High-Protein Crock Pot Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Thighs

🍋 High-Protein Crock Pot Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Thighs

Juicy, tender, and packed with bright lemon-garlic flavor — this slow cooker version keeps it simple while boosting protein and keeping fats balanced.

📝 Ingredients (Serves 6)

• 2½ lbs (1.1 kg) boneless, skinless chicken thighs

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 2 tbsp light butter (or regular, divided)

• 5 cloves garlic, minced

• Zest of 1 lemon

• ¼ cup fresh lemon juice

• ½ cup low-sodium chicken broth

• 1 tsp Italian seasoning

• ½ tsp paprika

• ½ tsp salt (or to taste)

• ½ tsp black pepper

• 1 tbsp cornstarch (optional, for thicker sauce)

• Fresh parsley for garnish

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. Season the chicken with salt, pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning.

2. Heat olive oil in a skillet and sear thighs 2–3 minutes per side (optional but adds flavor).

3. Add chicken to the crock pot.

4. In the same pan, melt butter and sauté garlic 30 seconds.

5. Stir in lemon zest, lemon juice, and chicken broth. Pour over chicken.

6. Cover and cook:

   • Low: 5–6 hours

   • High: 3–4 hours

7. For a thicker sauce: mix cornstarch with 2 tbsp water and stir into crock pot during last 20 minutes.

8. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

🔥 Nutrition (Per Serving – Approximate)

• Calories: 320

• Protein: 42–45g

• Carbs: 3–4g

• Fat: 14g

💪 Protein Boost Options

• Stir in ½ cup plain Greek yogurt at the end for a creamy lemon sauce (adds extra protein).

• Serve over high-protein pasta or cottage cheese mashed potatoes.

• Add steamed broccoli or spinach directly into the crock pot during the last 30 minutes.