I absolutely love this Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Chicken Thighs Recipe because it hits all the right notes-rich buttery flavor, perfectly tender chicken that just falls off the bone, and the subtle garlicky kick that makes every bite unforgettable. When I first tried this, I was amazed at how easy it was to throw together, then forget about it while the slow cooker worked its magic. It s the kind of recipe you ll want on repeat, especially for busy weeknights or those lazy weekends when you want comfort food without any fuss.
You’ll find that this Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Chicken Thighs Recipe is a real crowd-pleaser. The crispy skin from searing first adds that extra texture that slow cooking alone can’t achieve, and the garlic butter sauce creates a cozy, flavorful atmosphere in your kitchen. Plus, it’s versatile enough to pair with almost anything, and the leftovers are just as delicious (if you have any!).
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortless Flavor Boost: Searing the chicken before slow cooking locks in flavor and gives the skin a delicious crispness.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Prep in the morning, and dinner is ready hours later with zero stress.
- Family Favorite: The garlic butter sauce is irresistible, and it s a hit with kids and adults alike.
- Minimal Ingredients, Maximum Taste: Simple pantry staples come together to create a comforting, gourmet-feeling meal.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe is all about straightforward ingredients that pack serious flavor when combined. I always recommend fresh garlic and good-quality butter-it really makes the difference in that luscious sauce.
- Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs: The bone and skin add juiciness and flavor that boneless just can t match.
- Garlic powder: Amplifies the garlic flavor, especially when combined with fresh garlic.
- Paprika: Adds a subtle smokiness and beautiful color to the chicken.
- Onion powder: Gives a mild sweetness and depth to the seasoning blend.
- Salt: Essential for bringing out the natural flavors.
- Italian seasoning: A fragrant herb mix that rounds out the savory profile.
- Olive oil: For searing the chicken to crisp the skin up nicely before slow cooking.
- Chicken broth: Keeps the chicken moist and infuses it with gentle savory notes.
- Butter: The star of the sauce, delivering richness and that silky mouthfeel.
- Fresh garlic cloves: Fresh always beats jarred in this recipe for that vibrant, aromatic punch.
- Fresh parsley: Adds a pop of color and fresh herbaceousness as a garnish.
Variations
I love playing around with this Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Chicken Thighs Recipe depending on what I have in the fridge or to suit different tastes. Don’t hesitate to personalize it-it s flexible and forgiving.
- Spicy Kick: I once added a pinch of red pepper flakes to the spice rub and garlic butter mixture-my family went crazy for the little heat boost.
- Lemon Zest: Adding lemon zest or a squeeze of lemon juice before serving brightens the richness beautifully.
- Herb Swaps: If you don t have Italian seasoning, fresh thyme or rosemary work wonderfully in this recipe.
- Low-Sodium: Simply reduce or omit the added salt and use low-sodium chicken broth to make it dietary-friendly without sacrificing flavor.
How to Make Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Chicken Thighs Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Season Your Chicken
First, pat the chicken thighs dry-this is key to getting crispy skin when you sear them later. In a small bowl, mix garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, salt, and Italian seasoning. Rub this spice blend all over each chicken piece with your hands to ensure an even coating. The hands-on step always reminds me how simple flavor-building can be.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken Skin Side Down
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Place chicken thighs skin side down and cook for about 4 to 5 minutes until the skin turns beautifully crispy and golden. This step adds texture and locks in flavor. Once done, transfer them skin side up to your slow cooker. I always do this step because slow cooking alone won t crisp the skin.
Step 3: Add Broth, Butter, and Fresh Garlic
Pour the chicken broth around the chicken in the slow cooker to keep everything juicy. Scatter the diced butter and minced fresh garlic over the top. These melt into a rich, garlicky sauce as it slow cooks. I ve found using fresh garlic here makes a huge difference compared to just garlic powder.
Step 4: Slow Cook and Serve
Cook the chicken on LOW for 4.5 to 5 hours. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature-it should reach 165°F. Once it s done, garnish with fresh parsley for a lovely color pop and fresh note. Serve immediately and enjoy the tender, flavorful chicken with that irresistible garlic butter sauce!
Pro Tips for Making Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Chicken Thighs Recipe
- Don t Skip Searing: I discovered that searing the skin first totally transforms the texture and flavor, making the dish restaurant-quality at home.
- Use a Meat Thermometer: Slow cookers vary, so checking that 165°F internal temp means your chicken is juicy and safe to eat every time.
- Fresh Garlic vs. Powder: Adding minced fresh garlic during cooking gives that vibrant aroma that powder alone can t match-trust me on this one.
