Best Crockpot Lemon Garlic Chicken Recipe
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.
- 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
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
