The Ultimate Comfort: Crock Pot Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken
Hello, dear readers!
Today, I’m sharing a recipe that’s close to my heart and always a hit in my kitchen: Crock Pot Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken. This dish is a harmonious blend of zesty lemon, aromatic garlic, and creamy butter.
And the best part?
Your slow cooker does most of the work! With just a few simple steps, you’ll have a mouthwatering dish that pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides.
Let’s dive in!
Ingredients for Your Lemon Garlic Delight:
- 6-8 boneless chicken thighs (skinless or with skin, as per your preference)
- Salt and pepper, adjusted to your taste
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red chili pepper flakes (optional for those who love a touch of heat) or Cayenne
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 4 garlic cloves, either sliced or minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 stick of butter, diced
- Zest from half a lemon
- Freshly squeezed juice from one lemon
- 1/3 cup chicken stock
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Lemon slices (for an added zesty garnish)
Directions to Slow-Cooked Perfection:
Layer Your Base: Start by placing the chicken thighs at the bottom of your slow cooker.
Infuse with Lemon: Combine your 1/3 cup of chicken stock with the lemon juice and zest, pouring this mixture over your chicken thighs. This will give the chicken that irresistible zesty kick.
Spice it Up: In a separate small bowl, mix together your Italian seasoning, onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, crushed red chili pepper flakes (if you’re using them), salt, and pepper. Sprinkle this flavorful spice blend over the chicken thighs.
Add Garlic and Butter: Top your spiced chicken with the minced (or sliced) garlic and those delightful dices of butter. They’ll melt and mix with the spices, creating a sauce that’s simply out of this world.
Set and Savor: Cover your crockpot and let it work its magic. Set it on HIGH for a quicker cook of 3-4 hours, or if you’ve got more time, LOW for 6-8 hours.
The Finishing Touch: Once your chicken is perfectly cooked and your home is filled with its tantalizing aroma, garnish your dish with freshly chopped parsley and beautiful lemon slices.
Serving Suggestions: This chicken is versatile when it comes to sides. Consider pairing with cauliflower rice for a low-carb option, spiralized zucchini noodles for a veggie twist, or go classic with rice, pasta, or quinoa.
There you have it — a comforting and flavor-packed dish that’s sure to be a hit at any dinner table. The lemon and garlic combination brings out the best in the chicken, making for a meal you’ll want to make again and again.
Enjoy!