Overhead shot of a plate with slow cooker lemon chicken thighs, mashed potatoes, and corn with lemon wedges, a ramekin containing lemon sauce, and silverware next to it
| |

Slow Cooker Lemon Chicken Thighs

Share or Save This Recipe For Later

No ratings yet
Super easy Slow Cooker Lemon Chicken Thighs with a creamy lemon sauce made straight from the crock pot! Perfect for meal prep or as a freezer meal.

You’ve got to give these Slow Cooker Lemon Chicken Thighs a try! They’re the perfect meal for when you want something budget-friendly that tastes like a million bucks. Long story short, chicken thighs get a good rub-down with parsley, garlic powder, paprika, and lemon pepper before they slow cook in a lemony, creamy sauce that’s just PACKED with flavor. Talk about easy peasy lemon squeezy!

Closeup of slow cooker lemon chicken thighs drizzled with lemon sauce on a plate, with mashed potatoes and corn on the side

Whenever I make this slow cooker lemon chicken thighs recipe, I always go for more than just a single batch. My family literally can’t get enough! It’s not just about the mouth-watering zesty flavors it brings to the table – it’s also about how incredibly easy it is to throw together. As the head chef in my household of 7, I’m all about recipes that are both simple and seriously handy for meal prep. And these crock pot lemon chicken thighs tick both of those boxes with a big, bold check!

Slow Cooker Lemon Chicken Thighs Overview

Cuisine Inspiration: American
Number of Ingredients: 9
Feeds: A family of 6-8
Total Cook Time: 5 hours, 20 minutes
Primary Cooking Method: Slow Cooking
Dietary Info: Gluten-Free (if gluten-free broth and cornstarch are used)
Key Flavor: Lemony, creamy chicken with a hint of paprika
Skill Level: Beginner

Ingredients to make Slow Cooker Lemon Chicken Thighs

For the Chicken

  • Chicken Thighs: Boneless and skinless. They are juicy and flavorful, just perfect for this slow cooker recipe. If you’re in a pinch, bone-in thighs will work too – just remember they might need a bit more cooking time.
  • Lemon: Cut into cubes or wedges. This is where the zing comes from! Of course, fresh lemons are best for that bright, citrusy kick.
  • Low-Sodium Chicken Broth: It keeps everything moist and adds depth. I use low sodium because I’m trying to watch my sodium intake, but you can feel free to go with regular chicken broth.
  • Dried Parsley: It adds a light, fresh note that really brightens up the dish. If you don’t have dried parsley on hand, a handful of fresh, chopped parsley added towards the end of cooking will not only add freshness but also a pop of color.
  • Heavy Cream: Brings all the richness and creamy goodness.
  • Salt: Just a pinch!
  • Lemon Pepper: Adds a zesty, peppery kick. You can use any store-bought brand, but if you have the time and ingredients, you can make your own DIY version (scroll down to the FAQ section to find out how to make it!).
  • Garlic Powder: Ah, garlic and lemon – a match made in heaven. Garlic brings a warm, earthy flavor that complements the lemon beautifully.
  • Paprika: You don’t have to use paprika, but it does bring a hint of sweetness and color to your slow cooked lemon chicken thighs. Smoked paprika is a great alternative if you enjoy a deeper, smoky undertone.

For the Lemon Sauce

  • Cornstarch: This is our thickening agent, making the sauce perfectly drizzly.
  • Slow Cooker Broth: This “liquid gold” is what’s left after the chicken cooks, packed with allll the zesty flavors we love. You’ll use it as the base for the lemon sauce.
Overhead shot of a plate with slow cooker lemon chicken thighs, buttered mashed potatoes, and corn, with a glass of iced tea and a lemon wedge, a ramekin with lemon sauce, and utensils next to it

How to make Slow Cooker Lemon Chicken Thighs

  1. Place the chicken thighs into the slow cooker.
  2. Combine the salt, lemon pepper, garlic powder, and paprika in a bowl and sprinkle the seasoning mix evenly over the chicken.
  3. Place the lemon wedges on top of the chicken thighs, so the citrus infuses the meat.
  4. Pour in the chicken broth, then set the slow cooker to low and let the chicken cook for about 4 hours. This will ensure the chicken is tender and flavorful.
  5. After 4 hours, pour in the heavy cream and stir it gently to blend with the cooking juices. Continue to cook on low for an additional hour.

