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!