Crock Pot Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken

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A family‑friendly, melt‑in‑your‑mouth chicken dish that needs just a few simple steps and ingredients. It fills your kitchen with irresistible aroma and delivers a creamy, tangy, buttery sauce—ideal served over rice, potatoes, or veggies.

🛒 Ingredients (Serves 4–6)

  • 6–8 boneless chicken thighs (skin optional; thighs stay juicier than breasts)

  • 1/3 cup low-sodium chicken broth

  • Juice + zest of 1 lemon

  • 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced

  • ½ stick (about 4 tablespoons) unsalted butter, diced

  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning (or oregano & thyme mix)

  • ½ tsp paprika

  • ½ tsp garlic powder & ½ tsp onion powder

  • Pinch of crushed red chili flakes (optional)

  • Salt & black pepper, to taste

  • Fresh parsley and lemon slices for garnish

👩‍🍳 Method

  1. Prep Chicken
    Pat thighs dry. Season with salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, and chili flakes.

  2. Layer Base
    Place chicken thighs into the crock pot. Pour in chicken broth, lemon juice, and sprinkle lemon zest.

  3. Add Garlic & Butter
    Spread fresh garlic over chicken. Dot with diced butter pieces.

  4. Cook

    • Low: 6–8 hours

    • High: 3–4 hours
      This ensures tender, juicy meat.

  5. Finish
    Once done, garnish with fresh parsley and lemon slices.

🔧 Pro Tips

  • Optional sear: Quickly brown chicken before adding to the crock pot to boost flavor and a bit of crust.

  • Use fresh lemon—juice and zest—for the brightest flavor; avoid bottled juice .

  • Adjust butter: If you’d like to lighten the sauce, reduce butter by a third without sacrificing richness .

  • Thicken sauce: Stir in a cornstarch slurry (1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water) about 30 minutes before end time for a velvety finish .

🍽️ Serving Suggestions

  • Serve over rice, mashed or roast potatoes, or cauliflower rice for a lighter option .

  • Add steamed veggies like green beans or broccoli on the side.

  • Energize leftovers by shredding the chicken and tossing with pasta or using as a filling for wraps and salads.

🌿 Why You’ll Love It

  • Effortless: Minimal prep, just layer and cook.

  • Flavor-packed: Bright lemon, savory garlic, and buttery warmth meld beautifully.

  • Versatile: Works well with multiple sides or meal types.

  • Kid-friendly: Mild yet flavorful—appeals to all ages.

Enjoy this stress‑free, comforting dinner that looks and tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen—when you really didn’t. Let me know if you’d like tips for adapting it to air-fryer crisping, or prepping it ahead for meal prep!

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