Embark on a flavorful adventure with every dish.

Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Chicken

Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Chicken

This Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Chicken is a delightful and simple dinner option that showcases the rich flavors of garlic and butter. Cooking chicken slowly allows it to soak up all the savory goodness, resulting in tender and juicy meat. This dish is perfect for busy weeknights, family gatherings, or any occasion when you want a comforting meal without spending hours in the kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Effortless Preparation: Simply combine ingredients, set your slow cooker, and let it do the work for you.
  • Flavorful Result: The combination of garlic and butter creates a rich sauce that enhances the chicken’s natural flavors.
  • Versatile Serving Suggestions: Pairs well with rice, mashed potatoes, or even steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
  • Perfect for Meal Prep: Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making it an ideal dish for planning ahead.
  • Family-Friendly: A crowd-pleaser that appeals to both kids and adults alike.

Tools and Preparation

To prepare this dish, you’ll need some essential tools to make your cooking experience smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

  • Slow cooker
  • Microwave-safe bowl
  • Measuring cups
  • Measuring spoons
  • Cutting board
  • Knife

Importance of Each Tool

  • Slow cooker: This is the star of the show! It allows for hands-off cooking while infusing flavors over time.
  • Microwave-safe bowl: Perfect for melting butter quickly without fussing with pots on the stove.
  • Measuring cups: Ensure accurate measurements for perfect seasoning every time.

Ingredients

For the Chicken

  • 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts (About 1.5 pounds.)

For the Garlic Butter Sauce

  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter (1 stick.)
  • 6 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • to taste salt
  • to taste pepper

For Garnish

  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (For garnish.)

For Extra Flavor

  • 1 piece lemon, juiced

How to Make Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Chicken

Step 1: Prepare the Garlic Butter Mixture

In a small bowl, melt the butter in the microwave or on the stove. Add minced garlic, onion powder, smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir until well combined.

Step 2: Coat the Chicken

Place the chicken breasts into the slow cooker. Pour the garlic butter mixture evenly over the chicken, ensuring each piece is coated.

Step 3: Add Lemon Juice

Squeeze the juice of one lemon over the chicken for added flavor.

Step 4: Cook

Cover the slow cooker with the lid and set it to cook on low for 6 hours or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.

Step 5: Serve

Once cooking is complete, remove the chicken from the slow cooker and place it on a serving plate. You can shred it or serve the breasts whole.

Step 6: Add Sauce

Spoon some of the remaining garlic butter sauce over the chicken. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.

Step 7: Enjoy

For best results, serve this dish over rice or mashed potatoes to soak up the delicious garlic butter sauce.

Step 8: Store Leftovers

Store any leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

With this recipe for Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Chicken, you’ll have a hearty meal that not only tastes great but also fits seamlessly into your hectic schedule!

How to Serve Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Chicken

Serving Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Chicken can elevate your dining experience and make it even more enjoyable. Here are some creative ways to present this flavorful dish.

Over Rice

  • A fluffy bed of white or brown rice absorbs the rich garlic butter sauce, enhancing every bite.

With Mashed Potatoes

  • Creamy mashed potatoes complement the tender chicken, making it a comforting meal perfect for any night.

In a Wrap

  • Shred the chicken and wrap it in a tortilla with fresh veggies and your favorite sauce for a quick lunch option.

On a Salad

  • Slice the chicken and serve it atop a fresh salad for a light yet satisfying meal, drizzled with vinaigrette.

As Tacos

  • Use the shredded chicken as a filling for tacos, topped with avocado, salsa, and cilantro for an exciting twist.

With Crusty Bread

  • Serve alongside crusty bread to soak up every last bit of the delicious garlic butter sauce.

How to Perfect Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Chicken

To achieve the best results with your Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Chicken, keep these tips in mind. They will help ensure your dish is full of flavor and perfectly cooked.

  • Use Fresh Garlic: Fresh minced garlic provides a stronger flavor compared to pre-minced varieties.
  • Adjust Seasoning: Taste before serving; feel free to tweak salt and pepper according to your preference.
  • Don’t Overcrowd: Make sure not to pack too much chicken into the slow cooker; this ensures even cooking.
  • Let It Rest: After cooking, let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving for better texture.
  • Use Broth: If you want more sauce, add a splash of chicken broth along with the garlic butter mixture.
  • Garnish Generously: Fresh parsley not only adds color but also enhances the dish’s freshness when served.

Best Side Dishes for Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Chicken

Pairing side dishes with your Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Chicken can enhance your meal. Here are some delicious options that complement this dish well.

