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Juicy Crock Pot Chicken Thighs: The Easiest Lemon Garlic Butter Recipe

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  • Prep Time: 20 Minutes
  • Cook Time: 8 Hours
  • Total Time: 8 Hours 20 Minutes
  • Yield: 6 Servings 1x
  • Category: Crockpot Recipes

Description

How to make incredibly tender, flavorful Crock Pot Chicken Thighs with a rich lemon garlic butter sauce that’s perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • Main Components:
  • 2.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
  • 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
  • 2–3 large fresh lemons, zested and juiced
  • 6–8 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
  • Flavor Builders:
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Seasonings & Spices:
  • 1.5 teaspoons kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Finishing Touches:
  • 2 tablespoons fresh chopped parsley (for garnish)
  • 1 lemon, cut into wedges (for serving)

Instructions

  1. Prep Aromatics: Mince garlic, chop onion, and zest/juice lemons. In a small bowl, combine softened butter with lemon zest, minced garlic, dried thyme, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika to create your flavorful base.
  2. Sear Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken thighs for 2-3 minutes per side until lightly browned. This caramelizes the exterior, adding depth to your Easy Crock Pot Chicken Thighs.
  3. Layer Crockpot: Place chopped onions at the bottom of your crock pot. Arrange the seared chicken thighs over the onions. Evenly spread the prepared lemon garlic butter mixture over the chicken, ensuring each piece is well coated for maximum flavor.
  4. Slow Cook: Pour chicken broth and lemon juice into the crock pot. Cover and cook on LOW for 8 hours, or on HIGH for 4 hours, until the Easy Crock Pot Chicken Thighs are incredibly tender and easily shredded.
  5. Thicken Sauce: Once cooked, remove chicken to a plate. Whisk cornstarch with a tablespoon of water, then stir into the crock pot liquid. Cook on HIGH for 15-20 minutes, or until the rich lemon garlic butter sauce thickens.
  6. Combine & Coat: Return the cooked chicken thighs to the thickened sauce in the crock pot. Gently toss to coat each piece thoroughly in the luscious lemon garlic butter sauce. This ensures every bite of your Easy Crock Pot Chicken Thighs is flavorful.
  7. Garnish & Serve: Garnish your delicious Easy Crock Pot Chicken Thighs with fresh chopped parsley and serve immediately with lemon wedges. This comforting meal is perfect over rice, pasta, or mashed potatoes. Enjoy!

Notes

Sear chicken thighs first to develop crucial flavor depth and lock in juices.

Store leftover chicken and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.

Bone-in chicken thighs can be used, but adjust cooking time and ensure they reach 165°F.

Serve warm over mashed potatoes, rice, or al dente pasta, allowing the sauce to be spooned generously.

Prepare the lemon garlic butter mixture and chop onions a day ahead for convenient assembly and cooking.

Caramelize onions until golden-brown before adding to the crock pot for a deeper, richer flavor.

**Allergy Information:** Dairy

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Find it online: https://baketrove.com/juicy-crock-pot-chicken-thighs-the-easiest-lemon-garlic-butter-recipe/