Slow cooker garlic butter chicken served with herbs and spices

Why Make This Recipe

Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Chicken is a fantastic dish to make for several reasons. First, it is incredibly easy to prepare. You simply combine a few ingredients, place them in the slow cooker, and let the machine do the work for you. This means you can go about your day while the chicken cooks to perfection.

Second, this recipe is packed with flavor. The garlic butter sauce gives the chicken a rich, savory taste that will leave your taste buds happy. Plus, the added lemon juice brightens up the dish perfectly.

Lastly, this recipe is flexible and works well for family dinners, meal prep, or even gatherings with friends. It pairs beautifully with various sides like rice or mashed potatoes, making it a versatile choice for any occasion.

How to Make Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Chicken

Making Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Chicken is straightforward. Here's how you can do it:

Ingredients

4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts (About 1.5 pounds)
½ 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

Directions

Start by melting the butter. You can do this in a small bowl in the microwave or on the stove. Either method works well.
Once the butter is melted, add the minced garlic, onion powder, smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together until it is well combined.
Next, take the chicken breasts and place them in the slow cooker. Pour the garlic butter mixture evenly over the chicken so that every piece gets coated.
Squeeze the juice of one lemon over the chicken. This adds a wonderful flavor to the dish.
Cover the slow cooker with its lid. Set it to cook on low for about 6 hours or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
When cooking is complete, carefully remove the chicken from the slow cooker and place it onto a serving plate. You can either leave the breasts whole or shred them based on your preference.
Spoon some of the leftover garlic butter sauce from the slow cooker over the chicken. Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley before serving.
For the best experience, serve this dish over rice or mashed potatoes. The sauce is perfect for soaking up with these sides.
If you have any leftovers, store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Chicken

Serving Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Chicken is simple. Enjoy it right after cooking, and be sure to pour some of the delicious garlic butter sauce on top. This dish tastes amazing when served over fluffy rice or creamy mashed potatoes. You may also pair it with steamed vegetables or a side salad to balance out the meal. If you want, feel free to add an extra sprinkle of fresh parsley for color and freshness.

How to Store Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Chicken

To store any leftovers, place the cooled chicken and all the sauce in an airtight container. Make sure to keep it in the refrigerator. The dish will stay fresh for up to three days. If you want to save it longer, you can also freeze it. Just make sure it's in a freezer-safe container. When you're ready to eat again, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat before serving.

Tips to Make Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Chicken

Use fresh garlic for the best flavor. Freshly minced garlic makes a big difference.
Feel free to adjust the seasonings. If you love a bit more spice, add some red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper.
You can also add vegetables like broccoli or carrots in the last hour of cooking for a complete meal in one pot.
For convenience, you can use frozen chicken breasts, but they may take a little longer to cook.

Variation

If you want to switch things up, try adding cream to the garlic butter mixture for a richer sauce. You can also experiment with different herbs such as thyme or rosemary for a new taste.

FAQs

1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs can be used instead of chicken breasts. They will add a different flavor and are often more tender.

2. Can I make this dish in the oven instead of a slow cooker?
Yes, you can bake it in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 30-40 minutes until the chicken is cooked through.

3. Is it safe to leave the slow cooker unattended?
Yes, slow cookers are designed for unattended cooking. Just make sure you set the timer according to your recipe.

Conclusion

Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Chicken is not only easy to make, but it is also full of flavor and great for any occasion. You can prepare it with just a few ingredients and spend your time doing other things while it cooks. Whether you enjoy it for a family dinner or prepare it for a meal prep week, this dish is sure to impress. So grab your ingredients, set your slow cooker, and enjoy a delicious meal that everyone will love!