These slow cooker chicken thighs are tender and packed with flavor thanks to the lemon and garlic butter sauce! Easy to prepare, they’re perfect for any night of the week.
I love how the chicken cooks to perfection while I relax. Just toss everything in, set the timer, and in a few hours, it’s ready to enjoy—no fuss, just yummy bites!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Thighs: Bone-in, skin-on thighs are great for flavor and moisture. If you’re looking for a leaner option, boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts can replace them, though the cooking time might be shorter.
Butter: I recommend unsalted butter to control the saltiness. You can use olive oil or vegan butter as alternatives to cut down on saturated fats or for dairy-free meals.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic adds the best flavor. If you don’t have fresh garlic, garlic powder can work in a pinch—just use about 1/8 teaspoon per clove.
Lemon: Fresh lemon juice and zest provide brightness. However, bottled lemon juice can be a substitute, but it lacks the fresh aroma and taste. A lime can also work if you’re out of lemons!
Chicken Broth: Using low-sodium chicken broth lets you control the salt in the dish. Vegetable broth can be a great swap if you’re looking for a meat-free option.
How Do You Make the Chicken Skin Extra Crispy?
If you want that deliciously crispy skin, here’s a simple way to achieve it:
- After cooking the chicken in the slow cooker, carefully place the thighs on a baking sheet.
- Preheat your broiler and place the baking sheet under it for 3-5 minutes. Keep an eye on them to avoid burning!
- This method gives you that lovely crisp texture without over-cooking the chicken.
Don’t forget to spoon some of the flavorful sauce over the chicken after broiling for extra taste!
Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs with Lemon Garlic Butter
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 3 tablespoons butter, melted (plus extra for finishing)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lemon, zested and juiced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano or Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional for slight heat)
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Lemon wedges (for serving)
- Rice, cauliflower rice, or desired side for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep and 5-6 hours to cook on low (or 2-3 hours on high) in the slow cooker. So, it’s perfect to set and forget, with just a little bit of time to enjoy the deliciousness later!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Season the Chicken:
Start by seasoning your chicken thighs generously with salt and black pepper on both sides. This will enhance the flavor of the chicken as it cooks.
2. Mix the Lemon Garlic Butter:
In a small bowl, mix together the melted butter, minced garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, dried oregano, crushed red pepper flakes (if using), and chicken broth. Stir everything well until fully combined. This mixture will bring amazing flavor to your chicken!
3. Add Chicken to the Slow Cooker:
Place the seasoned chicken thighs in the slow cooker skin-side up. Pour the lemon garlic butter mixture evenly over the chicken to ensure they soak up all that tasty goodness.
4. Cook the Chicken:
Cover your slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 5-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours. Your chicken is done when it’s tender and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
5. Optional Crispy Skin:
If you want that lovely crispy skin like in the picture, carefully remove the cooked chicken thighs from the slow cooker and place them on a baking sheet. Broil them in the oven for 3-5 minutes until the skin is golden and crispy. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning!
6. Enhance the Flavor:
For extra flavor, spoon some of the cooking juices over the chicken after you remove it from the slow cooker. You won’t regret it!
7. Garnish and Serve:
Garnish your delicious chicken thighs with chopped fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges on the side. You can enjoy them over cooked rice, cauliflower rice, or your favorite side dish, drizzling some of that amazing lemon garlic butter sauce on top.
Enjoy your flavorful, juicy slow cooker chicken thighs with that bright lemon garlic butter sauce! It’s comfort food at its best!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken Thighs in This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken thighs! Just make sure to extend the cooking time by an hour or so, as they will take longer to reach the proper internal temperature. Always ensure they are fully cooked to 165°F (74°C) before serving.
What Can I Substitute for Chicken Broth?
If you don’t have chicken broth on hand, vegetable broth works perfectly! You can also use water with a splash of soy sauce or a bouillon cube dissolved in it for added flavor.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can reheat them in the microwave or on the stove over low heat. If the chicken seems dry, add a splash of broth or water to keep it moist!
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prep the chicken and garlic butter mixture the night before, store them separately in the fridge, and combine everything in the slow cooker in the morning for a hassle-free dinner!