Here’s a more detailed step-by-step guide to making Crock Pot Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken for a flavorful, juicy dish!

Ingredients:

  • 6-8 boneless, skinless chicken thighs (You can use thighs with skin for a richer flavor, but skinless works well for a leaner option)
  • Salt and pepper (to taste)
  • 1 tablespoon garlic powder
  • 1 tablespoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon crushed red chili pepper flakes or Cayenne pepper (optional, for a bit of heat)
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 4 garlic cloves, sliced or minced
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 stick (1/4 cup) butter, diced
  • Zest of half a lemon
  • Juice of 1 lemon
  • 1/3 cup chicken stock
  • Chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
  • Lemon slices (for garnish)

Directions:

  1. Prepare the Chicken:
  • Place the chicken thighs in the bottom of your slow cooker. If you prefer, you can use bone-in thighs, but boneless will cook faster and more evenly.
  • Season the chicken with salt and pepper to taste.
  1. Prepare the Sauce:
  • In a small bowl, combine the Italian seasoning, onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, and crushed red chili pepper flakes (if using). Sprinkle this spice mix evenly over the chicken thighs.
  • Add the sliced garlic or minced garlic on top of the chicken. The garlic will infuse the sauce with amazing flavor as it cooks.
  1. Add the Liquid:
  • Zest half of the lemon (you can use a grater or zester to remove the yellow peel) and sprinkle the zest over the chicken.
  • Squeeze the juice of one lemon over the chicken thighs.
  • Pour in the 1/3 cup of chicken stock to provide moisture while cooking.
  • Dot the chicken with the diced butter – the butter will melt into the sauce, making it creamy and delicious.
  1. Cook the Chicken:
  • Cover the crockpot and set it to cook:
    • On HIGH for 3-4 hours, or
    • On LOW for 6-8 hours, depending on your schedule and how tender you want the chicken.
  • After cooking, the chicken will be juicy and the flavors fully absorbed into the meat.
  1. Garnish and Serve:
  • Once the chicken is cooked, shred or leave the thighs whole, depending on your preference. If you choose to shred, you can use two forks to pull the chicken apart in the crockpot, mixing it with the buttery sauce.
  • Garnish the dish with fresh chopped parsley and lemon slices for a fresh pop of color and citrus flavor.
  1. Serving Suggestions:
  • Serve the lemon garlic butter chicken over a variety of sides such as:
    • Cauliflower rice (for a low-carb option),
    • Spiralized zucchini noodles,
    • White or brown rice,
    • Pasta,
    • Quinoa,
  • You can also serve it with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

Tips:

  • Customize the spice level: If you like more heat, add a little extra cayenne pepper or chili flakes.
  • Use chicken breasts: You can substitute boneless chicken breasts for a leaner option, but keep in mind they will cook faster than thighs and may dry out a bit more, so be sure to monitor them closely.
  • Add veggies: Feel free to throw in some chopped carrots, onions, or bell peppers in the crockpot for added flavor and nutrition.

This Crock Pot Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken is a super easy, hands-off recipe that’s perfect for busy days. The slow cooker does all the work while you get to enjoy a rich, savory meal! Enjoy!

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