- Drain Excess Liquid if Needed: If there s too much broth left, I like to remove the chicken and reduce the sauce in a pan for a few minutes to thicken it up.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Chicken Thighs Recipe
Garnishes
I always sprinkle fresh chopped parsley on top just before serving-it adds a fresh herb flavor and bright green pop that s so inviting. Sometimes I add a few lemon wedges on the side to squeeze over the chicken for a bit of brightness that cuts through the richness.
Side Dishes
My favorite side dishes to serve with this recipe are creamy mashed potatoes or buttery garlic rice to soak up that luscious sauce. You can t go wrong with roasted veggies like asparagus or green beans to add color and crunch. For a lighter option, a crisp salad with vinaigrette pairs beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special occasion, I like to plate the chicken thighs atop a bed of garlic parmesan polenta and drizzle extra garlic butter sauce over everything. It looks elegant but is still comfort food at heart. Adding microgreens or edible flowers on top can elevate the presentation without extra effort.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge for up to three days. This recipe reheats wonderfully because the chicken stays tender, and the garlic butter sauce keeps it from drying out. Just give everything a gentle stir when reheating to redistribute the sauce.
Freezing
I’ve frozen this dish a couple of times by placing cooked chicken and sauce in freezer-safe containers. When thawed overnight in the fridge, it reheats with minimal loss of flavor or texture. Just be sure to freeze it promptly within two hours after cooking.
Reheating
I usually reheat leftover Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Chicken Thighs gently in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce. This helps retain moisture and prevents the chicken from drying out. Microwave works in a pinch-just cover loosely to trap steam and heat in short bursts.
FAQs
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Can I use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for this recipe?
Yes, you can! Boneless, skinless thighs will cook faster, so reduce the slow cooker time by about 30 minutes to avoid overcooking. You won’t get crispy skin, but the chicken will still be flavorful from the garlic butter sauce.
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Can I make this recipe without searing the chicken first?
While you can skip searing to save time, I highly recommend doing it if you can. It adds a nice crispy texture to the skin and locks in flavor. If you’re short on time, don t worry-the slow cooker does most of the heavy lifting in flavor development.
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What can I use instead of chicken broth?
If you don t have chicken broth, water with a bouillon cube or vegetable broth works as a substitute. Just be sure to adjust the salt accordingly to keep the flavor balanced.
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How do I thicken the sauce from the slow cooker?
To thicken the sauce, remove the chicken once cooked and simmer the liquid on the stove over medium heat until it reduces to your desired consistency. Alternatively, whisk in a slurry of cornstarch and cold water for a quick thickened sauce.
Final Thoughts
This Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Chicken Thighs Recipe has become one of those comforting go-to meals I recommend to everyone who asks about easy, flavorful dinners. It s simple to prep, hands-off during cooking, and delivers that cozy, restaurant-quality taste that everyone loves. I m confident you ll enjoy making and sharing it as much as I do. Give it a try-you might find it turns into your new favorite weeknight dinner!
Print
Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Chicken Thighs Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 hours
- Total Time: 5 hours 5 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Deliciously tender and flavorful slow cooker chicken thighs with a crispy skin, infused with a blend of garlic, paprika, and Italian seasonings. This easy-to-make recipe delivers comforting, juicy chicken perfect for a hearty meal, cooked low and slow with butter, garlic, and chicken broth for rich depth of flavor.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 2 lb. bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (4-5 chicken thighs)
Spices
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
Cooking Liquids and Add-ins
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/3 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup butter, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
Garnish
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken thighs dry with a paper towel to ensure crisp skin during searing. In a small bowl, mix garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, salt, and Italian seasoning. Rub this spice mixture thoroughly all over the chicken thighs, coating evenly.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Place the chicken thighs skin side down and cook for 4-5 minutes until the skin develops a crispy golden-brown crust. Transfer the seared chicken to the slow cooker, placing skin side up to retain that crispy texture.
- Add Broth, Butter, and Garlic: Pour the chicken broth into the slow cooker around the chicken. Add the diced butter and minced garlic on top, which will melt and flavor the chicken throughout the slow cooking process.
- Slow Cook the Chicken: Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW heat for 4.5 to 5 hours. Check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F to ensure the chicken is fully cooked and safe to eat.
- Garnish and Serve: Once cooked, garnish the chicken thighs with fresh parsley for a burst of color and fresh flavor. Serve hot and enjoy your melt-in-the-mouth slow cooker chicken thighs.
Notes
- Calories are per serving and are an estimation.
- Store leftovers in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- For extra crispiness, you can broil the chicken in the oven for 2-3 minutes after slow cooking, watching carefully to avoid burning.
- Use a meat thermometer to reliably test doneness and avoid overcooking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh (approximately 6 oz)
- Calories: 442
- Sugar: 0.2g
- Sodium: 630mg
- Fat: 53g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 30g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0.3g
- Protein: 37g
- Cholesterol: 253mg
