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Healthy Herb Butter Crockpot Chicken – Best Juicy Easy Dinner

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This healthy herb butter crockpot chicken is incredibly juicy and flavorful, thanks to a simple technique of rubbing the herb butter under the skin. With just 10 minutes of prep and a few pantry staples, you can set it and forget it for a delicious, crowd-pleasing dinner.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 tablespoons (56g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced (about 2 teaspoons)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
  • 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped
  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
  • ½ teaspoon dried oregano
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
  • 1 whole chicken (4–5 lbs / 1.8–2.3 kg)
  • 1 teaspoon salt (for seasoning the outside)
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper (for seasoning the outside)
  • 1 lemon, quartered (optional)
  • 3 sprigs fresh thyme (optional)
  • ½ cup (120ml) chicken broth or water

Instructions

  1. Make the herb butter: In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, minced garlic, parsley, rosemary, thyme, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mash together with a fork until evenly distributed. Set aside.
  2. Prep the chicken: Remove the chicken from packaging and take out the giblets if present. Pat the chicken completely dry with paper towels. Season the outside with the remaining salt and pepper.
  3. Apply the herb butter under the skin: Gently work your fingers under the skin of the chicken breast to create a pocket. Spread about two-thirds of the herb butter directly onto the meat under the skin, massaging to cover both breasts evenly. Spread the remaining butter over the outside of the skin.
  4. Stuff the cavity (optional): If using, stuff the lemon quarters and thyme sprigs into the chicken cavity.
  5. Truss the chicken (optional): Tie the legs together with kitchen twine, or tuck the wing tips under the bird and cross the legs.
  6. Place in the crockpot: Put the chicken breast-side up in the crockpot. Pour the chicken broth around the sides (not over the top). The liquid should come up about ¼ inch.
  7. Cook low and slow: Cover and cook on LOW for 6-7 hours, or on HIGH for 3-4 hours, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the thigh.
  8. Rest before carving: Carefully lift the chicken out of the crockpot and place on a cutting board. Let it rest for 10-15 minutes.
  9. Carve and serve: Remove twine and cavity aromatics. Carve the chicken into pieces and spoon some cooking juices over the top. Serve immediately.

Notes

For best results, use softened butter and pat the chicken dry. Don’t lift the lid during cooking. Let the chicken rest before carving to retain juices. For a dairy-free version, use vegan butter or coconut oil. Dried herbs can be substituted (use half the amount).

Nutrition

Keywords: herb butter chicken, crockpot chicken, slow cooker chicken, healthy chicken recipe, easy dinner, juicy chicken

Find it online: https://evabake.com/healthy-herb-butter-crockpot-chicken-best-juicy-easy-dinner/