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Tender Crockpot Garlic Butter Chicken Thighs: Easy 4-Ingredient Recipe

crockpot garlic butter chicken thighs - featured image

These tender crockpot garlic butter chicken thighs are incredibly easy to make with just four main ingredients. The slow cooker does all the work, resulting in fall-apart tender chicken in a rich, buttery garlic sauce that’s perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 68 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 2.53 pounds)
  • 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
  • 810 cloves fresh garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels.
  2. In a small bowl, mix 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, 1 teaspoon dried thyme, and 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary.
  3. Sprinkle the seasoning mixture evenly over both sides of the chicken thighs and rub in gently.
  4. Optional but recommended: Heat 1 tablespoon butter or oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear 3-4 chicken thighs skin-side down for 3-4 minutes until golden brown, then flip and cook 2 more minutes. Transfer to crockpot. Repeat with remaining thighs.
  5. Peel and mince 8-10 cloves of garlic.
  6. Place the seasoned (and optionally seared) chicken thighs in the crockpot in a single layer. Scatter minced garlic over the chicken. Cut the butter into 4-5 pieces and dot over the top. Pour 1/2 cup chicken broth around the edges.
  7. Cover and cook on LOW for 6-7 hours or on HIGH for 3-4 hours, until chicken is fork-tender and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
  8. Optional: Transfer cooked chicken to a platter and tent with foil. Pour cooking liquid into a small saucepan, bring to a simmer, and cook 5-8 minutes to thicken. For a thicker sauce, whisk in a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water) and simmer 2 minutes.
  9. Spoon the garlic butter sauce over the chicken, garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and serve immediately.

Notes

For best results, let chicken thighs sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before cooking. Pat dry with paper towels before seasoning. Searing is highly recommended for extra flavor. Don’t lift the lid too often during cooking. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months. The sauce can be thickened by simmering on the stovetop or using a cornstarch slurry.

Nutrition

Keywords: crockpot chicken thighs, garlic butter chicken, slow cooker chicken, easy chicken recipe, 4-ingredient dinner, comfort food, chicken thighs