The Easiest, Most Flavorful Crock Pot Chicken Thighs with Lemon Garlic Butter (Print Version)
How to make tender Crock Pot Chicken Thighs with zesty Lemon Garlic Butter that melt in your mouth and are perfect for busy weeknights.
# Recipe Info:
Prep Time: 15-20 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 50-60 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 65 minutes
Servings: 4-6 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: American
Dietary: High Protein
# Ingredients:
→ Main Components
01 -
6-8 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 3-4 lbs), trimmed
02 -
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
03 -
1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
04 -
1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
05 -
2 large lemons, zested and juiced
→ Flavor Builders
06 -
6-8 cloves garlic, minced
07 -
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped, plus more for garnish
08 -
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
09 -
1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
→ Seasonings & Spices
10 -
1.5 teaspoons Kosher salt
11 -
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
12 -
1 teaspoon dried thyme
→ Finishing Touches
13 -
Fresh lemon wedges, for serving
# Instructions:
01 -
Start by trimming excess fat from your chicken thighs. Finely chop the onion, mince the garlic, and zest and juice your lemons. This initial prep ensures everything is ready for your delicious Easy Crock Pot Chicken thighs with Lemon Garlic Butter.
02 -
In a medium bowl, whisk together the melted butter, minced garlic, lemon zest, Dijon mustard, Kosher salt, black pepper, and dried thyme. This creates the flavorful base for your chicken. Ensure everything is well combined for even flavor distribution.
03 -
Place the trimmed chicken thighs and chopped onion into your crock pot. Pour the prepared lemon garlic butter sauce evenly over the chicken. Add the low-sodium chicken broth. This sets up your Easy Crock Pot Chicken thighs with Lemon Garlic Butter for slow cooking perfection.
04 -
Cover your crock pot and cook on HIGH for 2-3 hours or on LOW for 4-5 hours, until the chicken is fork-tender and easily pulls from the bone. The internal temperature should reach 165°F. Now, you're cooking these Easy Crock Pot Chicken thighs with Lemon Garlic Butter!
05 -
Carefully remove the chicken to a plate. If thickening, whisk cornstarch with a little broth, then add to the pot and simmer until thickened. Stir in the fresh lemon juice and chopped parsley. This brightens the rich sauce beautifully.
06 -
Place the tender chicken thighs back into the pot, coating them in the finished lemon garlic butter sauce. Serve immediately, garnished with extra fresh parsley and lemon wedges. Enjoy your delicious Easy Crock Pot Chicken thighs with Lemon Garlic Butter!
# Notes:
01 -
Cook chicken until just fork-tender (165°F) to prevent dryness and rubbery texture.
02 -
Store cooled chicken and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
03 -
Use bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs for optimal moisture and flavor; boneless, skinless may dry out.
04 -
Serve warm with mashed potatoes, rice, or a crusty baguette to soak up the zesty lemon garlic butter sauce.
05 -
Add fresh lemon juice at the very end to preserve its vibrant zestiness and bright finish.
# Tools You'll Need:
01 -
Crock pot or slow cooker
02 -
measuring cups
03 -
measuring spoons
04 -
medium bowl
05 -
whisk
06 -
knife
07 -
cutting board
08 -
zester
09 -
juicer
10 -
plate
11 -
tongs or slotted spoon
12 -
instant-read thermometer
13 -
airtight container
# Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):
Calories: 440
Total Fat: 37g
Total Carbohydrate: 5g
Protein: 29g