Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Chicken

This Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Chicken is the perfect meal for busy weeknights. With its rich flavors and tender chicken, it’s a delightful dish that suits any occasion, from family dinners to gatherings with friends. The slow cooking process allows the chicken to absorb the garlic and butter, creating a comforting and delicious meal that’s easy to prepare.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Effortless Preparation: Simply toss everything in the slow cooker and let it do the work for you.
• Rich Flavor: The combination of garlic and butter infuses the chicken with mouthwatering taste.
• Versatile Serving Options: Serve it over rice or mashed potatoes to enjoy every drop of the savory sauce.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: Ideal for leftovers, making it great for lunches or quick dinners throughout the week.
• Crowd-Pleaser: This dish is sure to impress friends and family alike with its incredible flavor.

Tools and Preparation

To make this Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Chicken, you’ll need a few essential tools. These will help streamline your cooking process and ensure your dish turns out perfectly.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Slow cooker
• Mixing bowl
• Measuring cups
• Cutting board
• Knife

Importance of Each Tool

• Slow cooker: This tool allows for low and slow cooking, which is key for achieving tender chicken infused with flavor.
• Mixing bowl: Perfect for combining ingredients before adding them to the slow cooker.
• Measuring cups: Ensures accurate ingredient quantities, crucial for balanced flavors in your dish.

Ingredients

For this Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Chicken, gather the following ingredients:

For the Chicken

• 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts (About 1.5 pounds.)
• 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
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (For garnish.)
• 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 in Slow Cooker

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: Garnish and Enjoy

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

Step 7: Pairing Suggestions

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

Step 8: Store Leftovers

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

Now you’re ready to enjoy an easy-to-make yet incredibly flavorful dish that will surely become a favorite!

How to Serve Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Chicken

Serving Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Chicken is an enjoyable experience that allows you to get creative with your meal. This tender chicken pairs well with a variety of sides, making it perfect for family dinners or gatherings.

Over Rice

• Steamed White Rice: A classic choice that soaks up the garlic butter sauce beautifully.
• Brown Rice: For a healthier option, brown rice adds nuttiness and fiber to the dish.

With Mashed Potatoes

• Creamy Mashed Potatoes: The rich texture complements the chicken perfectly, allowing the flavors to blend together.
• Garlic Mashed Potatoes: For an extra kick, mix in roasted garlic for more depth of flavor.

In Tacos

• Chicken Tacos: Shred the chicken and serve it in warm tortillas with toppings like avocado, cilantro, and lime.
• Buffalo Chicken Style: Add some hot sauce for a spicy twist on your taco night.

As a Salad

• Garlic Butter Chicken Salad: Slice the chicken over mixed greens with cherry tomatoes and a light vinaigrette.
• Caesar Salad Wraps: Wrap the chicken and romaine lettuce in a tortilla with Caesar dressing for a fun twist.

With Vegetables

• Roasted Seasonal Vegetables: A colorful side of roasted veggies balances the meal and adds nutrition.
• Garlic Green Beans: Sautéed green beans tossed in garlic for an extra pop of flavor that matches the chicken.

How to Perfect Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Chicken

To achieve the best results with Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Chicken, follow these simple tips. They will ensure your dish is flavorful and tender every time.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and herbs enhance flavor compared to dried versions.
• Don’t Overcrowd: Ensure there’s enough space in the slow cooker for even cooking; too much chicken can lead to uneven results.
• Adjust Cooking Time: If using larger pieces of chicken, increase cooking time slightly; smaller pieces may require less time.
• Brown Your Chicken First: For added depth of flavor, consider searing the chicken in a pan before adding it to the slow cooker.
• Use Low Setting for Best Results: Cooking on low allows flavors to develop fully and keeps chicken tender without drying out.
• Let it Rest Before Serving: Allowing the chicken to rest for a few minutes after cooking helps retain moisture.

Best Side Dishes for Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Chicken

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

1. Steamed Broccoli: Brightens up your plate while providing essential nutrients; simply steam until tender.
2. Quinoa Salad: Adds a healthy grain option; mix cooked quinoa with diced vegetables and lemon dressing.
3. Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn brings a lovely crunch; grill or boil it for simplicity.
4. Garlic Bread: Perfect for soaking up excess sauce; toast baguette slices with butter and garlic powder.
5. Coleslaw: A crunchy slaw provides freshness; mix cabbage with a tangy dressing for balance.
6. Roasted Sweet Potatoes: Their natural sweetness pairs nicely with garlic butter; roast until crispy on the outside.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When preparing Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Chicken, it’s easy to make some common mistakes. Here are a few to watch out for:

• Not seasoning properly: Failing to add enough salt or pepper can lead to bland chicken. Make sure to taste and adjust seasoning before cooking.
• Skipping the garlic: Garlic is key for flavor in this recipe. Always use fresh minced garlic instead of pre-minced or powder for the best taste.
• Overcooking the chicken: Cooking the chicken too long can make it dry. Stick to the recommended 6 hours on low for tender and juicy results.
• Ignoring the butter’s importance: The butter adds richness. Don’t reduce it; instead, choose high-quality unsalted butter for better flavor.
• Neglecting garnishes: Garnishes like parsley brighten up the dish visually and flavor-wise. Always add them just before serving for maximum impact.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Chicken in an airtight container.
• It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Chicken

• Place cooled chicken in freezer-safe bags or containers.
• You can freeze it for up to 3 months.

Reheating Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Chicken

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the chicken in a baking dish covered with foil until heated through.
• Microwave: Heat individual portions on medium power, stirring occasionally, until warmed completely.
• Stovetop: In a skillet over medium heat, warm the chicken with a splash of broth or water, stirring frequently until hot.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Chicken:

Can I use frozen chicken breasts?

Yes, but ensure they are fully thawed before cooking. Frozen chicken may not cook evenly.

How do I know when the chicken is done?

Use a meat thermometer; it should read 165°F (75°C) at the thickest part of the breast.

What can I serve with Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Chicken?

It pairs wonderfully with rice, mashed potatoes, or steamed vegetables.

Can I customize this recipe?

Absolutely! Feel free to add vegetables like carrots or potatoes into the slow cooker for a complete meal.

Final Thoughts

Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Chicken is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. This recipe allows for various customization options—try adding different herbs or spices based on your preference. Don’t hesitate; give this easy and flavorful dish a try!

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Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Chicken

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

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Description

Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Chicken is a mouthwatering, hassle-free dish that transforms your weeknight dinners into something special. With succulent chicken breasts cooked in a rich garlic and butter sauce, this recipe delivers comfort and flavor with minimal effort. The slow cooker does all the work while you enjoy the enticing aroma filling your home. Perfect for busy families or gatherings, serve it over rice or mashed potatoes to savor every delicious drop of sauce. This dish not only pleases the palate but also makes for excellent meal prep leftovers. Give this easy recipe a try, and watch it become a go-to favorite!

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Ingredients

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• 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

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Instructions

1. Melt the butter in a small bowl, then mix in the minced garlic, onion powder, smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
2. Place the chicken breasts in the slow cooker and pour the garlic butter mixture over them.
3. Squeeze lemon juice over the chicken.
4. Cover and cook on low for 6 hours until fully cooked and tender.
5. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 6 hours
• Category: Main
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 piece of chicken (about 4 ounces)
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 0g
• Sodium: 580mg
• Fat: 24g
• Saturated Fat: 15g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 2g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 30g
• Cholesterol: 95mg