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Crock Pot Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Thighs

By deiv3 on September 11, 2024

Ingredients:

6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
4 garlic cloves, minced
2 lemons (zested and juiced)
1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 1 tablespoon fresh thyme)
1 teaspoon dried rosemary (or 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary)
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon onion powder
Salt and black pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil
Fresh parsley or rosemary (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Season the Chicken Thighs:

Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels and season both sides generously with salt, pepper, paprika, and onion powder.

2. Sear the Chicken:

In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat.
Add the chicken thighs, skin side down, and sear for 3-4 minutes until the skin is golden brown and crispy. Flip the chicken and sear the other side for an additional 2-3 minutes.
Transfer the seared chicken thighs to the slow cooker.

3. Make the Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce:

In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the butter. Let it melt and then add the minced garlic. Sauté the garlic for about 1 minute until fragrant.
Stir in the lemon zest, lemon juice, thyme, and rosemary. Allow the mixture to cook for another 1-2 minutes until it's well combined and aromatic.

4. Slow Cook the Chicken:

Pour the lemon garlic butter sauce over the chicken thighs in the crock pot.
Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is tender and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 75°C).

5. Crisp the Skin (Optional):

If you want extra crispy skin, transfer the cooked chicken thighs to a baking sheet and broil in the oven for 3-4 minutes after they're done in the slow cooker.

6. Garnish and Serve:

Once the chicken is done cooking, garnish with freshly chopped parsley or rosemary for a burst of color and added freshness.
Serve with your favorite keto sides such as cauliflower rice, roasted vegetables, or a simple salad.

Tips:

If you prefer boneless, skinless chicken thighs, you can use them as well. Just reduce the cooking time slightly.
You can also add vegetables like zucchini, broccoli, or spinach to the crock pot during the last hour of cooking for a complete one-pot meal.
For a richer sauce, you can stir in a couple of tablespoons of heavy cream towards the end of the cooking time.

These Crock Pot Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Thighs are a flavorful, low-carb meal that's perfect for busy weeknights. The slow cooker does all the work, leaving you with juicy, tender chicken infused with bright lemon and garlicky goodness. Enjoy!