Zesty Lemon Butter Salmon

What Makes This Slow Cooker Lemon Butter Salmon So Special

Picture this: you walk in the door after a long day, and the aroma of garlic, lemon, and fresh dill greets you. The salmon is so tender it practically melts, bathing in a rich, creamy lemon butter sauce. It feels like a fancy restaurant meal, but your slow cooker did all the heavy lifting.

Honestly, this is my go-to lifesaver recipe. It’s the answer to “What’s for dinner?” on those chaotic weeknights. Ever wondered if you can even make fish in a crock pot without it turning to mush? I’m here to show you that you absolutely can, and it’s incredible.

Ingredients for Your Lemon Butter Salmon

Gathering everything is a breeze. The star here is really the fresh dill and lemon—trust me, the fresh stuff makes a world of difference compared to dried herbs.

• 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

Cook Time for This Easy Salmon Recipe

The best part about this crock pot salmon is the hands-off time. You get to be a kitchen hero with minimal effort. IMO, that’s a win.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 2-3 hours on LOW
• Total Time: About 2 hours, 10 minutes to 3 hours, 10 minutes

See? You can literally throw this together in the afternoon and have a perfect dinner waiting. If you love this kind of easy prep, you might also enjoy my Sous Vide Scallops with Lemon Butter Sauce for another fuss-free seafood night.

How to Make Tender, Flaky Lemon Butter Salmon

Ready to make this simple weeknight dinner? Let’s get cooking. I promise, it’s easier than you think.

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!

Pro Tips & Tasty Tweaks

Here are a few things I’ve learned from making this lemon dill salmon a dozen times. 🙂

• Flavor Swap: Not a dill fan? Swap in fresh thyme or parsley. It’s just as delicious.
• Diet Tweak: Use a good olive oil instead of butter and vegetable broth to make it dairy-free.
• Prep Fix: If you’re short on time, you can use minced jarred garlic. I won’t tell anyone.
• Sauce Boost: For an even richer sauce, stir in a tablespoon of my Cowboy Butter at the end. You’re welcome.

Nutrition and Health Benefits

Let’s be real, we’re not just here for the amazing taste (though that’s a huge plus). This lemon butter salmon is actually really good for you. It’s a fantastic source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are great for heart and brain health.

Paired with a side like quinoa or steamed veggies, it’s a beautifully balanced meal. I love how the healthy fats in the salmon keep you feeling satisfied. Curious about other healthy sauces? My Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine uses a similar herb-forward approach. For another baked salmon option, The Stay at Home Chef has a great recipe.

A Lighter Version of This Creamy Lemon Salmon

Want to lighten things up a bit? You totally can. Can I make it healthier? Absolutely. Simple swaps keep all the flavor but cut some calories.

Use olive oil instead of butter, and low-sodium chicken broth. You can even add a splash of white wine for extra flavor without the fat. For a different take on a lighter salmon dish, check out Bless This Mess Please. And if you’re craving that pan-seared crust, Cooked by Julie’s pan-seared version is fantastic.

Thoughtful Tips for Special Diets

Cooking for friends or family with dietary needs? No problem. This recipe is wonderfully adaptable.

For diabetic-friendly or low sugar diets, this recipe is already a great choice. The protein and healthy fats help with glycemic control. Just be mindful of what you serve it with—opt for cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles.

To make it gluten-free, just ensure your chicken broth is certified GF. It’s that easy to make everyone at the table happy.

How to Serve Your Lemon Butter Salmon

My favorite way to serve this is over a big bed of fluffy jasmine rice or pasta because they soak up that incredible sauce. Add a simple green salad or some roasted asparagus on the side, and you have a complete meal.

It’s the kind of dinner that feels special enough for company but easy enough for a Tuesday. FYI, a crisp Sauvignon Blanc pairs beautifully with the lemony flavors. :/ (See? I’m not a wine expert, but I know what tastes good!).

Mistakes to Avoid

Okay, let’s talk about the few pitfalls so you can avoid them. The biggest mistake? Overcooking the salmon.

• Overcooking: Fish keeps cooking after it comes out. Take it out just as it starts to flake.
• Using Frozen Fish Without Thawing: Always thaw your salmon completely in the fridge first for even cooking.
• Skipping the Broth: That 1/4 cup of broth is insurance against dry salmon. Don’t skip it!
• Stacking the Fillets: A single layer is non-negotiable for perfect creamy lemon salmon.

Learn from my mistakes, and you’ll have perfect salmon every single time.

How to Store Leftover Lemon Butter Salmon

If you have leftovers (a rare occurrence in my house!), let the salmon cool completely. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.

Gently reheat it in the microwave at a low power setting so it doesn’t turn rubbery. I love flaking cold leftover salmon over a salad for lunch the next day—so good!

Try This Lemon Butter Salmon Yourself

I really hope you give this recipe a try. It’s one of those meals that reminds me of sunny days and easy living, even when life is hectic.

There’s something so comforting about a meal that comes together with so little fuss but delivers maximum flavor. I’d love to hear how it turns out for you!

Frequently Asked Questions