Easy & Delicious Slow Cooker Seasoned Lemon Chicken Thighs: Your Go-To Weeknight Recipe

Discover the secret to incredibly tender, juicy, and flavorful dark meat chicken with this easy Seasoned Lemon Chicken Thighs recipe. Prepared effortlessly in your slow cooker using common pantry ingredients, this dish promises a delicious meal with minimal prep. Perfect for busy weeknights, it’s a family-friendly favorite that delivers maximum flavor without the fuss.

Infused with a delightful blend of seasonings and a bright lemon butter sauce, these chicken thighs emerge from the slow cooker perfectly moist every time. The convenience of a slow cooker means you can set it and forget it, returning to a home filled with the enticing aroma of a savory, lemony feast. It’s truly one of the simplest yet most satisfying chicken thigh recipes to have in your repertoire, ready to be thrown together in about 5 minutes.

Essential Ingredients for Perfect Seasoned Lemon Chicken Thighs

This recipe shines with its simplicity, relying on readily available ingredients that pack a punch. Here’s what you’ll need to create this amazing slow cooker chicken:

1. Protein: Boneless, Skinless Chicken Thighs
   We recommend using boneless, skinless chicken thighs for this recipe due to their consistent tenderness and rich flavor, which holds up beautifully during slow cooking. You’ll find these conveniently in the meat section of your local grocery store. Dark meat chicken thighs are naturally more forgiving and less likely to dry out than chicken breasts, making them ideal for the slow cooker.
2. Cooking Liquid: Chicken Broth & Fresh Lemon Juice
   The foundation of our flavorful sauce comes from a combination of chicken broth (or chicken bouillon dissolved in water for an equally delicious result) and fresh lemon juice. The broth adds a savory depth, while the lemon juice provides that essential bright, zesty tang that cuts through the richness of the chicken and butter. Freshly squeezed lemon juice is always preferred for the best flavor!
3. Flavorful Seasoning Mixture
   A robust blend of spices elevates this dish from simple to sensational. You’ll liberally sprinkle kosher salt, ground black pepper, a touch of crushed red pepper flakes for a subtle kick, aromatic onion powder, pungent garlic powder, classic Italian seasoning, and vibrant paprika. This harmonious mix creates a dry rub that permeates the chicken with incredible flavor.
4. Richness: Unsalted Butter & Minced Garlic
   To create a luscious lemon butter sauce that coats every piece of chicken, you’ll use unsalted butter cut into thin slices. The butter melts slowly, enriching the cooking liquid and melding with the seasonings. Freshly minced garlic is also added directly to the chicken, infusing the entire dish with its irresistible aroma and taste.

How to Prepare Easy Slow Cooker Seasoned Lemon Chicken Thighs

Making this dish is incredibly straightforward, requiring just a few simple steps before your slow cooker takes over. Follow these instructions for a perfectly cooked meal:

Step 1: Create the Lemon Broth Mixture

1. In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the chicken broth and fresh lemon juice until well combined. This forms the flavorful liquid base for your chicken.
2. Carefully place your boneless, skinless chicken thighs into the bottom of your slow cooker. Ensure they are arranged in a single layer if possible, or at least not overly crowded.
3. Pour the prepared broth and lemon juice mixture evenly over the chicken thighs in the slow cooker.

Step 2: Season the Chicken

1. Evenly sprinkle all of the dry seasonings (kosher salt, ground black pepper, crushed red pepper flakes, onion powder, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and paprika) directly onto the chicken thighs. Make sure to get a good, even coat on all visible sides of the chicken.
2. Next, distribute the minced garlic over the seasoned chicken.
3. Finally, arrange the thin slices of unsalted butter on top of the chicken thighs. As the dish cooks, the butter will melt, creating a rich and flavorful lemon garlic butter sauce.

Step 3: Slow Cook to Perfection

1. Place the lid on your slow cooker and cook the boneless, skinless chicken thighs on the LOW setting for 6 hours, or on the HIGH setting for 4 hours. The chicken should be incredibly tender and easily shredded with a fork, bathed in its aromatic lemon garlic butter sauce.
2. Once cooked, carefully remove the juicy chicken thighs from the slow cooker. They are now ready to be paired with your favorite side dishes! We highly recommend serving this delightful chicken with fluffy couscous to soak up the delicious sauce, or with a crusty bread that’s perfect for dipping.

