Crock Pot Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Thighs Recipe

I am excited about this Crock Pot Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Thighs. I use succulent bone-in chicken thighs, minced garlic, tangy lemon, and savory unsalted butter with thyme and hints of rosemary. I appreciate the harmony of these flavors in an effortless crock pot meal that impresses without fuss.

I’ve been experimenting with different crock pot recipes lately and this Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Thighs one really caught my attention. I was drawn in by the simplicity of using just a few ingredients like 6 bone-in, skin on chicken thighs, a tsp of salt and a ½ tsp of black pepper along with minced garlic, lemon juice and lemon slices.

When I added in 4 tbsp of unsalted butter, a splash of chicken broth, dried thyme and a bit of dried rosemary, I knew I was onto something special. I love how in my crock pot it slowly melds together into a rich, tangy and buttery sauce that brings out the best in the chicken.

This recipe reminds me of other great dishes like Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Garlic Butter Chicken. The fresh chopped parsley sprinkled on top gives it a pop of color and an extra zing.

Give it a try, you might be as pleasantly surprised as I was.

Why I Like this Recipe

I like this recipe because it’s super easy to make and doesn’t require too many steps. I can just season the chicken, toss it into the crock pot and let it do all the work for me which makes my life way simpler.

I really love how the lemon and garlic combine to give the dish a really fresh and tangy flavor, plus the herbs and butter add a richness thats just perfect.

Another thing is that the chicken turns out so tender theres no struggle peeling it apart and every bite is infused with those amazing flavors.

Plus, its a pretty forgiving recipe that lets me experiment a bit with the seasonings if im in the mood for something a bit different every time.

Ingredients

• Chicken thighs offer hearty protein and rich flavor, making this dish satisfyingly filling.
• Garlic adds bold flavor and natural antioxidants, boosting taste and health benefits.
• Lemon juice delivers a sour zing and plenty of vitamin C for immune boost.
• Butter lends a creamy texture and rich taste though it ups the calorie count.
• Chicken broth infuses moisture and savory depth, tying all flavors together perfectly.
• Fresh parsley offers a burst of color, a hint of freshness, and extra fibre.
• Dried thyme and rosemary give a warm herbal aroma that heightens overall taste.
• Salt and pepper seasonings enhance flavor and balance out the tang and richness.

Ingredient Quantities

• 6 bone-in, skin on chicken thighs (about 2 lbs)
• 1 tsp salt (or to taste)
• ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 lemon, juiced
• 2 lemon slices (plus extra for garnish if you want)
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter, cut into pieces
• ½ cup chicken broth
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp dried rosemary (optional but recommended)
• A handful of chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)

How to Make this

1. Pat the chicken thighs dry and season both sides with 1 tsp salt and ½ tsp black pepper.

2. Place the chicken thighs in the crock pot in a single layer.

3. Sprinkle the 4 minced garlic cloves over the chicken thighs.

4. Pour in the juice of 1 lemon and add ½ cup of chicken broth evenly over the thighs.

5. Toss in 1 tsp dried thyme and 1 tsp dried rosemary over the top.

6. Arrange 2 lemon slices on top of the chicken and then dot the chicken with 4 tbsp unsalted butter pieces.

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

8. Once cooked, check for seasoning and adjust salt or pepper if needed.

9. Garnish with a handful of chopped fresh parsley and extra lemon slices if you like before serving.

Equipment Needed

1. Crock pot
2. Paper towels
3. A sharp knife
4. Cutting board
5. Measuring spoons
6. Measuring cup
7. A citrus juicer
8. Tongs or a large spoon

FAQ

Crock Pot Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Thighs Recipe Substitutions and Variations

• If you dont have unsalted butter, you can use salted butter and then cut back on the salt in the recipe.
• If chicken broth is missing, try using vegetable broth to keep the flavour rich and moist.
• If you dont have fresh lemon juice on hand, bottled lemon juice works pretty well; just use a tad less since it’s more concentrated.
• If dried rosemary is not available, dried oregano or marjoram can be used as a substitute for a similar aroma.
• If youre lacking fresh garlic, 1/2 tsp of garlic powder is a decent alternative for that garlicky kick.

Pro Tips

1. If you can, try browning the chicken in a skillet for a couple of minutes before tossing it into the crock pot. This helps lock in flavor and gives the dish a richer taste even if the chicken loses some crispiness in the slow cooking process.

2. Make sure the chicken is patted really dry before seasoning. Moisture on the surface can stop the spices from sticking properly so you get more flavor in every bite.

3. Halfway thru the cooking process, give the sauce a quick stir and taste it. Sometimes a little extra salt or pepper mid-cook can make the difference since slow cooking tends to mellow out seasonings.

4. If you have any fresh herbs lying around, don’t be shy to add more when serving. A final squeeze of lemon or a sprinkle of fresh parsley can really brighten up the dish and make it taste fresh even if it came out of the crock pot.