Crockpot Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken – Easy & Flavorful Weeknight Dinner

Crockpot Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken is the weeknight dinner hero you didn’t know you needed. If you’ve ever stood in front of your fridge at 5 p.m. asking, “What on earth am I making for dinner?”, this one’s for you. This dish is all about comfort, flavor, and seriously minimal effort—because let’s be honest, after a long day juggling work, kids, or just life, nobody wants to play sous chef for hours.

With tender chicken soaking up a dreamy lemon garlic butter sauce, this recipe brings major “fancy dinner” energy with about 10 minutes of prep. Whether you’re feeding a picky eater or just yourself, Crockpot Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken deserves a permanent spot in your slow cooker rotation.

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What is Crockpot Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken?

Crockpot Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken is a slow-cooked, flavor-packed meal where juicy chicken breasts are simmered in a zesty, buttery, garlicky sauce that feels like a warm hug in dinner form. The lemon juice brings a light tang that balances the richness of the butter, while rosemary and Italian herbs add an earthy depth. Everything gets tossed into your slow cooker, meaning you can walk away and come back to a meal that basically cooked itself. It’s ideal for busy weeknights, meal prepping, or impressing your family with zero stress. And yes, it smells as good as it tastes—which is saying a lot.

Reasons to Try Crockpot Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken

There are a million reasons to love Crockpot Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken, but let’s keep it real. First, it’s stupid easy. Like, dump-it-and-go easy. We’re talking minimal prep, no fancy skills required, and ingredients you probably already have. Second, it tastes like something from a restaurant—but better, because you made it in sweatpants. Third, this recipe is endlessly flexible. Serve it with mashed potatoes, rice, pasta, or roasted veggies. Got leftovers? Shred it into a wrap or salad. Plus, it’s gluten-free and naturally low carb, so it works for a lot of lifestyles. If your slow cooker has been collecting dust, this dish will bring it roaring back to life.

Ingredients Needed to Make Crockpot Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken

• 1 ½ cups chicken broth
• ¼ cup lemon juice (freshly squeezed is best)
• 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 tablespoons finely diced shallots
• 2 tablespoons minced garlic
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon crushed red chili pepper flakes (optional but recommended)
• 2 tablespoons Italian seasoning
• ¼ cup butter, sliced
• 2 to 4 sprigs fresh rosemary
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• ¼ cup water
• Lemon slices (for garnish)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions to Make Crockpot Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken

If you’ve ever needed a dinner plan that’s equal parts low-effort and high-reward, this step-by-step guide is exactly what you need. We’ll walk through how to make Crockpot Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken from start to finish, breaking down every move in the kitchen so it’s simple, clear, and—dare we say—fun. Even if you’re a beginner, this process is super approachable, and by the end, your house will smell like a little slice of lemony heaven.

Looking for tips on prepping chicken safely and quickly? Check out our kitchen prep essentials that make dinner come together smoother than ever.

Step 1: Build the Liquid Base

Start by pouring 1 ½ cups of chicken broth and ¼ cup of lemon juice directly into your crockpot. This combo will serve as the flavorful base that infuses the chicken while keeping it moist and tender during cooking. Fresh lemon juice really makes a difference here, giving the sauce that bright, slightly tangy flavor that cuts through the richness of the butter later.

Want to learn more about when to use broth vs. stock? You might enjoy our guide on slow cooker soups that dives into the difference.

Step 2: Add the Chicken and Aromatics

Nestle 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts into the broth-lemon mixture. Sprinkle the chicken evenly with 2 tablespoons of minced garlic, ½ teaspoon of paprika, ½ teaspoon of crushed red chili pepper flakes (if you like a little heat), and 2 tablespoons of Italian seasoning. Add 2 tablespoons of finely diced shallots to the broth for a mild, slightly sweet flavor that complements the garlic.

This step-by-step seasoning method ensures that every bite of chicken is loaded with flavor. Don’t be afraid to press some of that garlic directly onto the chicken—it helps it cling during cooking for maximum taste.

Need a substitute for shallots or Italian seasoning? We’ve got ideas in our ingredient swaps cheat sheet for moments when your pantry doesn’t quite cooperate.

Step 3: Add the Butter and Herbs

Slice ¼ cup of butter and scatter it over the chicken. Then wedge 2 to 4 sprigs of fresh rosemary in between and around the chicken breasts. As the butter melts, it melds with the garlic and spices to create a luscious, velvety sauce. The rosemary adds a warm, piney note that makes this dish feel extra comforting.

