If you’ve been hunting for a foolproof, melt-in-your-mouth chicken dinner that’s hands-off but full of flavor, your search ends here! I’m excited to share my Slow Cooker Boneless Chicken Thighs in Garlic Herb Lemon Butter Recipe—a cozy, rich, and brilliantly simple meal that’s quickly become a family favorite. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll understand why it’s my go-to weeknight winner that practically cooks itself.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortless and Hands-Off: Just toss everything into the slow cooker and let it work its magic while you relax or get other things done.
- Juicy, Tender Chicken: The boneless thighs slow-cook in a luscious garlic herb lemon butter sauce that keeps them incredibly moist and flavorful.
- Perfect Balance of Flavors: Bright lemon zest and garlic meet warming herbs and buttery richness for a harmonious taste that’s surprisingly sophisticated.
- Family Approved: My household goes crazy for this dish, and I bet yours will too—it’s comforting, delicious, and easy to double!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Slow Cooker Boneless Chicken Thighs in Garlic Herb Lemon Butter Recipe plays its part in delivering deep, complex flavor while keeping the prep super simple. Most of these are pantry staples, but fresh lemon and butter really make the magic happen.
- Boneless skinless chicken thighs: These stay juicy during slow cooking better than breast, plus they soak up flavors beautifully.
- Chicken bouillon seasoning: Adds a savory depth without extra salt—makes your sauce taste like chicken soup in the best way.
- Garlic herb seasoning: A handy blend that amps up flavor and saves chopping time.
- Garlic powder: Boosts the garlic punch alongside fresh garlic for layered flavor.
- Onion powder: Adds subtle sweetness and savoriness without tears.
- Lemon pepper: Contributes brightness and a zesty kick that complements the butter perfectly.
- Smoked paprika: Provides warmth and smoky undertones that round out the flavor profile.
- Black pepper: Freshly ground is best for a fragrant spice note.
- Dried rosemary, thyme, oregano: Classic herbs that give the dish a comforting, earthy aroma.
- Fresh garlic cloves: Minced for bursts of aromatic flavor throughout the sauce.
- Unsalted butter: Cut into chunks to melt into the sauce slowly, enriching every bite.
- Whole lemon: Zested and sliced to provide citrus brightness and a touch of tartness.
- Chicken broth (low sodium): Keeps the sauce flavorful and moist without being too salty.
- Corn starch: To thicken the cooking juices into a luscious gravy—totally optional but highly recommended.
Variations
I love making this Slow Cooker Boneless Chicken Thighs in Garlic Herb Lemon Butter Recipe my own by tweaking a few things depending on what I’ve got on hand or who I’m cooking for. Play around with the herbs and spices—you’ll quickly discover what your family loves most!
- Spicy Kick: I sometimes add a pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes to the seasoning mix for a subtle heat that livens up the dish.
- Herb Swap: Swapping dried oregano for fresh basil in summer adds a fresh, vibrant note I can’t resist.
- Dairy-Free Version: Use olive oil instead of butter, and skip the thickening step, for a lighter but still tasty option.
- Veggie Boost: Throw in baby carrots or sliced mushrooms about an hour before the end of cooking for extra veggies and flavor complexity.
How to Make Slow Cooker Boneless Chicken Thighs in Garlic Herb Lemon Butter Recipe
Step 1: Seasoning the Chicken Perfectly
Start by laying your cleaned boneless chicken thighs flat in the slow cooker. I like to sprinkle each seasoning slowly and evenly over the thighs—this includes chicken bouillon seasoning, garlic herb seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, lemon pepper, smoked paprika, black pepper, and dried herbs. Don’t be shy here because the magic is in the layers of flavor. Then give the chicken a gentle mix (I use clean hands) to ensure every piece is fully coated with the seasoning blend. This is where the flavor foundation is built.
Step 2: Adding Garlic, Butter, and Lemon
Next, toss in the minced garlic cloves right over the chicken for aromatic bursts throughout the cooking process. Then, I place the butter slices on top—the slow cooker will melt it slowly, creating that rich buttery sauce we crave. For the citrusy pop, zest one lemon carefully (avoid the bitter white pith), aiming for about one teaspoon of zest, then slice the lemon and arrange the slices on top of the chicken. Whenever I add lemon like this, it brightens and balances the richness so beautifully.
Step 3: Pour Broth and Cook Low and Slow
Gently pour your low sodium chicken broth around the edges of the crockpot—don’t pour it directly over the chicken or you risk washing off the seasoning. This little trick keeps all those flavors right where they belong. Then cover the lid and cook on high for 4 hours or on low for 6-8 hours, depending on your schedule. The slow cooking lets the chicken soak up all that garlicky, herby, lemony butter goodness and become incredibly tender.
Step 4: Make the Gravy and Serve
Once your chicken is cooked and smells amazing, scoop out about ¼ cup of the cooking liquid and whisk it with corn starch until smooth. Pour this slurry back into the crockpot and stir gently—it’ll thicken the liquid into a silky gravy that’s perfect drizzled over your chicken. Serve it over fluffy mashed potatoes or rice, and you have yourself a meal that’s wonderful comfort food with zero fuss.
Pro Tips for Making Slow Cooker Boneless Chicken Thighs in Garlic Herb Lemon Butter Recipe
- Even Seasoning Coating: I always mix the chicken with seasonings by hand in the crockpot to ensure each thigh has that perfect flavor crust—don’t skip this step!
- Avoid Overcooking: Cooking on low for 6-8 hours works fantastic but I’ve found anything beyond that makes the chicken a bit too soft, so set your timer accordingly.
- Lemon Zesting Tip: Use a microplane and scrape lightly—the lemon zest should be fragrant but never bitter, which happens if you get the white pith.
