Why Make This Recipe
Slow Cooker Lemon Butter Salmon is perfect for anyone looking for a delicious and easy meal that doesn’t require a lot of fuss. The salmon cooks gently in the slow cooker, keeping it tender and juicy. The lemon butter sauce adds a burst of flavor that brightens the dish and makes it feel special. Plus, it’s a healthy option packed with omega-3 fatty acids, making it great for family dinners or dinner parties.
How to Make Slow Cooker Lemon Butter Salmon
Ingredients
- 4 (6 oz) salmon fillets, skin removed
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 lemon, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
Directions
Step 1: Prep the Salmon
First, pat your salmon fillets completely dry with a paper towel. This is a small but crucial step for getting that perfect texture, not a watery mess.
Step 2: Whisk the Magic Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, fresh lemon juice, chopped dill, minced garlic, onion powder, salt, and pepper. This lemon butter sauce is the heart and soul of the dish.
Step 3: Add Broth to Slow Cooker
Pour the chicken broth into the bottom of your slow cooker. This little bit of liquid creates steam and prevents the bottom from burning, ensuring your slow cooker fish cooks evenly.
Step 4: Arrange the Fillets
Lay the salmon fillets in a single layer in the slow cooker. Try not to stack them. We want that sauce to love on every single piece equally.
Step 5: Sauce It Up!
Now, pour that gorgeous lemon butter sauce you made evenly over the top of the salmon. Go on, don’t be shy.
Step 6: Add the Lemon Slices
Place the thin lemon slices right on top of the salmon fillets. They’ll infuse even more bright, citrusy flavor as everything cooks together.
Step 7: The Waiting Game
Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 2-3 hours. The salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork. I always check at the 2-hour mark to avoid overcooking.
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy
Carefully remove the salmon with a spatula. Don’t forget to spoon loads of that creamy lemon sauce from the bottom of the pot over the top when you serve!
How to Serve Slow Cooker Lemon Butter Salmon
Serve this delicious lemon butter salmon with a side of steamed vegetables, rice, or a fresh salad. The sauce is perfect for drizzling over your side dishes as well.
How to Store Slow Cooker Lemon Butter Salmon
If you have any leftovers, let the salmon cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for later; just make sure to thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Tips to Make Slow Cooker Lemon Butter Salmon
- Make sure to dry the salmon thoroughly for better texture.
- If you love herbs, feel free to add more dill or other herbs like parsley or thyme.
- Adjust the lemon juice according to your taste; add a little more for extra brightness!
Variation
You can use other types of fish, such as tilapia or cod, if you want to change things up. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly since thinner fish will cook faster.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen salmon?
Yes, you can use frozen salmon fillets. Just remember that you might need to add a little extra cooking time if you start with frozen.
2. What can I substitute for chicken broth?
You can use vegetable broth or water if you prefer a lighter option.
3. Is this dish suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! This salmon keeps well in the fridge and can be portioned out for easy meals throughout the week.
Slow Cooker Lemon Butter Salmon
- Total Time: 195 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Pescatarian
Description
A delicious and easy slow-cooked salmon with a bright lemon butter sauce, perfect for family dinners or dinner parties.
Ingredients
- 4 (6 oz) salmon fillets, skin removed
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 lemon, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
Instructions
- Pat the salmon fillets completely dry with a paper towel.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, lemon juice, dill, garlic, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the chicken broth into the bottom of the slow cooker.
- Lay the salmon fillets in a single layer in the slow cooker.
- Pour the lemon butter sauce evenly over the salmon.
- Place the thin lemon slices on top of the salmon.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 120-180 minutes, checking for doneness at the 120-minute mark.
- Carefully remove the salmon and spoon the creamy lemon sauce from the pot over the top before serving.
Notes
Serve with steamed vegetables, rice, or a fresh salad. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 180 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: slow cooker recipe, salmon, lemon butter, healthy dinner, easy meal