Easy Juicy Garlic Lemon Crockpot Chicken Thighs
A simple and fuss-free slow cooker recipe delivering tender, juicy chicken thighs infused with bright lemon and mellow garlic flavors. Perfect for busy weeknights and crowd-pleasing dinners.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-7 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes to 7 hours 15 minutes (low) or 3 hours 15 minutes to 4 hours 15 minutes (high)
- Yield: 4-6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 6–8 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 4 garlic cloves, minced or finely chopped
- Juice of 2 lemons (about ⅓ cup or 80 ml)
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- ½ cup (120 ml) chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon fresh or dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Optional: ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels to help seasonings stick and prevent sogginess.
- In a bowl, combine garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, olive oil, chicken broth, honey, thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir until well combined.
- Add chicken thighs to the bowl and toss thoroughly to coat each piece with the marinade. Let sit for 10-15 minutes if time allows.
- Place chicken thighs skin-side up in a single layer inside the crockpot. Pour remaining marinade over the top.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until chicken is tender and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Optional: Transfer cooked chicken to a baking sheet and broil for 3-5 minutes to crisp the skin, watching carefully to avoid burning.
- Let chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving. Spoon garlicky lemon sauce over the top.
Notes
Searing chicken thighs skin-side down for 2-3 minutes before slow cooking adds flavor and helps keep skin from getting soggy but is optional. Use bone-in, skin-on thighs for best juiciness and flavor. If sauce is too thin after cooking, remove chicken and simmer sauce on stovetop to thicken or whisk in a cornstarch slurry. Avoid opening the crockpot lid frequently to maintain cooking temperature. Fresh lemon zest and garlic provide the best flavor. For a dairy-free and gluten-free version, ensure chicken broth is certified gluten-free and substitute honey with maple syrup if desired.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1-2 chicken thighs
- Calories: 280350
- Fat: 1822
- Carbohydrates: 35
- Protein: 2530
Keywords: crockpot chicken thighs, garlic lemon chicken, slow cooker chicken, easy dinner, juicy chicken, lemon garlic sauce