To make the lemon sauce

  1. Once the chicken is done, transfer the liquid from the slow cooker into a saucepan. Bring the liquid to a boil over medium heat.
  2. Mix the cornstarch with the cold water, creating a cornstarch slurry.
  3. While continuously whisking the sauce in the saucepan, pour in the cornstarch mixture.
  4. Reduce the heat and let the sauce simmer gently until it thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon. Drizzle it over the chicken thighs when serving.
A step by step image collage on how to make slow cooker lemon chicken thighs with ingredients, all ingredients placed in the slow cooker except heavy cream, cooked chicken in the slow cooker, and cooked chicken in the slow cooker with heavy cream added
A plate with slow cooker lemon chicken thighs covered in lemon gravy, mashed potatoes, and a side of corn, with a lemon wedge on the side
[be_recipe_buttons]

Slow Cooker Lemon Chicken Thighs

Super easy Slow Cooker Lemon Chicken Thighs with a creamy lemon sauce made straight from the crock pot! Perfect for meal prep or as a freezer meal.
No ratings yet
Author Jackie
Servings 8 people
Course Main Course
Calories 404
Prep Time 20 minutes
0 minutes
Cook Time 5 hours
Total Time 5 hours 20 minutes

Equipment

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken:

  • 8 boneless, skinless chicken thighs 4lbs for ½ servings
  • 2 lemons cut into wedges
  • 1.5 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 teaspoon dried parsley
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon lemon pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika

For the Lemon Sauce:

  • 4 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 1/2 cup cold water

Instructions

For the Chicken:

  • Place the chicken thighs into the slow cooker.
  • Combine the salt, lemon pepper, garlic powder, and paprika in a bowl and sprinkle the seasoning mix evenly over the chicken.
  • Place the lemon wedges on top of the chicken thighs, so the citrus infuses the meat.
  • Pour in the chicken broth, then set the slow cooker to low and let the chicken cook for about 4 hours. This will ensure the chicken is tender and flavorful.
  • After 4 hours, pour in the heavy cream and stir it gently to blend with the cooking juices. Continue to cook on low for an additional hour.

For the Lemon Sauce:

  • Once the chicken is done, transfer the liquid from the slow cooker into a saucepan. Bring the liquid to a boil over medium heat.
  • Add 4 tablespoons of cornstarch to cold water and mix until smooth to create a slurry.
  • While continuously whisking the sauce in the saucepan, pour in the cornstarch mixture.
  • Reduce the heat and let the sauce simmer gently until it thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon. Drizzle it over the chicken thighs when serving.

Notes

  • Pat the Chicken Dry: Before adding your seasonings, give those chicken thighs a quick pat down with a paper towel. This helps the spices stick better and ensures your chicken gets all the flavor luv it deserves.
  • Layer the Lemons: Don’t just toss those lemon wedges on top – place them under and between the chicken thighs as well. Every nook and cranny will get infused with that bright lemony goodness!
  • Keep the Low Heat: Resist the urge to crank up the heat to get things done quicker. Cooking on low ensures the chicken thighs turn out fork-tender. Patience pays off here, big time!
  • Let the Sauce Rest: After you’ve thickened the sauce, give it a minute or two to cool down and settle before pouring it over your slow cooker lemon pepper chicken thighs. This allows the flavors to deepen and the sauce to reach the perfect consistency for drizzling.

Nutrition

Serving: 0.5 pound, Calories: 404kcal, Carbohydrates: 8g, Protein: 46g, Fat: 20g, Saturated Fat: 9g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g, Monounsaturated Fat: 6g, Trans Fat: 0.04g, Cholesterol: 249mg, Sodium: 515mg, Potassium: 675mg, Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 2g, Vitamin A: 622IU, Vitamin C: 15mg, Calcium: 51mg, Iron: 2mg

Nutrition information provided is an estimate. It will vary based on cooking method and specific ingredients used.

