I love cooking this delicious Crock Pot Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Thighs dish that fills my kitchen with a tangy citrus aroma and deep savory flavors. The recipe delivers a satisfying and juicy creation that brings together garlic, lemon, and herbs for a truly memorable meal perfect for family gatherings.

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I love making recipes that are super easy to prepare and delicious. Today im excited to share my Crock Pot Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Thighs recipe.

It is a twist on Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Chicken that i learned from a friend. I’m using 6 bone in, skin on chicken thighs seasoned with salt and black pepper, plus 6 garlic cloves minced to brighten the dish.

I melt 4 tablespoons unsalted butter cut into pieces and mix it with the juice of 1 lemon and zest of 1 lemon. The addition of 1/2 cup low sodium chicken broth, 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano, and 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme create a rich, aromatic sauce.

This slow cooker dish reminds me a bit of Ayam Mentega and other tasty crockpot dishes i’ve tried before. Sometimes i even add lemon slices for extra tang.

I love how simple and bold this recipe is and hope you give it a try too!

Why I Like this Recipe

1. I love how the lemon and garlic really brighten up the flavors of the chicken and make every bite taste fresh and yummy.
2. I really like that the slow cooking makes the chicken super tender so it practically falls off the bone even though it’s cooked with the skin on.
3. The butter mixed with the herbs and lemon juice creates a rich sauce thats just perfect to spoon over everything, giving the dish an extra boost of flavor.
4. It’s really easy to put together, which is great if you’re in a rush but still want a tasty homecooked dinner.

Ingredients

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Chicken thighs are protein-packed, juicy and flavorful.
They make a hearty base.
Garlic has a strong aromatic punch and beneficial antioxidants.
Its spiciness elevates the dish.
Lemon juice and zest add a tangy, sour brightness and vitamin C boost.
Unsalted butter enriches the mouthfeel and creates a deliciously creamy sauce.
Low sodium broth keeps the dish moist and enhances natural flavors without extra salt.

Ingredient Quantities

6 bone in, skin on chicken thighs

Salt to taste

Black pepper to taste

6 garlic cloves, minced

4 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into pieces

Juice of 1 lemon

Zest of 1 lemon

1/2 cup low sodium chicken broth

1/2 teaspoon dried oregano

1/2 teaspoon dried thyme

Lemon slices (optional)

How to Make this

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1. Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper and put them in the crock pot.

2. Sprinkle the minced garlic evenly over the chicken.

3. Sprinkle the lemon zest along with the dried oregano and thyme on top of the chicken as well.

4. Drizzle the lemon juice all over the chicken then pour in the low sodium chicken broth.

5. Place the butter pieces evenly on top of the ingredients in the crock pot.

6. If you like extra citrus flavor, add a few lemon slices on top of the chicken.

7. Cover the crock pot and cook on low for 4 to 6 hours or on high for about 3 to 4 hours.

8. Check that the chicken is fully cooked by making sure its juices run clear.

9. Stir the sauce a bit to mix all the flavors together.

10. Serve the chicken hot with the lemon garlic butter sauce spooned over, and enjoy your meal!

Equipment Needed

1. Crock pot (slow cooker)
2. Chef’s knife
3. Cutting board
4. Measuring spoons
5. Citrus zester or grater
6. Lemon juicer
7. Mixing spoon
8. Tongs

FAQ

Can i use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead?

Yes you can, but note that the dish might not be as moist and flavorful since the bone and skin add more taste.

How long should i cook it in the crock pot?

Cook it on low for about 5-6 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Just keep an eye on it to make sure it doesn't get too tender.

Can i crisp up the chicken skin after cooking?

Totally! Just pop the chicken under a broiler for 2-3 minutes to get it crispy, but be careful not to burn it.

What if i dont have low sodium chicken broth?

You can use regular chicken broth instead, just adjust the salt accordingly since it will be a bit saltier.

Are there any substitutions for butter in this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute unsalted butter with olive oil or even a vegan butter alternative if you prefer.

Crock Pot Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Thighs Recipe Substitutions and Variations

Chicken thighs – You can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs if you want a lighter alternative, though the skin does add a lot of flavor.
Unsalted butter – If you dont have unsalted butter, try using ghee or coconut oil for a slightly different taste.
Low sodium chicken broth – If you run out of chicken broth, you can dissolve a bouillon cube in water or use low sodium vegetable broth instead.
Dried oregano – If oregano isnt available, Italian seasoning works fine since it includes a mix of herbs like basil and rosemary.

Pro Tips

1. Try browning the chicken in a pan for a few minutes on the skin side before putting them into the crock pot if you got a little extra time. It adds more flavor and gives the skin a nice, crispy texture.
2. Let the chicken sit out for about 15 minutes before seasoning it so it cooks more evenly. I’ve noticed it helps a ton with the overall taste.
3. Give the seasoning another quick taste midway through cooking. Sometimes the flavors can get a bit diluted in the crock pot so you might want to add a pinch more salt or pepper at that point.
4. Once you’re done, let the chicken rest for a few minutes with the sauce. Trust me, letting it sit for 5 or 10 minutes helps lock in all the juicy flavors.