Irresistible Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Chicken
Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Chicken is a game-changer for anyone looking to enjoy a cozy, flavorful meal with minimal effort. As a busy home cook, I often find myself in search of recipes that are simple yet satisfying, and this dish checks all the boxes. The tender chicken, drenched in a rich garlic butter sauce, is perfect for a family dinner or even a comforting meal after a long day. Plus, the use of a slow cooker means you can set it and forget it, allowing you to go about your day while it works its magic.
Why you’ll love this dish
One of the standout reasons to try this garlic butter chicken is its incredible ease of preparation. With just a handful of ingredients and a slow cooker, you can create a restaurant-quality meal at home—perfect for weeknight dinners or any occasion when you want to impress without the stress. This recipe is not only budget-friendly but also a hit with kids, making it an ideal choice for families.
"Absolutely delicious! The garlic butter sauce made it incredibly flavorful, and the chicken was so tender. My kids gobbled it up!" – Sarah, a satisfied home cook.
Preparing Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Chicken
This recipe is straightforward and simple to follow, making it ideal for both novice cooks and seasoned chefs. You’ll melt the butter and combine it with delicious seasonings, coat the chicken, and then simply let the slow cooker do the hard work. Here’s how it unfolds.
What you’ll need
To whip up this scrumptious dish, gather the following ingredients:
- 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts (around 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
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Juice from 1 piece of lemon
Feel free to experiment with substitutes if necessary. You can swap the chicken for thighs for a richer flavor or use vegan butter for a dairy-free version.
Directions
- Begin by melting the butter in a microwave-safe bowl or on the stovetop until fully liquid.
- Stir in the minced garlic, onion powder, smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper until combined.
- Place the chicken breasts in the slow cooker, making sure to coat each piece thoroughly with the garlic butter mixture.
- Squeeze the juice of the lemon over the chicken for a bright, zesty flavor.
- Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 6 hours, or until the chicken is tender and completely cooked through.
- When cooking is complete, remove the chicken from the slow cooker and transfer it to a serving plate. You can choose to shred it or serve the breasts whole.
- Drizzle some of the remaining garlic butter sauce over the chicken and garnish with freshly chopped parsley. For the best experience, serve it over rice or mashed potatoes to soak up all that delicious garlic butter goodness.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Best ways to enjoy it
Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Chicken pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Consider serving it over fluffy white rice or creamy mashed potatoes, which are perfect for soaking up that luxurious garlic butter sauce. Steamed vegetables or a fresh, crisp salad can provide a lovely contrast to the rich flavors of the chicken.
Storage and reheating tips
To keep your leftovers fresh, store any uneaten chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. When reheating, gently warm it on the stove over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of chicken broth if it seems dry.
Helpful cooking tips
For an extra layer of flavor, try adding a splash of white wine to the garlic butter mixture before pouring it over the chicken. You can also customize the seasoning to your taste by adding red pepper flakes for a bit of heat or extra herbs for a more aromatic dish.
Creative twists
While the original recipe is delicious on its own, feel free to get creative! Try adding vegetables like carrots or bell peppers to the slow cooker alongside the chicken for a one-pot meal. You can also experiment with different herbs and spices, such as adding fresh rosemary or thyme for a more earthy flavor.
Common questions
-
How long does this recipe take to prepare?
Prep time is just 10 minutes, with 6 hours needed for cooking in the slow cooker. -
Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts; just be sure to extend the cooking time by an hour. -
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the garlic butter sauce in advance and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to use it, making for an even quicker dinner option.
This Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Chicken recipe is a delightful way to treat yourself and your loved ones to a comforting, hearty meal with minimal hassle.
Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Chicken
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts (around 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 and pepper
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- 1 piece lemon, juiced
Instructions
Preparation
- Begin by melting the butter in a microwave-safe bowl or on the stovetop until fully liquid.
- Stir in the minced garlic, onion powder, smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper until combined.
- Place the chicken breasts in the slow cooker, making sure to coat each piece thoroughly with the garlic butter mixture.
- Squeeze the juice of the lemon over the chicken for a bright, zesty flavor.
Cooking
- Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 6 hours, or until the chicken is tender and completely cooked through.
Serving
- When cooking is complete, remove the chicken from the slow cooker and transfer it to a serving plate. You can choose to shred it or serve the breasts whole.
- Drizzle some of the remaining garlic butter sauce over the chicken and garnish with freshly chopped parsley. For the best experience, serve it over rice or mashed potatoes to soak up all that delicious garlic butter goodness.
