Name: Slow Cooker Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Thighs Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 4 h
Total time: 4 h 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 6 chicken thighs (bone-in or boneless); 4 tbsp unsalted butter; 1 tbsp olive oil; 6 cloves garlic (minced); 2 lemons (1 sliced, 1 juiced); 1 cup chicken broth; 1 tsp paprika; 1 tsp Italian seasoning; 0.5 tsp salt; 0.5 tsp black pepper; fresh parsley (for garnish)

Slow Cooker Lemon Garlic is a delightful dish that transforms ordinary chicken thighs into a culinary masterpiece. Tender, juicy chicken is slow-cooked in a rich lemon garlic butter sauce that tantalizes the taste buds and fills your home with comforting aromas. This easy recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners, allowing you to enjoy a gourmet meal without spending hours in the kitchen. With just a handful of ingredients and a slow cooker, you’ll create a meal that’s as satisfying as it is simple.

Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Lemon Garlic

This dish not only delivers incredible flavor but also offers various benefits that make it a must-try. First, it’s a lemon garlic slow cooker recipe that requires minimal prep time—just 10 minutes! Second, the use of chicken thighs ensures a juicy result, making it the ideal choice for slow cooker lemon garlic chicken. Third, the combination of lemon and garlic infuses the chicken with a zesty flavor that is hard to resist. Fourth, it’s a healthy slow cooker lemon garlic option, being gluten-free and low in carbs. Fifth, leftovers are just as delicious, making it great for meal prep. Lastly, this recipe is versatile and can be adapted with a variety of sides.

Ingredients for Slow Cooker Lemon Garlic

Gather these items:

6 chicken thighs (bone-in or boneless)
4 tbsp unsalted butter
1 tbsp olive oil
6 cloves garlic (minced)
2 lemons (1 sliced, 1 juiced)
1 cup chicken broth
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp Italian seasoning
0.5 tsp salt
0.5 tsp black pepper
fresh parsley (for garnish)

How to Make Slow Cooker Lemon Garlic Step-by-Step

Step 1: Season chicken thighs with salt, pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning.
Step 2: Optional: Sear chicken in a skillet with olive oil until lightly golden.
Step 3: Place chicken in slow cooker and add garlic, lemon slices, lemon juice, and broth.
Step 4: Add butter cubes on top of the chicken.
Step 5: Cook on LOW for 6–7 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours.
Step 6: Taste sauce and adjust seasoning if needed.
Step 7: Garnish with parsley and serve.

Slow Cooker Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Thighs Recipe - Slow Cooker Lemon Garlic - main visual representation

Pro Tips for the Perfect Slow Cooker Lemon Garlic

Keep these in mind:

Using bone-in chicken thighs will enhance flavor and moisture.
For an extra kick, add red pepper flakes to the seasoning mix.
Make sure to taste the sauce before serving; adjust seasoning as necessary.
Use a lemon garlic marinade for slow cooker for even more flavor.

Best Ways to Serve Slow Cooker Lemon Garlic

This dish pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Serve it over fluffy rice or alongside creamy mashed potatoes to soak up the delicious sauce. For a lighter option, try serving with steamed vegetables or a fresh salad. You can also create a lemon garlic crockpot dish by adding vegetables directly into the slow cooker for a complete meal.

How to Store and Reheat Slow Cooker Lemon Garlic

After enjoying your meal, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. The chicken will keep well for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place the chicken in a microwave-safe dish and heat until warmed through, or reheat in the slow cooker on low for about 1 hour. This makes for an ideal easy lemon garlic slow cooker recipe for meal prep.

Frequently Asked Questions About Slow Cooker Lemon Garlic

What’s the secret to perfect Slow Cooker Lemon Garlic?

The secret lies in the seasoning and cooking time. Allowing the chicken to cook low and slow ensures it absorbs all the lemon and garlic flavors, resulting in tender, flavorful meat.

Can I make Slow Cooker Lemon Garlic ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the chicken and marinade in advance, then refrigerate them until you’re ready to cook. Simply place everything in the slow cooker when you’re ready for dinner.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Slow Cooker Lemon Garlic?

To avoid common mistakes, make sure not to overcrowd the slow cooker and always taste the sauce before serving. Adjust the seasoning as necessary to achieve the desired flavor.

Variations of Slow Cooker Lemon Garlic You Can Try

Get creative with your garlic lemon slow cooker recipes. You can substitute chicken with shrimp for a slow cooker lemon garlic shrimp recipe. Another option is to incorporate different herbs or add vegetables like asparagus or bell peppers. For a citrus twist, consider adding orange slices along with the lemons for a citrus garlic slow cooker meal.

Slow Cooker Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Thighs Recipe - Slow Cooker Lemon Garlic - additional detail

With these variations and tips, this Slow Cooker Lemon Garlic recipe can become a staple in your kitchen, providing delicious meals that are easy to prepare and enjoy!

For more delicious recipes, check out our Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken or try our Baked Chicken Thighs for a different flavor experience. If you’re looking for a sweet treat, don’t miss our Molten Lava Chocolate Cake Recipe.

For additional information on the health benefits of garlic, you can visit Healthline.