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Let’s dive right into a recipe for Crock Pot Chicken Thighs that I have come to love. Loaded with lemon, garlic, and butter, this is one stand-out weeknight meal.
Have you ever had one of those days where you just crave a heartwarming and flavorful dish, but can’t muster the energy for a lot of kitchen time? I get it. Trust me, I’ve been there more times than I can count. This recipe for crock pot chicken thighs solves that problem.
Quick Look: Lemon Pepper Crock Pot Chicken Thighs
- ⏱ Prep Time: 6 minutes
- 🔥 Cook Time: 6 hours
- ⏳ Total Time: 6 hrs, 6 minutes
- 🍽️ Serving: 6 servings
- ⚡ Calories: 345kcal
- 🍂 Flavor Profile: The garlic, paprika, lemon, and red pepper all come together to help this juicy chicken be all that it can be
- 👌 Difficulty: Easy, perfect for busy weeknights or slow weekends.
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HERE IS WHAT OUR READERS ARE SAYING:
“Oh my! Heaven on earth! I was generous with the garlic, broth and lemon zest. Delicious! Worst part was drooling as it cooked!
Thanks so much!! A keeper!” – Sue
I love the Crockpot. Let’s just get that out of the way from the start, haha! I’m always looking for reasons to use it since it just make life easy.
This is one of my favorite recipes that combines the ease of a slow cooker with the mouthwatering flavors of lemon, garlic, and butter. Sound good so far?
Busy weeknight dinners are a thing in our house. Like, a regular thing. But I think it’s really important that my family get together for a shared meal as often as possible.
This is a big reason why the slow cooker has been a go-to for me so often. I can more or less just toss all my ingredients in there and let it do its thing. Boom! Easy recipe and awesome dinner ready!
This recipe combines the simplicity of a crock pot with some of my favorite flavors. The garlic, paprika, lemon, and red pepper all come together to help this juicy chicken be all that it can be. Ha!
This recipe for crock pot chicken thighs will deliver. So save that recipe card! Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe is bound to become a regular in your dinner rotation.
Some of our other favorite chicken recipes we have on our site include: Popcorn Chicken, Chicken in Pastry Recipe (Stuffed with Bacon and Avocado), and Best Slow Cooker Ritz Crackers Chicken Recipe.
WHY THIS RECIPE WORKS:
- Set it and Forget it! Slow cooking allows you to prep in the morning (or night before!) and come home to a hot, ready meal. If you’re a little short on time, you can set it to high and cook for only 3-4 hours instead. Simple!
- Tender, Juicy Chicken: Slow cooking ensures the chicken thighs remain juicy and tender. Come dinner time, you’ll have chicken that is moist and simply falling apart.
- Easy Cleanup: Just one pot, so no need to worry about a pile of dishes. Again, the slow cooker saves the day!
KEY INGREDIENTS:
Jump to:
- Quick Look: Lemon Pepper Crock Pot Chicken Thighs
- WHY THIS RECIPE WORKS:
- KEY INGREDIENTS:
- HOW TO MAKE CROCK POT CHICKEN THIGHS:
- LEMON GARLIC CHICKEN THIGH FAQS
- CAN THIS BE MADE AHEAD?
- ANY ADDITIONS?
- ANY SUBSTITUTIONS?
- HOW TO STORE:
- DANA’S TIPS AND TRICKS:
- Other Slow Cooker Recipes to Consider
- Lemon Garlic Recipe for Crock Pot Chicken Thighs
- Boneless skinless chicken thighs
- Salt and pepper
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Crushed red pepper flakes
- Paprika
- Italian seasoning
- Cloves garlic (minced)
- Butter
- Lemon zest
- Lemon juice
- Chicken broth
- Fresh parsley and lemon slices for garnish (optional)
HOW TO MAKE CROCK POT CHICKEN THIGHS:
- Place the chicken thighs into the bottom of an 8-quart slow cooker.
- In a small bowl, combine the chicken broth, lemon juice, and lemon zest and stir to combine.
- Pour the sauce all over the chicken thighs.
- In another small bowl, combine all the dry ingredients: the Italian seasoning, onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper, and mix well to combine. Sprinkle this all over top of the chicken thighs.
- Sprinkle the minced garlic all over top and then place the slices of butter all over.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 2-3 hours.
- Once done, add chopped parsley on top and top with sliced lemons if using.
LEMON GARLIC CHICKEN THIGH FAQS
Yes, you can definitely substitute chicken breasts, bone-in chicken thighs, or even chicken legs.
Just remember, bone-in cuts might need a bit of extra cook time, but it should work out in the same timeframe. They do tend to be even juicier though.
Just remember to always temp your chicken, it should be 165°F in the center of the thickest part.
White rice, brown rice, or egg noodles make great choices.
