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Lemon Coconut Chicken Thighs (Easy Crockpot Recipe!)

Published on September 14, 2023 by Sarah Troester
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Lemon coconut chicken thighs is an easy crockpot recipe that you can simply set and forget. It’s creamy, delicious, and a wholesome meal that your whole family will love. This slow cooker meal comes together in one pot and is a healthy, low-carb, high protein, gluten-free, dairy-free busy weeknight dinner option.

With the start of a new school year, life has become pretty hectic juggling work (teaching), family, and everything in between. This delicious and hassle-free crockpot recipe has been pulling us through this busy weeknights.

It’s the kind of recipe that you can throw together during the week, or easily put together if entertaining on the weekend while saving yourself time in the kitchen and still impressing your loved ones at the same time.

Get ready, because this simple lemon coconut chicken thighs recipe is about to become your new best friend!

why you’ll love crockpot lemon coconut chicken thighs

  • Time-saving Convenience: As a busy mom and teacher, time is a precious commodity. With this crockpot recipe, you can simply throw the ingredients together in the morning and let the magic happen whole you go about your day.
  • Bursting with Flavor: The combination of zesty lemon and creamy coconut milk creates an unbeatable flavor that will have your taste buds dancing with joy. The lemon adds a refreshing tang, while the coconut milk brings a subtle sweetness and richness to the dish. The flavors infuse into the chicken as it slow-cooks, resulting in tender and succulent meat that is bursting with deliciousness.
  • Versatile and Customizable: This recipe is incredibly versatile, allowing you to customize it to suit your preferences. If you prefer a spicier kick, you can add a pinch of chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce. You can also experiment with different herbs and spices, such as adding some fresh cilantro or a sprinkle of cumin. The possibilities are endless!
  • Nutritious and Healthy: Ensuring that your family eats nutritious meals is a top priority! It’s just finding the time to make that happen. Thankfully, this recipe ticks all the boxes. The chicken thighs are a great source of protein, while the coconut milk provides healthy fats and essential nutrients. The addition of fresh lemon juice adds a dose of vitamin C and antioxidants, boosting your immune system and overall health. Win, win!
  • Leftover Love: One of the best things about crockpot meals is the leftovers! With this recipe, you’ll have delicious leftovers that can be repurposed into various meals throughout the week. Shred the leftover chicken and use it in tacos, salads, or sandwiches for a quick and easy meal.

ingredients

To make this easy, delicious, and healthy crockpot chicken recipe you’ll need a few ingredients that you can get at almost any grocery store or even online!

Here’s what we are working with:

  • chicken thighs – bone-in, skin on chicken thighs work best for this recipe. However, you can choose to substitute chicken breasts or chicken tenders instead; I would just recommend adding up to 1/4 cup of chicken broth to the recipe.
  • coconut milk
  • lemons
  • onion
  • red bell pepper
  • smoked paprika
  • garlic powder
  • Zesty Italian Dressing Seasoning packet
  • kale

how to make slow cooker lemon coconut chicken thighs

  1. Add the diced onion and peppers to the crockpot. Place the chicken on top.
  2. Sprinkle over the smoked paprika, garlic powder, Italian dressing seasoning packet, salt and pepper to taste. Mix in the coconut milk and lemon juice. Place lemon slices on top.
  3. Cover and cook on low for 7 hours or on high for 4 hours.
  4. Stir in kale, then let sit for 3-4 minutes.
  5. Optional step: Take the chicken thighs out of the crockpot and place into a baking dish, skin side up. Place under the broiler for 3-5 minutes for crispiness.
  6. Serve over rice.

what can i serve with crockpot lemon coconut chicken thighs?

There are so many delicious options that you can serve with this crockpot chicken thighs recipe. Our favorite sides are coconut rice, corn, and steamed vegetables like broccoli, carrots, or green beans.

One option that I would love to try when we make this recipe again is grilled pineapple! The smoky and caramelized flavors of the pineapple will add a tropical touch and who doesn’t love that!?

I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as we do. It’s definitely one of those recipes worth saving. There’s nothing better than having what looks and tastes like a gourmet meal on the table, but one that saves you time behind the scenes. 

Please leave us a star review and comment if you make this family favorite recipe. 

If you have any questions or comments, feel free leave them below. I answer every single question as quickly as I can.

Happy cooking! And thanks for being part of our tribe, The Tasteful Tribe!

ENJOY!

Lemon Coconut Chicken Thighs (Easy Crockpot Recipe!)

  • DFDairy-Free
  • GFGluten-Free
  • LCLow Carb
  • PPaleo
  • SFSugar Free
Lemon coconut chicken thighs is an easy crockpot recipe that you can simply set and forget. It’s creamy, delicious, and a wholesome meal that your whole family will love. This slow cooker meal comes together in one pot and is a healthy, low-carb, high protein, gluten-free, dairy-free busy weeknight dinner option.
Servings: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 4 hours
Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes

Ingredients 

  • 1 pound chicken thighs , bone-in, skin on *You can substitute chicken breasts, adding up to 1/4 cup of chicken broth to the recipe.
  • 1 (13.5oz) can coconut milk
  • 1-2 lemons, juiced and cut into slices
  • 1 small onion, finely diced
  • 1 red bell pepper, finely diced
  • ½ tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 (0.7oz) packet Zesty Italian Dressing Seasoning
  • 2 cups kale, chopped

Instructions 

  • Add the diced onion and peppers to the crockpot. Place the chicken on top.
  • Sprinkle over the smoked paprika, garlic powder, Italian dressing seasoning packet, salt and pepper to taste. Mix in the coconut milk and lemon juice. Place lemon slices on top.
  • Cover and cook on low for 7 hours or on high for 4 hours.
  • Stir in kale, then let sit for 3-4 minutes. 
  • Optional step: Take the chicken thighs out of the crockpot and place into a baking dish, skin side up. Place under the broiler for 3-5 minutes for crispiness.
  • Serve over rice, if desired.

Did you make this recipe? Don’t forget to tag thetastefultribe on instagram @thetastefultribe if you try this easy crockpot chicken recipe. We love seeing your version of the recipe! You can also post your pictures to our facebook page!