Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

Melt-in-Your-Mouth Crock Pot Chicken Thighs with Lemon Garlic Butter

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star No reviews
  • Prep Time: 15 Minutes
  • Cook Time: 60 Minutes
  • Total Time: 75 Minutes
  • Yield: 6 Servings 1x
  • Category: Easy dinners

Description

How to make easy Crock Pot Chicken thighs with zesty lemon garlic butter that are incredibly tender and flavorful, perfect for weeknight dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • Main Components:
  • 6–8 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 small yellow onion, finely diced
  • 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
  • Flavor Builders:
  • 6 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 large lemons, zested and juiced
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried)
  • Seasonings & Spices:
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Finishing Touches:
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)

Instructions

  1. Sear Chicken: First, sear the bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs in olive oil in an oven-safe pot until golden brown. Remove chicken, then sauté the diced yellow onion in the same pot until softened, about 5 minutes. This builds a flavorful base.
  2. Make Sauce: In a separate bowl, whisk together the melted butter, minced garlic, lemon zest, fresh lemon juice, Dijon mustard, fresh thyme leaves, kosher salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika. This creates the zesty lemon garlic butter.
  3. Load Crockpot: Return the seared chicken thighs to the pot with the sautéed onions. Pour the prepared lemon garlic butter sauce and low-sodium chicken broth evenly over the chicken. Ensure everything is well coated.
  4. Slow Cook: Cover the pot and cook on low for 3-4 hours or on high for 1.5-2.5 hours, until the Easy Crock Pot Chicken thighs are fork-tender. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
  5. Thicken Sauce: If you desire a thicker sauce, remove the chicken. Whisk cornstarch with a little water, then stir into the pot juices. Cook on high for 15-20 minutes until the sauce for your Easy Crock Pot Chicken thighs thickens.
  6. Finish Dish: Return the tender Easy Crock Pot Chicken thighs to the thickened, rich sauce. Gently coat them in the flavorful lemon garlic butter. This ensures every piece is infused with deliciousness.
  7. Garnish & Serve: Garnish your Melt-in-Your-Mouth Crock Pot Chicken Thighs with Lemon Garlic Butter with fresh chopped parsley. Serve immediately with your favorite comforting sides for a truly delightful meal.

Notes

Searing chicken is crucial for deep flavor and golden skin; avoid overcooking to prevent dry, tough results.

Store leftovers and sauce in an airtight container, refrigerating promptly for 3-4 days to maintain freshness.

Boneless chicken thighs can be substituted, but adjust cooking time to prevent dryness and check for 165°F.

Serve immediately over creamy mashed potatoes, rice, or polenta to soak up all the delicious lemon garlic butter sauce.

Prep the lemon garlic butter sauce and dice onion 1-2 days ahead, storing them refrigerated in airtight containers.

Rest cooked chicken for 10 minutes before serving for juicier, more tender results, or broil for crispy skin.

**Allergy Information:** Dairy

Did you make this recipe?

Share a photo and tag us — we can't wait to see what you've made!

Find it online: https://tastecurious.com/melt-in-your-mouth-crock-pot-chicken-thighs-with-lemon-garlic-butter/