I’m a big fan of sticky rice!
A potato of some kind always works well, too. Or, if you’re keeping things light, a simple green salad or cauliflower rice pairs wonderfully.
CAN THIS BE MADE AHEAD?
Absolutely! Prepare everything but the lemon, and let it sit in the fridge overnight.
If left with the chicken, the lemon will break down the meat overnight, and that’s not what we want here.
Come morning, though, toss in the lemon and set your slow cooker. Easy-peasy!
ANY ADDITIONS?
Definitely! If you’ve got a great idea on your own, go for it. Otherwise, here are some options for you.
- Toss in some green beans or root vegetables for a complete meal.
- Sprinkle with sesame seeds for a lovely crunch.
- A drizzle of honey garlic sauce for a sweet touch.
- Try adding a splash of soy sauce for depth.
- Sprinkle in some extra herbs of your choice.
- A spoonful of cream cheese to make it creamy.
- Top with crispy fried onions for a little extra texture.
- Consider adding olives for a Mediterranean twist.
- A hint of olive oil can be added for richness.
ANY SUBSTITUTIONS?
Can do! Check out this short list.
- Swap chicken broth for vegetable broth.
- Olive oil can replace butter for a lighter version.
- Try using bone-in chicken thighs for a meatier texture.
- Fresh thyme or rosemary can be alternatives to Italian seasoning.
- Chicken breasts can be used, but always check the internal temperature to make sure they are ready.
HOW TO STORE:
Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for 2-3 days. Just use the microwave or a foil packet in the oven to warm it up when you’re ready!
Freezer: If you have leftover chicken, place it in an airtight container or freezer bag. It can be stored for up to a month.
DANA’S TIPS AND TRICKS:
- Browning First: For an added layer of flavor, you can brown the chicken thighs in a pan with some olive oil or more butter before placing them in the slow cooker.
- Boost the Flavor: If you’re a fan of garlic like me, feel free to add an extra clove or two!
- Skin-On or Off? Using skin-on chicken thighs can give a richer flavor, but if you prefer a leaner meal, go skinless.
- Lemon Lovers: For a zesty kick, add some extra lemon zest or juice.
- Avoid Overcooking: Even in a slow cooker, it’s possible. I’ve been there! Always check around the 6-hour mark.
- Boost the Heat: For those who love spice, feel free to increase the red pepper flakes or add your favorite hot sauce.
There you have it! A simple yet absolutely delicious recipe for those days when you need comfort food without the hassle. This recipe for crock pot chicken thighs is bound to impress your whole family.
I promise, once you try this, your slow cooker will become your best friend in the kitchen. Enjoy your meal, and remember, the best recipes are the ones shared with love!
Lemon Garlic Recipe for Crock Pot Chicken Thighs
Ingredients
- 12 boneless skinless chicken thighs
- 1/3 cup chicken broth
- Juice of one lemon
- Zest of half a lemon
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon sweet paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 4 tablespoons salted butter thinly sliced
- Fresh parsley and lemon slices for garnish optional
Instructions
- Place the chicken thighs into the bottom of an 8-quart slow cooker.12 boneless skinless chicken thighs
- In a small bowl, combine the chicken broth, lemon juice, and lemon zest and stir to combine.1/3 cup chicken broth, Juice of one lemon, Zest of half a lemon
- Pour the sauce all over the chicken thighs.
- In another small bowl, combine all the dry ingredients: the Italian seasoning, onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper, and mix well to combine. Sprinkle this all over top of the chicken thighs.1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon sweet paprika, 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Sprinkle the minced garlic all over top and then place the slices of butter all over.4 cloves garlic, 4 tablespoons salted butter
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 2-3 hours.
- Once done, add chopped parsley on top and top with sliced lemons if using.Fresh parsley and lemon slices for garnish
Notes
- Browning First: For an added layer of flavor, you can brown the chicken thighs in a pan with some olive oil or more butter before placing them in the slow cooker.
- Boost the Flavor: If you’re a fan of garlic like me, feel free to add an extra clove or two!
- Skin-On or Off? Using skin-on chicken thighs can give a richer flavor, but if you prefer a leaner meal, go skinless.
- Lemon Lovers: For a zesty kick, add some extra lemon zest or juice.
- Avoid Overcooking: Even in a slow cooker, it’s possible. I’ve been there! Always check around the 6-hour mark.
- Boost the Heat: For those who love spice, feel free to increase the red pepper flakes or add your favorite hot sauce.
Nutrition
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Oh my! Heaven on earth! I was generous with the garlic, broth and lemon zest. Delicious! Worst part was drooling as it cooked!
Thanks so much!! A keeper!
So glad you love it as much as we do!!
I absolutely love this recipe! I make it several times a month! MmmMmmm good!!