Cuisine American

Making Slow Cooker Lemon Chicken Thighs As A Dump Freezer Meal

Another way to get a leg up on meal prep is by turning this Slow Cooker Lemon Chicken Thighs recipe into a freezer meal. By assembling and freezing the meal components in advance, you can pull it out and toss it in the slow cooker (great for days when you’ve been up all night with a sick kid). Here’s how to prep this dish for the freezer, with a note on how to cook it straight from frozen if thawing isn’t in the cards.

Preparation For Freezing:

  • Prep the Chicken: Season the chicken thighs with salt, lemon pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
  • Assemble the Freezer Bag: Place the seasoned chicken thighs in a large, freezer-safe bag. Add the lemon wedges to infuse the dish with citrusy goodness. Don’t forget the dried parsley for that extra flavor kick.
  • Seal and Freeze: Eliminate as much air from the bag as you can before sealing to avoid freezer burn. A quick shake of the bag mixes the ingredients well. Label the bag with the recipe name, preparation date, and cooking instructions. Store it flat in the freezer to save space and facilitate even freezing.

Cooking From Frozen:

  • Option to Cook Without Thawing: If you forget to thaw your meal in advance, no worries! You can cook it straight from the freezer. Just add an extra 1-2 hours to the cooking time to ensure the chicken cooks through completely.
  • Slow Cook: Transfer the frozen meal directly into your slow cooker, and add the chicken broth. Set it to cook on low for about 6-8 hours, adjusting the time as needed based on your slow cooker’s settings and the chicken’s starting temperature. Remember, about an hour before serving, stir in the heavy cream to marry it with the chicken and cooking juices, continuing to cook until everything is heated through and melded together.
  • Making the Sauce: Following the original recipe, use the slow cooker’s liquid to prepare the lemon sauce, thickened with cornstarch, for a yummy finish to drizzle over your chicken thighs.
  • Chicken Breasts: While the recipe originally calls for boneless, skinless chicken thighs, you can easily make crock pot lemon chicken breasts if you want something a bit leaner.
  • White Wine: Add a splash of white wine into the slow cooker along with the chicken broth. It’ll cook down and leave behind a deliciously complex base for the lemony sauce!
  • Dairy-Free Twist: For those avoiding dairy, coconut milk is a great substitute for heavy cream. Just check the fat content to make sure it’s similar to heavy cream for that rich, creamy texture we’re after.
  • More Garlic: Can’t get enough garlic? Same here. Skip the garlic powder and go bold with a few whole garlic bulbs, cut in half and tossed in with the chicken. They’ll soften and sweeten as they cook, infusing the sauce with a mellow, deeply aromatic garlic flavor.
  • Zesty Orange: Try adding a few orange wedges to the pot along with or instead of the lemon. Oranges have a sweeter, slightly more mellow citrus than lemon, which is great for those who are all about sweet chicken.

Tips for making the best slow cooker lemon pepper chicken thighs

  1. Pat the Chicken Dry: Before adding your seasonings, give those chicken thighs a quick pat down with a paper towel. This helps the spices stick better and ensures your chicken gets all the flavor luv it deserves.
  2. Layer the Lemons: Don’t just toss those lemon wedges on top – place them under and between the chicken thighs as well. Every nook and cranny will get infused with that bright lemony goodness!
  3. Keep the Low Heat: Resist the urge to crank up the heat to get things done quicker. Cooking on low ensures the chicken thighs turn out fork-tender. Patience pays off here, big time!
  4. Let the Sauce Rest: After you’ve thickened the sauce, give it a minute or two to cool down and settle before pouring it over your slow cooker lemon pepper chicken thighs. This allows the flavors to deepen and the sauce to reach the perfect consistency for drizzling.
A plate with slow cooker lemon chicken thighs, mashed potatoes, and corn, with a glass of iced tea, a lemon wedge, a ramekin with lemon sauce and utensils next to it on a marble table

How to store & reheat Slow Cooker Lemon Chicken Thighs

To keep the leftovers fresh (if you have any!), store the chicken and sauce in airtight containers in the fridge. You can keep them together or separate, but storing the sauce in its own container can be handy for reheating purposes. This way, you can add a fresh splash of sauce to each serving to elevate the zestiness.

