Crock Pot Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken is a savory and aromatic dish that brings together the zesty flavors of lemon, the warmth of garlic, and the richness of butter. This dish is perfect for busy weeknights when you want a delicious and comforting meal with minimal effort. The chicken thighs become incredibly tender as they slow-cook, absorbing the delightful flavors of the seasonings.
Benefits:
- Easy Preparation: This is a “set it and forget it” recipe that requires minimal prep work, making it perfect for busy days.
- Rich Flavor: The combination of lemon, garlic, and butter creates a luxurious sauce that infuses the chicken with delicious flavors.
- Versatile Serving Options: Serve with cauliflower rice, spiralized zucchini noodles, or your choice of grains for a complete meal.
- Low Carb Option: This dish can be paired with low-carb sides like cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles for a healthy, keto-friendly meal.
Ingredients:
- 6-8 boneless chicken thighs, skinless or with skin
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red chili pepper flakes, or cayenne (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 4 garlic cloves, sliced or minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 stick butter, diced
- Zest of half a lemon
- Juice of one lemon
- 1/3 cup chicken stock
- Chopped fresh parsley and lemon slices, for garnish
Instructions:
- Prepare the Chicken: Place the chicken thighs at the bottom of your slow cooker.
- Mix the Liquids: In a small bowl, combine the chicken stock, lemon juice, and zest. Pour the mixture over the chicken thighs.
- Season the Chicken: In another bowl, mix together the Italian seasoning, onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, crushed red chili pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Sprinkle this spice mixture evenly over the chicken thighs.
- Add Garlic and Butter: Top the seasoned chicken with the fresh minced garlic and diced butter.
- Cook: Cover the crockpot and cook on HIGH for 3-4 hours or on LOW for 6-8 hours.
- Garnish and Serve: Once done, garnish with chopped fresh parsley and lemon slices. Serve hot with your choice of side dishes.
Helpful Tips:
- Skin-On Thighs: If using chicken thighs with skin, you can broil them in the oven for a few minutes after cooking to achieve a crispy texture.
- Adjusting Spice: If you prefer a milder dish, you can reduce or omit the crushed red chili pepper flakes.
- Thicker Sauce: For a thicker sauce, remove the chicken thighs after cooking, and stir in a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water) into the sauce. Let it simmer until thickened before returning the chicken to the crockpot.
FAQs:
- Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs? Yes, but adjust the cooking time as chicken breasts tend to cook faster than thighs.
- How can I make this dish dairy-free? Replace the butter with a dairy-free alternative or olive oil.
- Can I add vegetables to this dish? Yes, you can add vegetables like potatoes, carrots, or green beans to cook along with the chicken.
Serving Suggestions:
- Low-Carb: Pair with cauliflower rice or spiralized zucchini noodles for a low-carb option.
- Comforting Sides: Serve with mashed potatoes, pasta, or quinoa for a heartier meal.
- Fresh and Light: Add a side salad or roasted vegetables for a fresh contrast to the rich chicken.
Servings: 4-6
Total Time: 6-8 hours on low, 3-4 hours on high
Enjoy this flavorful and comforting Crock Pot Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken as a delightful and easy-to-make meal that your family will love!
Recipe Card
Crock Pot Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken
Crock Pot Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken is a savory and aromatic dish that brings together the zesty flavors of lemon, the warmth of garlic, and the richness of butter. This dish is perfect for busy weeknights when you want a delicious and comforting meal with minimal effort. The chicken thighs become incredibly tender as they slow-cook, absorbing the delightful flavors of the seasonings.
Ingredients
- – 6-8 boneless chicken thighs skinless or with skin
- – Salt and pepper to taste
- – 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- – 1 tablespoon onion powder
- – 1/2 teaspoon crushed red chili pepper flakes or cayenne (optional)
- – 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- – 4 garlic cloves sliced or minced
- – 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- – 1/2 stick butter diced
- – Zest of half a lemon
- – Juice of one lemon
- – 1/3 cup chicken stock
- – Chopped fresh parsley and lemon slices for garnish
Instructions
- **Prepare the Chicken:** Place the chicken thighs at the bottom of your slow cooker.
- **Mix the Liquids:** In a small bowl, combine the chicken stock, lemon juice, and zest. Pour the mixture over the chicken thighs.
- **Season the Chicken:** In another bowl, mix together the Italian seasoning, onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, crushed red chili pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Sprinkle this spice mixture evenly over the chicken thighs.
- **Add Garlic and Butter:** Top the seasoned chicken with the fresh minced garlic and diced butter.
- **Cook:** Cover the crockpot and cook on HIGH for 3-4 hours or on LOW for 6-8 hours.
- **Garnish and Serve:** Once done, garnish with chopped fresh parsley and lemon slices. Serve hot with your choice of side dishes.