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Seasoned Lemon Chicken Thighs

By:
Julia Pacheco

Simple, delicious, and incredibly juicy, these slow cooker seasoned lemon chicken thighs make a fantastic family meal. Crafted with minimal effort and common pantry ingredients, it’s the ultimate hassle-free weeknight dinner that everyone will love.

Prep:
10 minutes mins

Cook:
6 hours hrs

Total:
6 hours hrs 10 minutes mins

Servings:
4

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Equipment

• Slow cooker
• Medium mixing bowl

Ingredients

• ▢ 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs
• ▢ ½ cup chicken broth
• ▢ 3 tbs lemon juice
• ▢ Dash of Salt and Pepper (preferably kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper)
• ▢ ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes
• ▢ ½ tsp onion powder
• ▢ ½ tsp garlic powder
• ▢ ½ tsp Italian seasoning
• ▢ ½ tsp paprika
• ▢ 1 tbs minced garlic
• ▢ ¼ cup unsalted butter, sliced into thin pats

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Instructions

Create lemon mixture:

• In a medium bowl, combine the chicken broth and fresh lemon juice, stirring well. Place the boneless, skinless chicken thighs in your slow cooker and pour the prepared broth mixture over them, ensuring they are nicely coated.

Season chicken:

• Generously sprinkle all the dry seasonings—salt, pepper, crushed red pepper flakes, onion powder, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and paprika—over the chicken. Then, distribute the minced garlic and arrange the butter slices on top.

Slow cook chicken:

• Cover the slow cooker with its lid and cook the chicken thighs on the LOW setting for 6 hours, or on the HIGH setting for 4 hours. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and be fork-tender.
• Once fully cooked, carefully remove the tender and juicy chicken thighs. Serve immediately with your favorite complementary sides! This dish pairs wonderfully with fluffy couscous to absorb the flavorful sauce, or with a hearty, crusty bread perfect for dipping.

Nutrition Information

Calories: 383kcal |
Carbohydrates: 2g |
Protein: 44g |
Fat: 21g |
Saturated Fat: 10g |
Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g |
Monounsaturated Fat: 6g |
Trans Fat: 1g |
Cholesterol: 247mg |
Sodium: 407mg |
Potassium: 605mg |
Fiber: 0.4g |
Sugar: 1g |
Vitamin A: 612IU |
Vitamin C: 5mg |
Calcium: 36mg |
Iron: 2mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated and is an approximation. Values may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.

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How to Store and Reheat Cooked Chicken Thighs

Proper storage is key to enjoying your delicious slow cooker lemon chicken thighs for days to come. Here’s how to keep them fresh:

• Fridge: Any leftover chicken should be transferred to an airtight container as soon as it cools down to room temperature (within 2 hours of cooking). Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-5 days.
• Freezer: For longer storage, you can freeze the cooked chicken thighs. Place them in a freezer-safe airtight container or heavy-duty freezer bags for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheating: To reheat, gently warm the chicken in a skillet on the stovetop over medium-low heat, in the microwave, or in the oven at 300°F (150°C) until heated through. Adding a splash of extra chicken broth or lemon juice can help maintain moisture.

Tips and Tricks for Making the Best Boneless Chicken Thighs

Choosing the Right Cut of Chicken

While we specifically recommend boneless, skinless chicken thighs for their incredible juiciness and ease in the slow cooker, this recipe is adaptable. If you prefer, you can certainly use bone-in chicken thighs for a richer flavor, or even chicken breasts for a leaner option. Just remember to adjust the cooking time:

• Bone-in Chicken Thighs: These will typically require a slightly longer cooking time, often an additional 30-60 minutes on either setting. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 175°F (80°C) for optimal tenderness.
• Chicken Breasts: If using boneless, skinless chicken breasts, be mindful that they can dry out more easily. Reduce the cooking time to about 3-4 hours on Low or 2-3 hours on High. Always use a meat thermometer to ensure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) without overcooking.

