Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Chicken

This Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Chicken is a delicious and easy dinner option. The chicken absorbs the rich flavors of garlic and butter while cooking slowly, resulting in tender and juicy meat. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or when you want to impress guests with minimal effort!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy Preparation: With just a few ingredients, this recipe comes together quickly, allowing you to focus on other tasks while it cooks.
• Flavor Packed: The combination of garlic, butter, and spices creates a mouthwatering dish that everyone will love.
• Versatile Serving Options: Serve it over rice, mashed potatoes, or with your favorite vegetables for a complete meal.
• Healthy Choice: Made with lean chicken breasts and fresh ingredients, this dish is not only tasty but also nutritious.
• Leftover Friendly: Enjoy the leftovers for lunch or dinner throughout the week without losing flavor.

Tools and Preparation

To make this Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Chicken, you’ll need a few essential tools that will help streamline the cooking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Slow cooker: This is the star of the show! It allows the chicken to cook slowly, ensuring it’s tender and flavorful.
• Mixing bowl: Perfect for combining all the ingredients easily before adding them to the slow cooker.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate measurements help achieve the best flavor profile for your dish.

Ingredients

For this recipe, 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

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

Step 2: Assemble in the Slow Cooker

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

Step 3: Add Lemon Juice

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

Step 4: Cook

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

Step 5: Serve

1. Once cooking is complete, remove the chicken from the slow cooker and place it on a serving plate.
2. You can shred it or serve the breasts whole.
3. Spoon some of the remaining garlic butter sauce over the chicken.
4. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.

Step 6: Enjoy!

Serve this dish over rice or mashed potatoes to soak up that delicious garlic butter sauce! Store any leftovers in your refrigerator for up to three days. Enjoy your meal!

How to Serve Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Chicken

Serving Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Chicken can elevate your dinner experience. Here are some delightful ideas to pair with this flavorful dish.

Over Rice

• Serve the chicken over a bed of fluffy white or brown rice. The rice will soak up the rich garlic butter sauce, making every bite delicious.

With Mashed Potatoes

• Creamy mashed potatoes complement the tender chicken perfectly. This pairing creates a comforting meal that’s ideal for cozy nights.

In Tacos

• Shred the chicken and use it as a filling for soft or hard-shell tacos. Add fresh toppings like lettuce, tomatoes, and cheese for an exciting twist.

On a Salad

• Slice the chicken and toss it on a bed of mixed greens. Drizzle with your favorite dressing to create a light yet satisfying meal.

As Sandwiches

• Use the shredded chicken in sandwiches or wraps. Top with fresh veggies and a spread of your choice for added flavor.

With Steamed Vegetables

• Pair the chicken with steamed broccoli, green beans, or carrots. The vegetables provide a nutritious balance to the hearty meal.

How to Perfect Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Chicken

To achieve the best results with your Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Chicken, follow these helpful tips.

• Use fresh garlic: Fresh garlic gives better flavor than pre-minced options. It enhances the overall taste of the dish.

• Don’t overcrowd: Ensure there’s enough space in your slow cooker for even cooking. Overcrowding can prevent proper heat distribution.

• Adjust seasoning: Feel free to tweak the seasoning according to your preference. More herbs can enhance flavor further.

• Sear before cooking: For added depth, consider searing the chicken breasts in a skillet before placing them in the slow cooker.

• Let it rest: After cooking, allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes before serving. This helps retain its juices.

Best Side Dishes for Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Chicken

Pairing side dishes with your main course can enhance flavors and textures. Here are some excellent options to consider:

1. Garlic Bread: Perfectly crispy and buttery, garlic bread is an ideal accompaniment that complements the garlic flavors in the chicken.

2. Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad adds a nutritious touch without overpowering the main dish. Toss in some colorful veggies for extra crunch.

3. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted vegetables bring out natural sweetness and provide great contrast to the savory chicken.

4. Coleslaw: A crunchy coleslaw offers refreshing acidity that balances well with rich flavors, providing texture and brightness.

5. Couscous: Light and fluffy couscous serves as an excellent base that absorbs sauces beautifully, making every bite delightful.

6. Sweet Potato Fries: These add a sweet touch that pairs wonderfully with savory dishes like garlic butter chicken while offering a fun twist on classic fries.

7. Corn on the Cob: Grilled or boiled corn on the cob is a simple yet delicious side that adds sweetness and crunch to your meal.

8. Baked Potatoes: Fluffy baked potatoes are versatile; top them with sour cream or chives for a classic accompaniment to your chicken dish.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Cooking with a slow cooker can be simple, but some common mistakes can affect the outcome of your Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Chicken.

• Using frozen chicken: Frozen chicken takes much longer to cook and may not reach a safe temperature. Always use thawed, fresh chicken for the best results.
• Skipping the seasoning: Failing to season your chicken properly will lead to bland flavors. Make sure to follow the seasoning amounts in the recipe for deliciously seasoned meat.
• Overcrowding the slow cooker: Filling the slow cooker beyond its capacity can lead to uneven cooking. Ensure there’s enough space for heat circulation and steam.
• Opening the lid too often: Each time you open the lid, heat escapes, which can significantly increase cooking time. Try to keep the lid closed until it’s time to serve.
• Not letting it rest: Cutting into your chicken immediately after cooking can result in dry meat. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving to retain its juices.

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

• Use freezer-safe containers or bags for storage.
• Can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Chicken

• Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place chicken in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 20 minutes or until warmed through.
• Microwave: Place on a microwave-safe plate, cover loosely, and heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes or until hot.
• Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of broth if needed, until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Chicken?

Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Chicken is a flavorful dish made by slowly cooking chicken breasts in a rich garlic butter sauce. It results in tender and juicy meat that’s perfect for any meal.

Can I customize this recipe?

Absolutely! You can add vegetables like carrots or potatoes to the slow cooker for a complete meal. Feel free to adjust seasonings according to your taste preferences as well.

How long does it take to cook?

This recipe takes approximately 6 hours on low heat. For best results, avoid lifting the lid during cooking.

Can I use other meats instead of chicken?

Yes! You can substitute chicken with turkey or even beef if you prefer. Just be mindful of adjusting cooking times based on the type of meat used.

What sides pair well with this dish?

Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Chicken pairs wonderfully with rice, mashed potatoes, or steamed vegetables that soak up the delicious sauce.

Final Thoughts

This Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Chicken is not only easy but also packed with flavor. Its versatility allows you to customize with various sides or additional ingredients. Give it a try for your next family dinner!