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Tender Crockpot Chicken Thighs with Easy Herb Butter

crockpot chicken thighs with herb butter - featured image

These tender crockpot chicken thighs with herb butter are the perfect easy weeknight dinner. With just 10 minutes of prep, the slow cooker does the work, delivering moist, flavorful chicken in a rich herb butter sauce.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs (about 68 thighs)
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
  • 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • ½ cup low-sodium chicken broth
  • Optional garnish: fresh parsley or thyme sprigs

Instructions

  1. Make the herb butter: In a small bowl, combine softened butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, thyme, rosemary, salt, pepper, and paprika. Mix until evenly distributed. Set aside.
  2. Prep the chicken: Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Season both sides lightly with a pinch of salt and pepper.
  3. Sear the chicken: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat with 1 tablespoon oil. Place chicken thighs smooth side down in a single layer (work in batches if needed). Cook undisturbed for 3-4 minutes until golden brown. Flip and cook another 2-3 minutes.
  4. Layer in the crockpot: Pour chicken broth into the bottom of the slow cooker. Place seared chicken thighs in a single layer. Spoon herb butter over each piece, spreading evenly.
  5. Cook low and slow: Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, until chicken shreds easily with a fork (internal temperature of 175°F).
  6. Finish and serve: Carefully remove chicken from crockpot with a slotted spoon. Let rest 5 minutes. Spoon cooking liquid over the top. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired.

Notes

Don’t skip the sear—it adds essential flavor. Let butter soften to room temperature for easy spreading. If sauce is too thin, remove chicken and simmer liquid on stovetop or add a cornstarch slurry. For bone-in thighs, increase cooking time to 6-7 hours on low. Add lemon zest or red pepper flakes for variation.

Nutrition

Keywords: crockpot chicken thighs, herb butter chicken, slow cooker chicken, easy chicken dinner, weeknight dinner, gluten-free, low-carb