Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs work wonderfully in this recipe. They’re naturally juicy and soak up the lemon-butter sauce perfectly. Just check them about 30 minutes earlier, as they tend to cook a little faster than chicken breasts.

Can I add vegetables to the slow cooker?

Absolutely. You can toss in baby potatoes, green beans, or asparagus halfway through cooking for a complete meal in one pot. Just make sure to cut any vegetables into even sizes so they cook evenly.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes, replace the butter with vegan butter or olive oil. The sauce will still have a rich flavor, though it’ll be a bit lighter in texture.

How do I thicken the lemon-butter sauce?

If you prefer a thicker sauce, remove the lid for the last 20 minutes of cooking or stir in a teaspoon of cornstarch mixed with a bit of water. Let it cook for a few minutes until the sauce turns silky and smooth.

Can I prepare it ahead of time?

Yes, you can whisk together the sauce and store it in the fridge overnight. The next morning, just pour it over the chicken in the slow cooker and start cooking. It’s a great make-ahead option for busy days.

Slow Cooker Lemon Butter Chicken Melt That’s Tender and Bright

Description

Slow Cooker Lemon Butter Chicken Melt is a tender, flavorful dish coated in a rich lemon-butter sauce. This easy slow cooker recipe combines bright citrus with savory herbs for a melt-in-your-mouth dinner everyone will love.

Ingredients

2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs

1/2 cup butter, melted

1/3 cup lemon juice

1 tablespoon minced garlic

1 teaspoon black pepper

1 teaspoon paprika

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 cup chicken broth

Zest of 1 lemon

Fresh parsley for serving

Instructions

1. Place chicken into the slow cooker in an even layer.

2. In a medium bowl, whisk together melted butter, lemon juice, garlic, pepper, paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, chicken broth, and lemon zest.

3. Pour the lemon-butter mixture over the chicken, ensuring it’s evenly coated.

4. Cover and cook on LOW for 5–6 hours or HIGH for 3 hours until the chicken is tender and fully cooked.

5. Spoon the rich lemon-butter sauce over the chicken before serving.

6. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with rice, pasta, or vegetables.

Notes

To store: Cool completely, then transfer to airtight containers. Refrigerate for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

To reheat: Warm gently in a skillet with a splash of chicken broth or microwave in short intervals, stirring often.

Serving ideas: Pair with mashed potatoes, rice, or a crisp green salad.

Tips: Use fresh lemon juice for the best flavor, and add cream for extra richness if desired.

Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 5 hrs
Category: Dinner, Slow Cooker, Family Meals
Method: Slow Cooker
Cuisine: American, Comfort Food

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 portion
Calories: 295
Sugar: 1g
Sodium: 520mg
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Unsaturated Fat: 7g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 3g
Fiber: 0g
Protein: 32g
Cholesterol: 105mg

Keywords: slow cooker lemon butter chicken, crockpot lemon chicken, lemon garlic chicken, creamy butter chicken, easy slow cooker chicken