Best Crockpot Lemon Garlic Chicken Recipe
Introduction
This Best Crockpot Lemon Garlic Chicken is a flavorful, tender dish perfect for busy days. Slow-cooked with zesty lemon, garlic, and a blend of spices, it delivers a rich and aromatic 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
- Step 1: In a small bowl, whisk together paprika, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and red pepper flakes to create a well-blended seasoning mix. Zest both lemons into another small bowl, then juice them and set the juice aside.
- Step 2: Place the chicken thighs in your slow cooker in an even layer. Sprinkle the seasoning blend evenly over the chicken, then distribute the minced garlic and lemon zest on top.
- Step 3: Pour the lemon juice over the chicken and dot the surface with small pieces of salted butter. The butter will melt and form a flavorful sauce during cooking.
- Step 4: 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).
- Step 5: Transfer the chicken to a serving platter and drizzle with the cooking liquid from the slow cooker. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve immediately with your favorite sides.
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in the seasoning and lemon juice for 30 minutes before cooking.
- Substitute chicken breasts if preferred, but reduce cooking time to prevent drying out.
- Add sliced onions or mushrooms to the slow cooker for added texture and flavor.
- Use unsalted butter if you prefer to control the saltiness more closely.
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 stovetop to keep the chicken moist and to warm the sauce evenly.
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 to ensure even cooking and food safety. If using frozen chicken, increase the slow cooker time and verify the internal temperature reaches 172°F (74°C).
What can I serve with this lemon garlic chicken?
This chicken pairs wonderfully with rice, roasted vegetables, steamed greens, or crusty bread to soak up the flavorful sauce.
PrintBest Crockpot Lemon Garlic Chicken Recipe
This Best Crockpot Lemon Garlic Chicken recipe features tender, juicy boneless skinless chicken thighs slow-cooked with a fragrant blend of paprika, garlic, lemon zest, and fresh lemon juice. The addition of salted butter creates a rich, velvety lemon-garlic sauce that perfectly coats the chicken. It’s an easy, hands-off meal ideal for busy days, delivering deep, harmonious flavors with minimal effort.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 to 5 hours on low or 3 hours on 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
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 Butter
- 2 medium lemons (zested and juiced)
- 1.5 tbsp minced garlic
- 6 tbsp salted butter
Garnish
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare the seasoning blend: In a small bowl, whisk together paprika, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. This ensures the spices are evenly combined and prevents clumping when seasoned on the chicken.
- Prepare the lemon: Zest both lemons into a separate small bowl, then juice them and set the juice aside. Preparing all lemon elements at once streamlines the process and ensures none are forgotten.
- Layer the chicken in the slow cooker: Place the boneless skinless chicken thighs in an even layer inside your slow cooker.
- Season the chicken: Evenly sprinkle the spice blend over the chicken pieces. Distribute the minced garlic and lemon zest across the top to spread the intense garlic-lemon flavor throughout.
- 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 and create a rich, flavorful sauce.
- Cook the chicken: Cover the slow cooker. Cook on low for 4 to 5 hours or on high for 3 hours, until the internal temperature of the thickest chicken piece reaches 172°F (74°C), ensuring juiciness and full flavor development.
- Serve: Transfer the cooked chicken to a serving platter. Drizzle generously with the cooking liquid from the slow cooker to coat every bite in the luscious lemon-garlic butter sauce. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve immediately with your favorite sides such as rice, roasted vegetables, or crusty bread.
Notes
- For best results, use the low-and-slow cooking method to retain moisture and enhance flavor.
- Check chicken temperature with a meat thermometer for food safety and optimal doneness.
- You can substitute salted butter with unsalted and add a pinch of extra salt if preferred.
- The leftover lemon-garlic sauce can be spooned over rice or vegetables for added flavor.
- This recipe works well with chicken breasts, but cooking times may vary slightly.
Keywords: crockpot chicken, lemon garlic chicken, slow cooker recipe, easy chicken dinner, boneless chicken thighs, lemon butter sauce, comfort food