Can I Bake This Recipe in the Oven Instead of a Slow Cooker?

Absolutely! If you don’t have a slow cooker or simply prefer an oven-baked chicken thighs recipe, it’s very easy to adapt. The flavors will be just as fantastic, though the texture might be slightly different.

1. Preparation: Follow the same initial steps for creating the lemon mixture and seasoning the chicken.
2. Baking Dish: Instead of a slow cooker, place the seasoned chicken and broth mixture into a casserole dish or other oven-safe baking dish.
3. Baking Instructions: Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F (190°C). Bake the chicken, uncovered, for 40-50 minutes.
4. Checking for Doneness: To ensure the chicken is cooked through and safe to eat, use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165 degrees F (74°C) at the thickest part of the chicken. If you like a slightly browned top, you can briefly broil for the last 5 minutes, keeping a close eye on it to prevent burning.

More Seasoning Options to Enhance the Dry Rub

This recipe is designed to be versatile, so feel free to personalize the seasoning blend to your liking. Here are a few additional seasoning options that would beautifully complement the lemon and garlic in this chicken recipe:

• Seasoned Salt: A great all-purpose addition that often includes garlic, onion, and paprika, adding an extra layer of savory depth.
• Lemon Zest: For an even more intense lemon flavor, grate some fresh lemon zest into your seasoning mix or sprinkle it over the chicken before serving. It brightens the dish considerably.
• Fresh Parsley: Chopped fresh parsley, added at the end, provides a fresh, herbaceous note and vibrant color.
• Dried Rosemary or Thyme: These classic herbs pair wonderfully with lemon and chicken. Add about half a teaspoon of dried rosemary or thyme (or a tablespoon of fresh, chopped) along with your other seasonings for an aromatic boost.
• Cayenne Pepper: If you enjoy more heat, a pinch of cayenne pepper can replace or augment the red pepper flakes.

Delicious Side Dishes to Serve with This Lemon Chicken

This incredibly versatile chicken recipe pairs well with a variety of sides, making it easy to create a complete and satisfying meal. Here are some fantastic suggestions:

• Doritos Taco Salad with Catalina Dressing: A fun and flavorful salad that adds a crunchy, zesty contrast to the tender chicken.
• Avocado Corn Salad: A refreshing and creamy salad with vibrant colors and textures, perfect for a lighter accompaniment.
• Easy One Hour Dinner Rolls: Fluffy, warm rolls are ideal for soaking up every last drop of the delicious lemon butter sauce.
• Pepperoni Mozzarella Pasta Salad: A hearty and savory pasta salad that complements the chicken with its Italian-inspired flavors.
• Steamed Green Beans or Asparagus: Simple, healthy, and lightly seasoned, these vegetables provide a great balance to the rich chicken.
• Creamy Mashed Potatoes: A classic comfort food that’s perfect for absorbing the savory sauce.
• Roasted Vegetables: Carrots, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts roasted with a little olive oil, salt, and pepper add a wonderful earthy flavor and texture.
• Fluffy Rice or Quinoa: A simple grain base can absorb the chicken’s juices and create a satisfying meal.

Quick Resources for Effortless Dinner Planning

Making delicious meals shouldn’t be a chore. Here are some helpful resources and tools to simplify your cooking and meal planning:

• Family meal plans: Streamline your week with pre-planned meals designed for busy families.
• Essential kitchen tools and more: Discover our favorite kitchen gadgets and pantry staples to make cooking easier and more enjoyable.
• The ultimate cookbook for family dinner recipes: A curated collection of tried-and-true recipes for every occasion.
• FREE budget meal plan: Eat well without breaking the bank with our cost-effective meal solutions.
• Inspiring cooking videos to watch: Follow along with video tutorials for step-by-step guidance and culinary inspiration.

We hope you love this easy slow cooker seasoned lemon chicken thighs recipe as much as we do! If you give it a try, be sure to tag us on Instagram @julia.pacheco.cooking and share your delicious creations. We can’t wait to see how much you liked the recipes!