Pro tip: Don’t have fresh rosemary? You can use 1 teaspoon of dried rosemary in a pinch, but fresh gives the sauce a cleaner finish. This step-by-step layering of flavors is what takes your chicken from good to can’t-stop-eating.

Step 4: Slow Cook the Chicken

Set your crockpot to high for 1 hour, then reduce to low for 3 more hours. This cooking method gives the chicken time to slowly absorb all those herby, buttery, lemony flavors. You’ll know it’s ready when the chicken is fork-tender and practically falling apart. If your schedule is packed, you can also cook it on low for 6–7 hours instead.

This is the perfect time to prep sides like mashed potatoes, rice, or roasted veggies. You can also browse our full collection of slow cooker favorites to plan your next no-fuss dinner.

Step 5: Thicken the Sauce

About 30 minutes before serving, whisk together 2 tablespoons of cornstarch and ¼ cup of water until completely smooth. Pour this mixture around the chicken in the crockpot—not directly on top—so it can slowly mix with the juices and thicken into a light gravy.

This step is crucial. It turns that flavorful broth into a glossy sauce that clings beautifully to the chicken and whatever side you’re serving. For best results, give it a gentle stir after 15 minutes to help the sauce come together evenly.

Step 6: Serve and Garnish

Once your chicken is tender and the sauce is silky, it’s showtime. Serve the chicken warm, spooning the thickened lemon garlic butter sauce generously over each piece. Garnish with a few fresh lemon slices for an extra pop of brightness and a restaurant-style presentation.

Not sure what to serve it with? We’ve got a full list of cozy side dish ideas in our comfort food collection. Or keep it light with steamed veggies and a side salad.

What to Serve with Crockpot Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken

This chicken is versatile enough to go with whatever you’ve got in your kitchen. Want comfort food? Serve it over creamy mashed potatoes or buttery egg noodles. Craving something lighter? Go with steamed broccoli or roasted asparagus. If you’re feeling fancy, a wild rice pilaf or even some sautéed spinach with garlic can really level things up. Don’t forget bread—something crusty to mop up the sauce. Or go full cozy and spoon it over cheesy grits (trust me, it’s a vibe). This dish plays nice with just about anything, so you do you.

Key Tips for Making Crockpot Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken

First, use fresh lemon juice—it makes a big difference. Bottled lemon juice can taste flat or bitter. Second, don’t skip the butter. I know, we’re all watching fats, but the butter gives the sauce that luscious, can’t-stop-dipping-my-bread flavor. Third, season the chicken well before cooking. The slow cooker mellows flavors, so you want to start strong. If your chicken breasts are on the thick side, give them a little pound with a meat mallet or cut in half so they cook evenly. And don’t skip the cornstarch step at the end—it transforms the broth into a dreamy sauce you’ll want to pour over everything.

Storage and Reheating Tips for Crockpot Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken

Got leftovers? Lucky you. Store cooled chicken and sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. The flavor actually deepens overnight, so you might like it even more the next day. To reheat, use the microwave for a quick fix (add a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce), or gently warm it on the stove over low heat. This recipe also freezes well—just skip the lemon garnish. Freeze in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating. It’s perfect for meal prep or lazy dinners when you can’t even deal.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely. Thighs are juicier and more forgiving if you accidentally cook them a bit longer.

Is this dish spicy?
Not really. The red chili flakes add a subtle heat, but feel free to dial it up or down to your taste.

Can I make this dairy-free?
You can swap the butter for a plant-based alternative, though the flavor will change slightly.

What size crockpot works best?
A 6-quart slow cooker is perfect. If you’re scaling up, just make sure everything is well-covered in liquid.

How do I make this low-carb?
The chicken is already low-carb! Just pair it with cauliflower mash or zucchini noodles instead of rice or pasta.

Final Thoughts

Crockpot Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken is proof that delicious doesn’t have to mean complicated. With a handful of everyday ingredients and a slow cooker doing most of the work, this meal checks all the boxes: quick, tasty, family-approved, and stress-free. If you’re someone who loves low-fuss dinners that taste like you tried way harder than you did, this recipe’s about to become your go-to. Pair it with whatever your fridge has to offer, and dinner is done. For more weeknight lifesavers, check out Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings or our cozy Lemony Chicken Orzo Soup. Happy cooking!

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