- Gravy Perfection: Mixing the corn starch with liquid BEFORE adding it back avoids lumps and helps you get that silky, luscious sauce every time.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Boneless Chicken Thighs in Garlic Herb Lemon Butter Recipe
Garnishes
I’m a huge fan of finishing this dish with fresh parsley or thyme sprigs—not only for a pop of color but also to add a fresh herbal note that brightens the rich buttery sauce. Sometimes, I even toss on some freshly cracked black pepper for a little extra zing right before serving.
Side Dishes
This chicken pairs beautifully with creamy mashed potatoes, steamed green beans, or fluffy rice to soak up that luscious garlic herb lemon butter gravy. I also love serving it alongside roasted asparagus or sautéed spinach for a veggie boost.
Creative Ways to Present
For special dinners, I like plating the chicken thighs over a bed of buttered herb couscous, garnished with lemon slices and microgreens for extra flair. If you’re serving guests, drizzle a little extra butter sauce over everything and add a sprinkling of toasted almonds for crunch—everyone asks for the recipe!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and they stay tender and flavorful for up to 3 days. The sauce soaks into the chicken even more overnight, making for an even more delicious lunch the next day.
Freezing
This recipe freezes beautifully! I portion the chicken and sauce into freezer-safe containers and it keeps well for up to 3 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, I gently warm the leftovers in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth if the sauce feels too thick or dry. This way the chicken stays moist and the flavors really come back to life.
FAQs
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Can I use bone-in chicken thighs for this recipe?
Absolutely! Bone-in thighs will work, but keep in mind they might need a bit longer cooking time and the texture will differ slightly with more richness from the bones. Just be sure to check tenderness with a fork before serving.
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Is it necessary to thicken the sauce with corn starch?
It’s optional but highly recommended! Thickening the sauce into a gravy makes it perfect for serving over sides like mashed potatoes or rice. If you prefer a thinner broth-style sauce, you can skip this step.
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Can I prepare this recipe without a slow cooker?
Yes! You can simmer the chicken gently in a covered pan over low heat on the stove for about 1-1.5 hours, stirring occasionally, and then thicken the sauce as directed. It won’t be quite the same but still delicious.
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How do I prevent the chicken from drying out?
Using boneless skinless thighs, cooking low and slow, and keeping plenty of liquid and butter in the crockpot keeps the chicken tender and juicy. Avoid overcooking by sticking to recommended times and ditch the breast meat, which tends to dry out easily.
Final Thoughts
This Slow Cooker Boneless Chicken Thighs in Garlic Herb Lemon Butter Recipe has been such a game-changer for me—effortless, packed with flavor, and totally comforting. I love how it fills my kitchen with cozy aromas and how the leftovers taste even better the next day. Honestly, it feels like a fancy meal that took hardly any effort. I can’t wait for you to make this for your family—it’s one of those recipes you’ll want to keep on repeat!
Print
Slow Cooker Boneless Chicken Thighs in Garlic Herb Lemon Butter Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delicious and tender boneless chicken thighs slow cooked in a savory garlic butter sauce with a blend of herbs and spices, enhanced by fresh lemon zest and broth to create a rich, flavorful meal perfect for effortless weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasonings
- 6 boneless skinless chicken thighs
- 1 tablespoon chicken bouillon seasoning
- ½ tablespoon garlic herb seasoning
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons onion powder
- 1 teaspoon lemon pepper
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon dried rosemary
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
Aromatics and Liquids
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 stick unsalted butter, cut into pieces
- 1 whole lemon, zested and sliced
- 2 cups low sodium chicken broth
Thickener
- 1 tablespoon corn starch (mixed with cooking liquid, optional but recommended)
Instructions
- Season the Chicken: Add your cleaned chicken thighs to your slow cooker and evenly sprinkle all the seasonings (chicken bouillon, garlic herb seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, lemon pepper, smoked paprika, black pepper, dried rosemary, thyme, and oregano) over them. Use clean hands or tongs to toss and coat each piece thoroughly with the spices.
- Add Aromatics and Butter: Place the minced garlic cloves directly into the slow cooker atop the chicken. Then, distribute the pieces of unsalted butter evenly over the chicken thighs.
- Prepare Lemon: Zest the lemon carefully to avoid the bitter white pith, collecting about 1 teaspoon of zest. Slice the lemon and layer the slices over the chicken and butter in the slow cooker.
- Add Broth: Pour the low sodium chicken broth gently around the edges of the crockpot, ensuring the seasonings remain mostly on the chicken without washing them away.
- Slow Cook the Chicken: Cover the slow cooker with its lid and cook on high for 4 hours or on low for 6-8 hours until the chicken is tender and juicy.
- Make the Gravy: Before serving, mix 1 tablespoon of corn starch with about ¼ cup of the hot cooking liquid from the slow cooker to form a smooth slurry. Stir this mixture back into the slow cooker and mix gently into the juices to thicken into a light gravy.
- Serve: Serve the flavorful slow cooked chicken thighs and gravy over mashed potatoes or rice for a comforting, satisfying meal.
Notes
- These Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs cook low and slow in a garlic butter sauce until perfectly juicy, tender, and flavorful.
- This recipe makes an easy weeknight dinner that requires minimal hands-on time.
- The optional cornstarch slurry helps create a delicious gravy from the cooking juices.
- Use low sodium chicken broth to control the saltiness of the final dish.
- Fresh lemon zest adds brightness without bitterness—avoid zesting too deeply into the rind.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 thigh with gravy
- Calories: 155 kcal
- Sugar: 0.5 g
- Sodium: 782 mg
- Fat: 5 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0.05 g
- Carbohydrates: 4 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 23 g
- Cholesterol: 109 mg
