for when I have friends over for dinner.

Ingredients

• Chicken thighs supply protein and essential nutrients while adding tender, flavorful meat.
• Unsalted butter brings creaminess and richness, but adds extra fat if too copious.
• Garlic offers zesty, aromatic flavor and supports a healthy immune system too.
• Lemon juice gives a bright, tangy kick and loads of vitamin C.
• Chicken broth adds moisture and savory depth, ensuring every bite is juicy.
• Thyme and rosemary contribute earthy, herby notes that enhance the overall flavor.
• Together, they balance rich, tangy, and savory flavors to create a satisfying meal.
• A few simple ingredients combine to produce a comfort food classic perfect for busy days.

Ingredient Quantities

• 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, cubed
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• Juice of 1 lemon (plus a few lemon slices if you want extra zing)
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary

How to Make this

1. Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper on both sides then place them in your crock pot

2. Sprinkle the minced garlic evenly all over the chicken

3. Drizzle the juice of one lemon over the chicken and add a few lemon slices if you want that extra zing

4. Scatter the cubed butter around the chicken, making sure it gets into all the crevices

5. Pour in one cup of chicken broth over everything

6. Sprinkle the dried thyme and dried rosemary on top

7. Cover the crock pot and cook on low for about 6 to 8 hours or on high for around 3 to 4 hours until the chicken is really tender

8. Give it a stir once or twice during cooking to help the flavors mix well

9. Taste the sauce and add a bit more salt or pepper if needed before serving

Equipment Needed

1. Crock pot
2. Chef’s knife
3. Cutting board
4. Measuring cup
5. Measuring spoons
6. Citrus juicer (or just use your hand to squeeze the lemon)
7. Long-handled stirring spoon

FAQ

Crock Pot Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Thighs Recipe Substitutions and Variations

• Bone-in chicken thighs: you can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs or even chicken breasts if you dont mind a slight change in cooking time.
• Unsalted butter: try using olive oil or ghee if you’re low on butter, but remember it may alter the flavor a bit.
• Garlic cloves: if you dont have fresh garlic, garlic powder works pretty well in a pinch, though you might need to adjust the amount.
• Lemon juice: if lemons are out of season, lime juice can be a nice alternative for that citrus kick.
• Chicken broth: you can swap out with veggie broth or water mixed with a bouillon cube if you dont have chicken broth handy.

Pro Tips

1. If you got the time, sear the chicken in a hot pan before putting it into the crock pot. It helps to brown the skin and adds a richer flavor even though it takes an extra step.

2. Towards the end of cooking, if the sauce seems too watery, you can mix a little cornstarch with water and stir it in. Let it cook on high for a few more minutes so the sauce thickens up nice and fast.

3. Taste the sauce right after cooking because slow cookers can sometimes mellow out the flavors. Don’t be afraid to add a bit more salt, pepper, or even a squeeze more lemon if it needs a kick.

4. If you prefer a bit of a fresher herby kick, try tossing in some freshly chopped rosemary or thyme at the end. It gives a different taste compared to the dried ones and can really brighten up the dish.