Some days call for deep comfort food. Truly good comfort food melts in your mouth beautifully. This Crockpot Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken delivers just that kind of magic. It offers incredibly tender chicken bathed in a bright, savory sauce. I know you will adore this easy chicken recipe for its simplicity alone.
We often rely on this slow cooker chicken meal after busy afternoons. My family always asks for seconds, honestly. Storing leftovers is a breeze too, which helps meal planning immensely.
Why I Love This Recipe
This recipe is truly my weeknight hero recipe. It requires almost zero active cooking time from me. Plus, the flavor profile is bright and deeply satisfying. Imagine coming home to that aroma filling your kitchen. It’s simple, fast, and consistently delicious every single time we make it.
Crockpot Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Ingredients
The power of this simple dish comes from just a few fantastic pantry staples. Butter and fresh lemon juice create a luxurious, velvety sauce base. This lemon garlic chicken sings with bright citrus notes. My go-to primary focus remains the flavorful Crockpot Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken itself.
Substitutions and Tips
- For the herbs, dried versions work fine here. However, fresh chopped parsley brightens the final flavor immensely.
- If you lack fresh lemon juice, bottled works in a pinch for this home cook.
- Feel free to add a dash of smoked paprika for deeper color and warmth.
- Always taste the sauce before serving for salt and pepper adjustments.
- You will find precise measurements in the recipe card below for your convenience.
How to Make Crockpot Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken
Step 1
First, situate your chicken pieces neatly inside the slow cooker insert. Try to keep them in a single layer if possible. This helps everything cook evenly, you know.
Step 2
Next, grab a small bowl for mixing your liquids. Whisk the chicken broth and melted butter together well. Then, stir in your lemon juice and minced garlic right away.
Step 3
Don’t forget the savory seasonings now. Add the dried oregano and thyme for depth. Season generously with salt and black pepper to start.
Step 4
Pour this marvelous sauce over your waiting chicken completely. Make absolutely sure every piece gets coated nicely. Cover the pot tightly with its lid.
Step 5
Now walk away and let the magic happen slowly. Cook on LOW for around three to four hours. Alternatively, use the HIGH setting for two to three hours total.
Step 6
Once it’s fork-tender, remove the cooked meat carefully. You can shred or slice the chicken easily now. Pour some sauce over it before serving hot.
How to Store Crockpot Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken
Storing this tasty chicken couldn’t be simpler, truly. Place any leftovers in an airtight container quickly. Refrigerate the chicken for up to four days easily. For longer keeping, freezing works perfectly well. Frozen leftovers last about three months securely sealed.
Tips for Success
- Thaw frozen chicken in the refrigerator overnight first.
- Dredging chicken lightly in flour helps thicken the final sauce slightly.
- Use chicken thighs for juicier results, though breasts are leaner.
- Always check internal temperature for safety, around 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Let the slow cooker finish cooking before you check it often.
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
- A standard 6-quart slow cooker, naturally.
- A small bowl for whisking your sauce ingredients.
- Measuring cups and spoons for accuracy.
- Tongs or a slotted spoon for lifting chicken out.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve this easy chicken recipe atop creamy mashed potatoes.
- Toss it with your favorite pasta noodles for a quick dinner.
- Roasted asparagus spears pair wonderfully with lemon notes.
- A simple side of quinoa offers a healthy grain option.
- Garnish makes the Crockpot Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken shine every time.
Crockpot Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 2-4 hours
- Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes – 4 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker (Crockpot)
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A simple and flavorful recipe for tender lemon garlic butter chicken made easily in a slow cooker.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish (optional)
- Lemon slices for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Place chicken in the bottom of a 6-quart or larger slow cooker.
- In a small bowl, whisk together chicken broth, lemon juice, melted butter, minced garlic, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the lemon garlic butter sauce over the chicken in the slow cooker, ensuring the chicken is well coated.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 3-4 hours or on HIGH for 2-3 hours, or until chicken is cooked through and tender.
- Remove chicken and shred or slice as desired. Return to the sauce to keep moist.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley and lemon slices, if desired. This chicken is great over rice, pasta, or with roasted vegetables.
Notes
- This chicken pairs excellently over rice, pasta, or with roasted vegetables.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and lemon slices for extra flavor and presentation, if desired.
