Crock Pot Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken

by

Crock Pot Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken: A Flavorful and Easy Meal

Crock Pot Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken is the ultimate comfort food that is simple to make yet incredibly flavorful. The rich combination of butter, garlic, and lemon creates a deliciously tangy and savory sauce that infuses the chicken, making each bite tender and juicy. With just a few ingredients and minimal effort, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or meal prepping. Plus, it pairs wonderfully with various sides like cauliflower rice, zucchini noodles, or pasta, making it versatile and family-friendly.

Why You Should Make Crock Pot Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken

Crockpot recipes are beloved for their convenience, and this lemon garlic butter chicken is no exception. The slow cooking process ensures that the chicken thighs stay moist and tender, absorbing all the flavors of the seasonings and the lemon-garlic butter sauce. Additionally, slow cooking allows you to set it and forget it, freeing up your time to focus on other tasks or relax while dinner cooks itself.

This recipe also highlights the amazing versatility of the slow cooker, which can transform basic ingredients into a mouthwatering dish that rivals anything from a fancy restaurant.

Ingredients for Crock Pot Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken

The beauty of this recipe is its simplicity—using a handful of staple ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry. Here’s everything you’ll need:

  • 6-8 boneless chicken thighs, skinless or with skin, depending on your preference
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1 tablespoon garlic powder
  • 1 tablespoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon crushed red chili pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika (adds a smoky flavor)
  • 4 garlic cloves, sliced or minced
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (a perfect blend of herbs)
  • 1/2 stick butter, diced into small cubes
  • Zest of half a lemon (for that fresh citrus punch)
  • Juice of one lemon (adds brightness and acidity)
  • 1/3 cup chicken stock (for a flavorful base)
  • Chopped fresh parsley and lemon slices, for garnish

Step-by-Step Directions for Crock Pot Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken

1. Prepare the Chicken and Seasoning Mix

Start by placing the chicken thighs at the bottom of your crockpot. You can use chicken thighs with skin for extra flavor or boneless, skinless thighs for a leaner option. Next, in a small bowl, combine the Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and crushed red chili flakes (if using). Season the chicken generously with salt and pepper, and then sprinkle the spice mixture evenly over the chicken thighs.

2. Add the Lemon and Butter

Once the chicken is seasoned, add the fresh garlic (either sliced or minced) over the chicken. Dice the butter into small cubes and place it on top of the chicken thighs. The butter will melt during cooking and create a rich, velvety sauce.

Next, combine the lemon zest, lemon juice, and chicken stock in a small bowl. Pour this citrusy mixture evenly over the chicken. The lemon juice adds tang and brightness, while the chicken stock helps to keep the chicken moist and flavorful.

3. Cook in the Crockpot

Cover the crockpot and set it to cook on HIGH for 3-4 hours or on LOW for 6-8 hours. The longer the chicken cooks, the more tender and flavorful it will become. The chicken will soak up the garlic and lemon butter sauce, resulting in a juicy and flavorful dish.

4. Finish and Garnish

Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the crockpot and place it on a serving dish. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a touch of color and lemon slices for extra citrus flavor. The sauce in the crockpot can be poured over the chicken for a burst of flavor with every bite.

Serve the Crock Pot Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken with a variety of sides. It pairs wonderfully with cauliflower rice for a low-carb option, spiralized zucchini noodles for a light and healthy alternative to pasta, or traditional rice, pasta, or quinoa for a more filling meal.

Tips for Perfect Crock Pot Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken

  • Use bone-in chicken thighs if you prefer extra richness and flavor. The bones add depth to the sauce, making the dish even more savory.
  • Adjust the heat: If you enjoy a little spice, feel free to add more crushed red chili flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat.
  • Searing the chicken: While not necessary, you can sear the chicken thighs in a hot pan for 2-3 minutes per side before adding them to the crockpot. This will give the chicken a crispy, caramelized exterior and add additional depth to the flavor.
  • Make it dairy-free: For a dairy-free version, replace the butter with olive oil or coconut oil.
  • Add vegetables: You can easily add vegetables like carrots, potatoes, or onions into the crockpot for a complete one-pot meal.

Why Chicken Thighs Are the Best Option for This Recipe

While chicken breasts are a popular choice for many recipes, chicken thighs are actually the better option for this dish. They contain more fat and connective tissue, which breaks down during slow cooking to create a juicy, tender, and flavorful result. Chicken thighs also have a richer, more complex flavor that complements the garlic and lemon butter sauce perfectly.

Additionally, chicken thighs are less likely to dry out during slow cooking, which makes them a reliable choice for crockpot recipes. Whether you use skinless or bone-in thighs, the chicken will remain moist and delicious.

Serving Suggestions for Crock Pot Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken

Crock Pot Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken is a versatile dish that pairs well with many sides. Here are some great ideas:

  • Cauliflower Rice: For a low-carb alternative to regular rice, cauliflower rice is a fantastic choice. Its neutral flavor allows the chicken and sauce to shine.
  • Zucchini Noodles: For a gluten-free, low-carb meal, spiralized zucchini noodles (or “zoodles”) make a light and healthy option.
  • Traditional Rice: If you’re not counting carbs, serve the chicken over white rice, brown rice, or even wild rice for a satisfying and hearty meal.
  • Pasta: The rich lemon-garlic sauce would also pair beautifully with spaghetti, penne, or any of your favorite pasta varieties.
  • Quinoa: For a high-protein option, serve the chicken with quinoa. Its nutty flavor and fluffy texture complement the chicken beautifully.

Conclusion: Why Crock Pot Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Is a Must-Try Recipe

Crock Pot Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken is the perfect blend of rich, savory flavors and tender chicken that will quickly become a go-to recipe in your household. It’s an incredibly easy dish to make, yet it delivers a restaurant-quality meal that is packed with flavor. With just a few simple ingredients and the magic of the slow cooker, you can create a meal that your whole family will love.

Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner or preparing it for meal prep, this recipe is sure to impress. Don’t forget to pair it with your favorite sides for a well-rounded and delicious meal!

Leave a Comment