The best way to reheat your slow cooked lemon chicken thighs is gently in a saucepan over low heat, adding a little splash of water or broth if the sauce seems too thick. Microwaving works too, just cover it and use a lower power setting to avoid drying out.

How long will Slow Cooker Lemon Chicken Thighs last in the fridge?

Your lemon chicken thighs will stay happy n’ tasty in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. This makes them perfect for meal prep or enjoying leftovers without any rush.

Can I freeze crockpot lemon chicken thighs?

You sure can! Transfer them into freezer-safe containers or bags (again, together or separate, however you like) and they’ll stay fresh in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight, reheat when you’re ready to enjoy them again, and you’re good to go for another yummy meal!

What to serve with Slow Cooker Lemon Chicken Thighs

  • Rice on the Side: A fluffy bed of rice makes the perfect companion to soak up all that creamy, lemony sauce. My choice is cilantro lime rice for its fresh pop of flavor, but you could also go for my stick of butter rice recipe for richness.
  • Potatoes: Mashed potatoes with this crockpot lemon chicken thighs? Heavenly. The way the creamy potatoes mingle with that rich, lemony sauce is something you’ve got to taste to believe. And roasted potatoes? The crispy edges are just the perfect contrast to the chicken’s tenderness. De-li-cious!
  • Veggies for the Win: I love tossing some broccoli or carrots in the oven to roast while the chicken does its thing in the slow cooker. The slight char on the veggies adds this unbeatable depth of flavor that complements the chicken in the best way.
  • Crunchy Bread: There’s nothing quite like a piece of crusty bread (artisanal sourdough or a chunk of baguette, for example) to mop up the lemony sauce!
  • Zesty Cookies: After all that savory goodness, a little sweet something with a tangy twist is just what you need. Lemon meltaway cookies are my go-to! They’re light, they’ve got that lemon punch, and they just kind of… Melt away as you eat them. SO good.

Frequently asked questions

What can I use instead of lemon pepper?

If lemon pepper is MIA in your kitchen or just want to get fancy, you can make a DIY version. Start by drying some lemon peel in the oven until it’s crisp but not burnt. Then, take that dried peel and some peppercorns, and give them a whirl in a high-powered blender. Finish it off with a sprinkle of salt, and you have a fragrant, homemade lemon pepper!

Can I use vegetable broth?

You bet! Your slow cooker lemon chicken thighs will still be packed with flavor (veggie goodness!), so you’re not missing out on anything.

Can I add vegetables directly to the slow cooker?

Sure thing! Adding veggies like carrots, potatoes, or onions can turn this into a one-pot wonder. Just chop them into large chunks and add them around the chicken thighs. They’ll soak up all that lemony goodness and become tender and flavorful.

A plate with slow cooker lemon chicken thighs, mashed potatoes, and corn, with a glass of iced tea, a lemon wedge, a ramekin filled with lemon sauce and utensils in the background

My motto is making life easier without skimping on flavor, and this Slow Cooker Lemon Chicken Thighs recipe? It nails it every time. It’s got tender chicken, a zesty sauce that’s to die for, and it comes together easily while you are at work or juggling a million things at home. I mean, it’s just the kind of meal that makes everyone at the table happy. Yep, you’ve got it all right here!

More Easy Slow Cooker Chicken Recipes:

I want to hear from you! If you try this easy Slow Cooker Lemon Chicken Thighs recipe or any other of my easy recipes on Dinner in 5, then don’t forget to rate the recipe and leave a comment below! I read all the comments and respond!

Share or Save This Recipe For Later

Similar Posts

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating