If you’re on the hunt for a weeknight dinner that punches way above its weight in flavor, look no further than this Lemon Garlic Butter Crock Pot Chicken Thighs Recipe. Succulent chicken thighs are bathed in a buttery lemon-garlic sauce that soaks deep into the meat as it slow-cooks, turning out irresistibly tender every single time. Whether you’re feeding a family or just craving cozy comfort food, this recipe is ridiculously easy to throw together and delivers a zesty, aromatic payoff that never disappoints.

Lemon Garlic Butter Crock Pot Chicken Thighs Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

It’s amazing how a handful of everyday pantry staples come together to create something so unforgettable. Each ingredient in this Lemon Garlic Butter Crock Pot Chicken Thighs Recipe plays a key role, whether it’s infusing bright citrus, rich buttery goodness, or adding just the right amount of color and warmth.

Chicken thighs (6 bone-in, skin-on): The dark meat stays moist and flavorful, and the skin crisps up beautifully if you finish under the broiler.
Salt (1 teaspoon): Brings out the natural flavors of the chicken and the sauce.
Black pepper (1/2 teaspoon): For a touch of gentle heat and earthiness.
Paprika (1 teaspoon): Adds gorgeous color and a little smoky depth to the chicken.
Olive oil (2 tablespoons): Essential for getting that golden sear before the slow cook begins.
Unsalted butter, melted (4 tablespoons): Creates the rich, luxurious base of your sauce.
Garlic, minced (4 cloves): The star of the show, infusing the dish with irresistible aroma and flavor.
Chicken broth (1/4 cup): Keeps things juicy and helps meld all the flavors together.
Lemon juice (2 tablespoons): Provides brightness and zing that balances the richness.
Lemon zest (1 teaspoon): Intensifies the citrusy aroma, making each bite sing.
Dried thyme (1 teaspoon): Lends a subtle herbal earthiness that feels like comfort in a bottle.
Dried oregano (1 teaspoon): Adds a Mediterranean vibe and complexity to the sauce.
Crushed red pepper flakes (1/2 teaspoon, optional): For folks who like a gentle kick of heat.
Fresh parsley, chopped (2 tablespoons): Sprinkled at the end, it adds freshness and a pop of color.
Lemon slices (for garnish): They look gorgeous and add a final zesty finish.

How to Make Lemon Garlic Butter Crock Pot Chicken Thighs Recipe

Step 1: Season the Chicken

Start by giving your chicken thighs a generous sprinkle of salt, black pepper, and paprika on all sides. This simple yet crucial step makes sure the chicken is flavorful all the way through, not just on top. Don’t forget to get under the skin a bit for even better flavor!

Step 2: Sear for Maximum Flavor

Heat up the olive oil in a skillet set over medium-high heat. Place the chicken thighs skin-side down and sear them for about 3–4 minutes, until that skin is golden and crackling. This step adds depth to the taste, and the caramelized bits will make your sauce even richer. Once seared, move the chicken thighs into the crock pot.

Step 3: Whisk the Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce

In a bowl, combine the melted butter, minced garlic, chicken broth, lemon juice, lemon zest, dried thyme, dried oregano, and—if you want a little extra excitement—those crushed red pepper flakes. Whisk everything together till it’s glossy and fragrant. This sauce is the real secret to the Lemon Garlic Butter Crock Pot Chicken Thighs Recipe magic!

Step 4: Assemble in the Crock Pot

Now, pour that luscious sauce evenly over your chicken thighs in the crock pot. The aroma at this point is already promising, and you haven’t even started cooking yet! The slow cooker will do all the heavy lifting from here, melding the flavors into every bite.

Step 5: Slow Cook to Perfection

Cover the crock pot with the lid and let your chicken simmer on low for 6–7 hours, or on high for 3–4 hours. The result? Chicken that’s juicy, fork-tender, and infused all the way through with buttery, garlicky brightness. If you’re a fan of crispier skin, pop the finished thighs onto a baking sheet and broil for a couple of minutes to finish.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Just before serving, shower your Lemon Garlic Butter Crock Pot Chicken Thighs with a handful of fresh parsley and a few thin lemon slices. It looks stunning and adds an extra dash of freshness to the entire meal.

How to Serve Lemon Garlic Butter Crock Pot Chicken Thighs Recipe

Garnishes

A scattering of chopped fresh parsley brings a vibrant green freshness, while a couple of delicate lemon slices instantly signals the citrusy, sunny flavors inside. Even a little extra zest showered on top just before serving adds aroma and that wow factor. These small flourishes make your Lemon Garlic Butter Crock Pot Chicken Thighs Recipe feel restaurant-worthy.

