Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Chicken

This Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Chicken is a delightful recipe that brings rich flavors and tender meat to your dinner table with minimal effort. Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family gatherings, this dish highlights the comforting taste of garlic and butter while being incredibly easy to prepare. Just set it and forget it, allowing the slow cooker to work its magic!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Effortless Cooking – With just a few simple steps, you can have a delicious meal ready without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Rich Flavor – The combination of garlic and butter infuses the chicken with a savory taste that everyone will love.
• Versatile Serving Options – This dish pairs beautifully with rice, mashed potatoes, or even steamed vegetables, making it great for any occasion.
• Family-Friendly – A crowd-pleaser that appeals to both kids and adults, ensuring everyone leaves the table satisfied.
• Meal Prep Friendly – Perfect for batch cooking, this recipe stores well in the fridge for leftovers throughout the week.

Tools and Preparation

To create this Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Chicken, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools. These items make the process easier and ensure your dish turns out perfectly every time.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Slow cooker
• Measuring cups
• Mixing bowl
• Knife and cutting board
• Serving plate

Importance of Each Tool

• Slow cooker – This is the star of the show! It allows for hands-off cooking while developing deep flavors as the chicken slowly cooks.
• Measuring cups – Accurate measurements are key to achieving the right balance of flavors in your garlic butter sauce.
• Mixing bowl – A good mixing bowl helps combine all your ingredients efficiently before adding them to the slow cooker.

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Ingredients

For this flavorful dish, gather the following 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.)
• 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: Combine Chicken and Sauce

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

Step 5: Serve Your Dish

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 Finishing Touches

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 that delicious garlic butter sauce.

Step 8: Store Leftovers

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in your refrigerator for up to 3 days.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Chicken

This Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Chicken is a versatile dish that can be paired with various sides to enhance its rich flavors. Whether you’re hosting a dinner or enjoying a quiet meal at home, these serving suggestions will elevate your dining experience.

Over Rice

• A fluffy bed of rice perfectly absorbs the creamy garlic butter sauce, making each bite delightful.

With Mashed Potatoes

• Creamy mashed potatoes complement the chicken’s savory flavors and add a comforting touch to your meal.

In Tortillas

• Shred the chicken and wrap it in warm tortillas for delicious tacos, topped with your favorite toppings like avocado or salsa.

As a Salad Topper

• Slice the chicken and serve it over a fresh salad for a healthy option that balances richness with crisp veggies.

With Steamed Vegetables

• Pairing the chicken with lightly steamed vegetables adds freshness and color to your plate, enhancing both presentation and nutrition.

How to Perfect Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Chicken

Getting the most out of your Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Chicken requires some simple tips. Follow these suggestions for perfect results every time.

• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh garlic and herbs will maximize flavor compared to dried options.
• Don’t overcook: Cooking on low for 6 hours ensures tender chicken; avoid cooking longer to prevent dryness.
• Adjust seasonings: Taste and adjust salt, pepper, and spices before cooking for personalized flavor.
• Add broth for more moisture: If you prefer extra sauce, add a splash of chicken broth along with the garlic butter mixture.
• Let it rest: Allow the chicken to rest after cooking for juicier meat before shredding or slicing.

Best Side Dishes for Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Chicken

Pairing your Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Chicken with complementary side dishes can enhance flavors and create a balanced meal. Here are some excellent choices:

1. Garlic Bread: Perfect for soaking up the sauce; simply toast slices of bread brushed with garlic butter.
2. Roasted Brussels Sprouts: These add crunch and a slightly nutty flavor that pairs well with the richness of the chicken.
3. Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad with veggies offers a refreshing contrast to the savory chicken.
4. Creamed Spinach: This classic dish brings creaminess that complements the garlic butter sauce beautifully.
5. Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw adds crunch and zest, balancing out the dish’s richness.
6. Couscous: Fluffy couscous is an excellent choice as it soaks up flavors well, making every bite enjoyable.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Chicken, it’s easy to overlook a few key details that can affect the final dish. Here are some common mistakes to watch out for:

• Bold seasoning: Forgetting to season the chicken adequately can lead to bland flavors. Always taste and adjust salt and pepper before cooking.
• Overcrowding the slow cooker: Adding too much chicken can prevent even cooking. Ensure there’s enough space for heat circulation; cook in batches if necessary.
• Skipping the lemon juice: Neglecting to add lemon juice can result in a less vibrant flavor. Always include it for a zesty kick that balances the richness of butter.
• Lifting the lid too often: Frequently opening the slow cooker will release heat and extend cooking time. Keep the lid on until cooking is complete for best results.
• Not resting the chicken: Cutting into the chicken right away can cause juices to escape. Let it rest briefly after cooking for moist, tender meat.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container.
• Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Chicken

• Place cooled chicken in freezer-safe bags or containers.
• Freeze for up to 3 months.

Reheating Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Chicken

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake covered for about 20 minutes or until heated through.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power in short intervals, stirring between, until warmed all the way through.
• Stovetop: Place in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of broth if necessary, and warm until hot.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about preparing and enjoying Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Chicken:

Can I use different types of chicken?

Yes! You can use thighs or drumsticks instead of breasts. Adjust cooking times as needed since darker meat may take longer.

How do I make this dish spicier?

To add more heat, consider including red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper when mixing your seasonings.

What sides go well with Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Chicken?

This dish pairs beautifully with rice, mashed potatoes, or steamed vegetables that soak up the flavorful sauce.

Can I meal prep this recipe?

Absolutely! This recipe is perfect for meal prep. Just store portions in individual containers for quick lunches or dinners throughout the week.

Is it possible to double this recipe?

Yes! Just ensure your slow cooker has enough capacity and adjust the cooking time as needed for larger quantities.

Final Thoughts

Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Chicken is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. You can customize it with your favorite herbs or spices, making it suitable for various tastes. Give this recipe a try; it’s perfect for busy nights when you want something hearty and satisfying!