Crock Pot Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Thighs

Savor the delightful flavors of Crock Pot Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Thighs, a quick and easy recipe perfect for beginners! This dish features tender, juicy chicken thighs cooked to perfection in a rich and zesty garlic butter sauce. With minimal prep and hands-off cooking, you can enjoy a delicious home-cooked meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Let’s dive into this flavorful recipe that will surely become a favorite!

Ingredients

  • 6-8 boneless chicken thighs
    (skinless or with skin for added flavor and moisture)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon crushed red chili pepper flakes (or cayenne, optional for heat)
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 4 garlic cloves, sliced or minced
    (for a robust garlic flavor)
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
    (to enhance the dish with aromatic herbs)
  • 1/2 stick butter, diced
    (for richness and depth of flavor)
  • Zest of half a lemon
    (for bright, citrusy notes)
  • Juice of one lemon
    (to balance and elevate the flavors)

Garnish:

  • Chopped fresh parsley
  • Lemon slices

Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken

Begin by placing the boneless chicken thighs at the bottom of your slow cooker. Season them generously with salt and pepper to enhance their natural flavors.

2. Create the Lemon-Garlic Mixture

In a separate bowl, combine 1/3 cup of chicken broth with the juice and zest of one lemon. This mixture will provide moisture and a zesty kick to the chicken as it cooks. Pour this flavorful liquid over the chicken thighs, ensuring they are well-coated.

3. Season the Chicken

In a small bowl, mix together the Italian seasoning, onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, and crushed red chili pepper flakes (if using). Sprinkle this spice blend evenly over the chicken thighs, creating a fragrant crust as they cook.

4. Add Garlic and Butter

Top the chicken with the sliced or minced garlic and diced butter, allowing the garlic to infuse its flavor into the sauce while the chicken cooks. The butter will melt, creating a rich, velvety sauce that will envelop the chicken.

5. Cook to Perfection

Cover your crock pot and set it to cook the chicken thighs for 3-4 hours on HIGH or 6-8 hours on LOW. The slow cooking method ensures that the chicken remains juicy and tender, absorbing all the delicious flavors from the garlic and lemon.

6. Garnish and Serve

Once cooked, serve the chicken thighs hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley and lemon slices for a beautiful presentation. The bright colors will make this dish as appealing to the eyes as it is to the palate!

Cooking Tips

  • For added depth of flavor, consider marinating the chicken thighs in the lemon-garlic mixture for a few hours before cooking.
  • Serve with sides such as steamed vegetables, cauliflower rice, or a fresh salad to create a balanced meal.
  • Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop to maintain moisture.

Nutritional Information (per serving, based on 8 servings)

  • Calories: Approximately 300
  • Total Fat: 20g
  • Saturated Fat: 9g
  • Cholesterol: 150mg
  • Sodium: 400mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 2g
  • Dietary Fiber: 0g
  • Net Carbs: 2g
  • Protein: 27g

Enjoy this delectable Crock Pot Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Thighs recipe, and don’t forget to keep checking back for more delicious, easy-to-follow recipes! Thank you for being a part of our culinary journey!