Side Dishes

This recipe begs for sides that soak up all the flavorful sauce. Creamy mashed potatoes, fluffy rice, or garlicky roasted vegetables are classic choices, each one capable of mopping up every last drop. If you’re feeling cozy, a hunk of crusty bread on the side turns dinner into a true comfort food event.

Creative Ways to Present

Don’t be afraid to play with presentation! Arrange your chicken on a platter over a bed of wilted spinach for a pop of color, or pile the thighs onto couscous or quinoa for a Mediterranean twist. Even serving family-style out of the crock pot makes everyone excited to dig in together, creating the cozy vibe that makes the Lemon Garlic Butter Crock Pot Chicken Thighs Recipe such a favorite.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you wind up with leftovers (lucky you!), let the chicken thighs cool before transferring to an airtight container. They’ll keep in the fridge for up to 3 days, and the sauce keeps the meat moist and flavorful for easy reheating.

Freezing

This Lemon Garlic Butter Crock Pot Chicken Thighs Recipe freezes exceptionally well. Just make sure to store the thighs in a freezer-safe container with plenty of sauce to prevent drying out. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, and you’ll have a ready-made meal on hand.

Reheating

For the best experience, reheat the chicken gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, making sure to spoon the sauce over the top to keep everything juicy. If you want to refresh that crispy skin, a quick blast under the broiler never hurts!

FAQs

Can I use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for this recipe?

Absolutely! The recipe works beautifully with boneless, skinless thighs. They’ll cook even faster and soak up just as much flavor from the lemon garlic butter sauce, making dinner a snap.

Is it possible to make Lemon Garlic Butter Crock Pot Chicken Thighs Recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prep everything in advance, including searing the chicken and whisking up the sauce. Store in the fridge overnight, then pop everything in the slow cooker when you’re ready. Dinner can be almost hands-off the next day!

How do I get the skin extra crispy?

After slow cooking, arrange the thighs skin-side up on a baking sheet and broil for 2–3 minutes. Keep an eye out so they don’t burn! This little trick transforms the texture into something truly delightful.

What can I substitute for fresh parsley?

If you’re out of fresh parsley, try finely chopped chives, cilantro, or even a sprinkle of dried Italian herbs! Any vibrant, leafy green herb will add a lovely finish to your Lemon Garlic Butter Crock Pot Chicken Thighs Recipe.

Can I add vegetables to the crock pot with the chicken?

Definitely! Chopped potatoes, carrots, or green beans all cook up beautifully right alongside the chicken and soak up the incredible sauce, making it a complete meal in one pot.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving something comforting with a pop of citrus and a touch of luxury, you absolutely have to give this Lemon Garlic Butter Crock Pot Chicken Thighs Recipe a try. It’s so easy, deeply flavorful, and turns everyday ingredients into something truly special. I can’t wait for you to make it your own and share it with those you love!

Lemon Garlic Butter Crock Pot Chicken Thighs Recipe

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4.9 from 15 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

These Lemon Garlic Butter Crock Pot Chicken Thighs are a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is bursting with flavor. Tender chicken thighs are seasoned, seared, and slow-cooked in a rich and zesty lemon garlic butter sauce until perfectly tender. This recipe is perfect for a simple weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken Thighs:

6 bone-in skin-on chicken thighs
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon paprika

Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce:

2 tablespoons olive oil
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
4 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup chicken broth
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 teaspoon lemon zest
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

Garnish:

2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
lemon slices

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Instructions

Season the Chicken: Season chicken thighs with salt, pepper, and paprika.
Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet and sear the chicken thighs skin-side down until golden brown.
Prepare Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce: Whisk together melted butter, garlic, chicken broth, lemon juice, lemon zest, thyme, oregano, and red pepper flakes.
Cook in Crock Pot: Transfer chicken to the crock pot, pour the sauce over the chicken, cover, and cook on low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4 hours.
Garnish and Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley and lemon slices before serving.

Notes

For extra crispy skin, broil the chicken thighs for 2–3 minutes after slow cooking.
This dish pairs well with rice, mashed potatoes, or roasted vegetables.
Boneless, skinless thighs can be used but will cook faster.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 6 hours
Category: Main Course
Method: Slow Cooker
Cuisine: American