Crock Pot Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Thighs are a simple and delicious meal that’s packed with flavor. Tender chicken thighs slow-cooked to perfection, soaked in a buttery lemon and garlic sauce that’s both tangy and rich. The slow cooker does all the work, making this an easy and comforting dinner option.
I love making this recipe when I want something flavorful but don’t want to spend much time in the kitchen. The lemon and garlic mix gives the chicken a fresh and zesty taste, while the butter keeps it moist and satisfying. I usually toss a few herbs in for an extra pop of flavor and let the crock pot work its magic.
My favorite way to enjoy these chicken thighs is right out of the slow cooker with some steamed rice or roasted veggies on the side. It’s the kind of meal that feels like a warm hug and always gets a thumbs-up from everyone at the table. Plus, leftovers taste just as good the next day!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Thighs: Bone-in, skin-on thighs give the best flavor and keep the meat juicy. If you prefer less fat, boneless skinless thighs work too, but the dish won’t be quite as rich.
Butter: Unsalted butter adds creaminess and richness. For a lighter version, you can use olive oil instead, but butter really makes the sauce silky.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic is key here for that bold flavor. Garlic powder can work in a pinch but won’t be as vibrant.
Lemon: Fresh lemon juice and zest bring brightness and balance out the richness. Bottled lemon juice won’t give the same fresh kick, so fresh is best if you can.
Herbs: Dried oregano and thyme are easy pantry staples that add a lovely herbaceous note. Fresh herbs are great if you have them, just add towards the end to keep their flavor bright.
How Can I Get Crispy Skin on Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs?
Slow cooking alone usually doesn’t crisp chicken skin, but here’s a simple trick:
- Pat the chicken dry before seasoning. Dry skin crisps better.
- Sear the skin side down in a hot skillet with olive oil before adding to the crock pot. This creates a nice golden crust.
- After slow cooking, if you want extra crispness, place the cooked thighs under the broiler for 3-5 minutes, watching carefully.
This process adds flavor and texture, making the chicken skin delicious and less soggy. I always find searing is a game-changer for crock pot chicken recipes.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Crock pot or slow cooker – the key to slow-cooking the chicken tender and juicy without fuss.
- Large skillet – for searing the chicken to get that crispy, golden-brown skin before slow cooking.
- Mixing bowl – to whisk your lemon garlic butter sauce ingredients together easily.
- Tongs – perfect for flipping chicken thighs safely while searing and transferring to the crock pot.
- Measuring spoons – for measuring herbs, spices, and lemon juice accurately.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Use boneless chicken breasts instead of thighs for a leaner meal, but cook time may be shorter to avoid drying out.
- Add fresh rosemary or basil for a different herb twist; they add wonderful fragrance and pair well with lemon.
- Mix in sliced mushrooms or baby potatoes to the crock pot for an easy all-in-one meal.
- Swap out butter for coconut oil for a slightly tropical flavor and dairy-free option.
Crock Pot Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Thighs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for searing)
For the Sauce:
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (about half a lemon)
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)
- ½ cup chicken broth
For Garnish:
- Lemon slices
- Fresh parsley, chopped
Time Needed:
This recipe requires about 15 minutes of prep, including searing the chicken and mixing the sauce. Then, slow cook it for 4-5 hours on low or 2-3 hours on high. Overall, plan for around 4.5 to 5.5 hours from start to finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prep and Season the Chicken
Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. This helps the skin crisp up when seared. Generously season both sides with salt and pepper.
2. Sear the Chicken
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Place the chicken thighs skin side down and cook until the skin is golden brown and crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Flip and sear the other side for 3-4 minutes. Then, transfer all chicken thighs to your crock pot.
3. Make the Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce
In a bowl, whisk together the melted butter, minced garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, oregano, thyme, crushed red pepper flakes (if using), and chicken broth until well combined.
4. Cook in the Crock Pot
Pour the sauce evenly over the chicken thighs inside the crock pot, making sure the garlic and herbs are well distributed. Cover, and cook on low for 4-5 hours or on high for 2-3 hours until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
5. Serve and Garnish
Carefully remove the chicken from the crock pot and place onto a serving dish. Spoon some of the sauce from the crock pot over the top for extra flavor and moisture. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and lemon slices for a bright, fresh finish.
6. Enjoy
Serve your delicious Crock Pot Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Thighs hot, alongside your favorite sides like rice, mashed potatoes, or steamed veggies. Enjoy this flavorful, buttery, tender meal made effortlessly!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken Thighs?
Yes, but make sure to completely thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before cooking. Using frozen chicken can increase the cooking time and may not cook evenly in the crock pot.
Can I Skip Searing the Chicken?
Absolutely, you can skip searing for a quicker prep. However, searing adds great flavor and helps crisp the skin, which enhances the overall taste and texture.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover chicken and sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or microwave to keep the chicken tender.
Can I Add Vegetables to the Crock Pot?
Yes! Adding hearty veggies like baby potatoes, carrots, or mushrooms works great. Just add them at the bottom of the crock pot before placing the chicken on top.
