Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Chicken

This Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Chicken is not only a simple recipe but also a crowd-pleaser that elevates any dinner table. It shines during busy weeknights and special gatherings alike, thanks to its rich flavors and tender chicken. The garlic and butter blend beautifully, creating a dish that’s both comforting and sophisticated.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Effortless Preparation: This recipe requires minimal prep time, making it perfect for those busy days when you want a homemade meal.
• Rich Flavor Profile: The slow cooking process infuses the chicken with delicious garlic and buttery goodness.
• Versatile Serving Options: Serve over rice, mashed potatoes, or even alongside fresh vegetables for a complete meal.
• Family-Friendly: This dish appeals to both kids and adults, ensuring everyone at the table will be satisfied.
• Leftover Friendly: Enjoy the convenience of having tasty leftovers that can be easily reheated for lunch or dinner.

Tools and Preparation

To make this Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Chicken, you’ll need some essential tools to ensure everything goes smoothly in the kitchen.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Slow cooker: This tool does the heavy lifting by cooking the chicken slowly, resulting in tender meat infused with flavor.
• Mixing bowl: A mixing bowl makes it easy to combine ingredients without mess or fuss while preparing the garlic butter sauce.
• Knife: A sharp knife is essential for mincing garlic efficiently and preparing any sides you may want to serve with your meal.

Ingredients

To create this delightful dish, 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

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 either the microwave or on the stove. Add minced garlic along with onion powder, smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir until well combined.

Step 2: Coat the Chicken

Place the chicken breasts into your slow cooker. Pour the garlic butter mixture evenly over them, making sure each piece is coated thoroughly.

Step 3: Add Lemon Juice

Squeeze the juice of one lemon over the chicken to enhance its flavor profile.

Step 4: Cook Slowly

Cover your slow cooker with its lid. 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 transfer it onto a serving plate. You can choose to shred it or serve as whole breasts.

Step 6: Garnish and Enjoy

Spoon some of the remaining garlic butter sauce over your chicken. Finish off by garnishing it with freshly chopped parsley before serving.

Step 7: Ideal Pairings

For best results, serve this delicious dish over rice or mashed potatoes so you can soak up all that flavorful garlic butter sauce.

Step 8: Store Leftovers Safely

Be sure to 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 not only flavorful but also versatile when it comes to serving. Here are some excellent ways to enjoy this dish.

Over Rice

• White or Brown Rice: Serve the chicken over a bed of fluffy white or hearty brown rice, allowing the garlic butter sauce to soak in for added flavor.

With Mashed Potatoes

• Creamy Mashed Potatoes: Pair the chicken with buttery mashed potatoes. The sauce makes an excellent gravy that enhances the dish.

In Tacos

• Soft Corn Tortillas: Shred the chicken and serve it in warm tortillas topped with fresh vegetables and salsa for a delicious twist.

On a Salad

• Mixed Greens: Slice the chicken and place it on a bed of mixed greens, drizzling with your favorite vinaigrette for a light meal.

With Crusty Bread

• Baguette Slices: Serve with slices of crusty bread to soak up the extra garlic butter sauce, adding a delightful crunch.

As A Sandwich

• Toasted Buns: Create a tasty sandwich by placing the shredded chicken between toasted buns with lettuce and tomato.

How to Perfect Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Chicken

To ensure your Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Chicken turns out perfect every time, consider these simple tips.

• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh garlic and herbs boost flavor significantly compared to dried versions.
• Adjust seasoning: Taste and adjust salt and pepper levels after cooking; every palate is different.
• Avoid overcooking: Stick to the recommended cooking time for tender chicken; overcooking can lead to dryness.
• Experiment with spices: Feel free to add or substitute spices like thyme or rosemary for a unique flavor profile.
• Let it rest: Allow the cooked chicken to rest for a few minutes before slicing; this helps retain juices.
• Serve immediately: For best results, serve the dish right after cooking while it’s warm.

Best Side Dishes for Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Chicken

Complement your Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Chicken with these delightful side dishes that enhance the meal experience.

1. Steamed Vegetables: A mix of broccoli, carrots, and green beans adds color and nutrients, balancing out the richness of the chicken.
2. Quinoa Salad: Quinoa tossed with diced cucumbers, tomatoes, and a light lemon dressing provides a refreshing contrast.
3. Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Crispy roasted Brussels sprouts seasoned with olive oil and garlic make for an excellent crunchy side.
4. Garlic Bread: Warm garlic bread pairs wonderfully by soaking up any remaining sauce on your plate.
5. Cauliflower Rice: A low-carb option that serves as a great base while absorbing flavors from the garlic butter sauce.
6. Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw adds crunch and acidity that complements the rich chicken perfectly.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Cooking with a slow cooker can be simple, but there are common pitfalls. Here are some mistakes to watch out for:

• Bold flavor imbalances: Not balancing seasoning can lead to bland dishes. Always taste your garlic butter mixture before pouring it over the chicken.
• Overcrowding the slow cooker: Filling the slow cooker too much can prevent even cooking. Stick to the recommended amounts for best results.
• Ignoring cooking times: Cooking chicken for too long can dry it out. Set a timer and check for doneness at the minimum cooking time.
• Using frozen chicken: Starting with frozen chicken can lead to uneven cooking. Always use thawed chicken breasts for this recipe.
• Neglecting garnishes: Skipping fresh herbs can make a dish less appealing. Always remember to garnish with parsley for added flavor and color.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container.
• Consume within 3 days for optimal freshness.

Freezing Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Chicken

• Freeze in a freezer-safe container or bag.
• It can be stored for up to 2 months.

Reheating Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Chicken

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake covered until heated through.
• Microwave: Heat in short intervals, stirring in between, until hot throughout.
• Stovetop: Warm in a skillet over medium heat, adding a bit of broth if needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions regarding Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Chicken.

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

Adding extra spices or herbs, such as thyme or rosemary, can enhance the flavor profile of your dish.

Can I use other meats instead of chicken?

Yes! You can substitute chicken with turkey or beef, adjusting the cooking time as needed.

What should I serve with Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Chicken?

This dish pairs wonderfully with rice, mashed potatoes, or steamed vegetables, soaking up all that delicious garlic butter sauce.

How do I ensure my Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Chicken is tender?

Using boneless, skinless chicken breasts and not overcooking them will help keep them tender and juicy.

Final Thoughts

This Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Chicken is perfect for busy weeknights when you crave something hearty yet simple. Its rich flavors and tender texture make it a family favorite. Feel free to customize by adding your favorite vegetables or spices!

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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

Indulge in the comforting flavors of Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Chicken, a dish that seamlessly combines rich garlic and buttery goodness with tender, juicy chicken. Perfect for busy weeknights or special gatherings, this recipe offers effortless preparation and a delightful aroma that will fill your kitchen. With minimal ingredients and simple steps, you can create a meal that’s sure to satisfy both kids and adults alike. Serve it over rice, mashed potatoes, or alongside fresh vegetables for a complete dinner experience. Plus, enjoy the convenience of tasty leftovers that reheat beautifully!

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 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. In a small bowl, melt the butter and mix in minced garlic, onion powder, smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper until well combined.
2. Place 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 or until the chicken is tender.
5. Remove chicken from the slow cooker and serve on a plate, garnishing with parsley.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 360 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Slow Cooker
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 chicken breast (150g)
• Calories: 370
• Sugar: 0g
• Sodium: 580mg
• Fat: 24g
• Saturated Fat: 14g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 2g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 32g
• Cholesterol: 110mg