  1. Steamed Green Beans
    Bright green beans add color and crunch, balancing out the richness of the chicken.

  2. Roasted Vegetables
    A mix of seasonal vegetables roasted until tender provides both flavor and nutrition.

  3. Quinoa Salad
    A light quinoa salad with cucumbers, tomatoes, and lemon dressing offers a refreshing contrast.

  4. Cauliflower Rice
    This low-carb alternative is great for soaking up extra sauce while keeping the meal healthy.

  5. Garlic Bread
    Crispy garlic bread is perfect for sopping up all that delicious garlic butter sauce on your plate.

  6. Coleslaw
    A tangy coleslaw adds crunch and acidity which complements the savory flavors of the chicken.

  7. Baked Sweet Potatoes
    Naturally sweet baked sweet potatoes provide a lovely contrast to savory dishes while being nutritious.

  8. Creamed Spinach
    This rich side dish adds creaminess that pairs beautifully with savory flavors, making it irresistible.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Chicken, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes. Here are some tips to help you avoid them.

  • Boldly skip the seasoning. Not adding enough salt and pepper can lead to bland chicken. Always season your dish generously for better flavor.
  • Boldly ignore the cooking time. Cooking the chicken too long can make it dry. Stick to the recommended 6 hours on low for perfectly tender meat.
  • Boldly forget to coat the chicken. Skipping the step of coating the chicken in garlic butter means missing out on essential flavors. Ensure each piece is well-coated before cooking.
  • Boldly underestimate lemon juice. Using too little lemon juice can result in a flat taste. Squeeze a whole lemon over the chicken for a zesty kick.
  • Boldly overlook leftovers. Not storing leftovers properly may lead to spoilage. Store any remaining chicken in airtight containers in the fridge.
Slow

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

  • Item: Store leftover Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Chicken in an airtight container.
  • Item: It will stay fresh for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Chicken

  • Item: You can freeze the chicken for up to 2 months.
  • Item: Use freezer-safe containers or bags for best results.

Reheating Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Chicken

  • Oven: Preheat your oven to 350Β°F (175Β°C) and reheat covered with foil until warmed through.
  • Microwave: Place a serving on a microwave-safe plate, cover, and heat at medium power until hot.
  • Stovetop: Heat over medium-low heat in a skillet, stirring occasionally, until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some commonly asked questions about Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Chicken.

How do I make Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Chicken more flavorful?

You can enhance flavor by marinating the chicken overnight with garlic and spices before cooking.

Can I use other meats for this recipe?

Yes! This recipe works well with turkey or even beef if you prefer a different flavor profile.

What sides go well with Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Chicken?

This dish pairs nicely with rice, mashed potatoes, or steamed vegetables, allowing you to soak up that delicious sauce.

Can I substitute ingredients in this recipe?

Absolutely! Feel free to adjust herbs and spices based on your preference or what you have on hand.

How do I know when my chicken is done?

The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165Β°F (75Β°C) and is tender enough to shred easily.

Final Thoughts

Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Chicken is not only simple but also incredibly versatile. You can customize it with different herbs or sides according to your taste preferences. Give this recipe a try; it’s perfect for busy weeknights yet impressive enough for guests!

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Chicken

Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Chicken


  • Author: Adeline
  • Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
  • Yield: Serves 4

Description

Indulge in the comforting flavors of Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Chicken, a dish that transforms simple ingredients into a delectable meal with minimal effort. This recipe features succulent chicken breasts bathed in a rich garlic butter sauce, allowing for tender, juicy bites that are perfect for any occasion. Simply set your slow cooker and let it work its magic while you attend to your busy day. This versatile dish pairs beautifully with rice, mashed potatoes, or steamed vegetables, making it an ideal choice for family dinners or meal prep. Leftovers can be easily stored and enjoyed throughout the week, ensuring you have delicious meals ready at your fingertips.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 pounds)
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter
  • 6 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Juice of 1 lemon
  • Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

  1. In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter and stir in minced garlic, onion powder, smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
  2. Place chicken breasts in the slow cooker and pour the garlic butter mixture over them.
  3. Squeeze lemon juice over the top.
  4. Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or until chicken is tender.
  5. Serve on a plate topped with additional garlic butter sauce and garnish with fresh parsley.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 360 minutes
  • Category: Main
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 chicken breast (approximately 170g)
  • Calories: 420
  • Sugar: 0g
  • Sodium: 620mg
  • Fat: 30g
  • Saturated Fat: 18g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 2g
  • Fiber: 0g
  • Protein: 39g
  • Cholesterol: 125mg

Keywords: For extra flavor, consider marinating the chicken overnight with spices. This recipe is adaptable; feel free to substitute turkey or beef if desired. Pair with various sides like roasted vegetables or quinoa salad for a complete meal.

Related Articles

π‚π‘πžπŸ Adeline

Pro Chef & Blogger

Welcome to my culinary corner, where passion meets the plate! I’m a chef with a love for creating delicious and inspiring dishes. Here, I’ll share my best recipes, tips, and tricks to help you bring a taste of magic into your kitchen. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting out, you’ll find something to ignite your passion for cooking. Join me on this flavorful journey and let’s make every meal memorable. Happy cooking.

Chef Adeline