Best Crockpot Lemon Garlic Chicken Recipe

Introduction

This Best Crockpot Lemon Garlic Chicken recipe is a simple, flavorful dish perfect for busy days. Tender chicken thighs are slow-cooked with a bright lemon and garlic sauce, creating a delicious meal with minimal effort.

Ingredients

• 3 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs
• 2 tsp paprika
• 2 tsp salt
• 1.5 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 0.75 tsp black pepper
• 0.75 tsp red pepper flakes
• 2 medium lemons
• 1.5 tbsp minced garlic
• 6 tbsp salted butter
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a small bowl, whisk together paprika, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and red pepper flakes for an even seasoning blend. Zest both lemons into a separate bowl, then juice them and set the juice aside.
2. Step 2: Place the chicken thighs in the slow cooker in an even layer. Sprinkle the spice blend evenly over the chicken, then scatter the minced garlic and lemon zest on top. Pour the lemon juice over everything and dot with small pieces of salted butter.
3. Step 3: Cover and cook on low for 4 to 5 hours, or on high for 3 hours, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 172°F (74°C).
4. Step 4: Transfer the chicken to a serving platter and drizzle with the cooking liquid from the slow cooker. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve immediately with your favorite sides.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, marinate the chicken with the spice blend and lemon juice for 1 hour before cooking.
• Substitute chicken thighs with breasts, but reduce cooking time slightly to avoid drying out.
• Add vegetables like carrots or potatoes to the slow cooker for a complete one-pot meal.

Storage

Store leftover chicken and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stove to keep the chicken moist and flavorful.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

It’s best to use thawed chicken thighs for even cooking and food safety. Cooking from frozen may increase the cooking time and affect texture.

How can I tell when the chicken is done?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature has reached 172°F (74°C) at the thickest part of the chicken for safe consumption.

Best Crockpot Lemon Garlic Chicken Recipe

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4.5 from 85 reviews

This Best Crockpot Lemon Garlic Chicken recipe features tender, juicy boneless skinless chicken thighs slow-cooked to perfection in a fragrant lemon, garlic, and butter sauce. The slow cooking method allows the flavors of paprika, garlic, onion, and fresh lemon to blend seamlessly, resulting in a rich, comforting dish ideal for an easy weeknight dinner or meal prep.

• Author: rami
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 4 to 5 hours (low) or 3 hours (high)
• Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes to 5 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken and Seasonings

• 3 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs
• 2 tsp paprika
• 2 tsp salt
• 1.5 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 0.75 tsp black pepper
• 0.75 tsp red pepper flakes

Lemon and Garlic

• 2 medium lemons (zested and juiced)
• 1.5 tbsp minced garlic

Others

• 6 tbsp salted butter
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Spice Blend and Lemons: In a small bowl, whisk together paprika, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and red pepper flakes to create an even seasoning mix. Zest both lemons into another small bowl, then juice them and set the juice aside separately to use later.
2. Season the Chicken: Place the chicken thighs evenly in the slow cooker. Sprinkle the prepared spice blend over the chicken to ensure even coverage. Distribute the minced garlic and lemon zest atop the chicken for fresh aromatic flavor.
3. Add Lemon Juice and Butter: Pour the fresh lemon juice over the seasoned chicken. Dot the surface with small pieces of salted butter, which will melt during cooking and infuse the chicken with a rich, lemony sauce.
4. Slow Cook the Chicken: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low heat for 4 to 5 hours or on high heat for 3 hours. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 172°F (74°C), ensuring it is thoroughly cooked, juicy, and tender. The low setting is recommended for best flavor and moisture retention.
5. Serve: Transfer the cooked chicken to a serving dish. Drizzle generously with the leftover cooking liquid from the slow cooker, enhancing the dish with a flavorful lemon garlic sauce. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and serve immediately with your favorite sides such as rice, roasted vegetables, or crusty bread.

Notes

• Using boneless skinless chicken thighs ensures maximum tenderness and flavor absorption.
• The slow cooker method allows the garlic and lemon to deeply infuse the chicken.
• Butter can be substituted with olive oil for a lighter version.
• Adjust the red pepper flakes to control the spiciness according to your preference.
• Ensure the chicken is cooked to a safe internal temperature (172°F) for food safety.
• This dish pairs well with simple sides like steamed rice, mashed potatoes, or roasted vegetables.

Keywords: Crockpot chicken, lemon garlic chicken, slow cooker chicken thighs, easy chicken recipe, comfort food