Recipe Information
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-7 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
- Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes (low) or 3 hours 10 minutes (high)
- Servings: 4
- Difficulty Level: Easy
Nutrition Information
- Calories per serving: 480
- Protein: 37g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fat: 36g
- Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 550mg
Why Make This Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Chicken
This Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Chicken is the ultimate comfort food, combining tender chicken with a rich, buttery garlic sauce. It’s a dish that fills your home with an irresistible aroma as it cooks slowly all day. The beauty of this recipe is its simplicity; just toss in a few ingredients and let the slow cooker do all the work. This meal is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile, allowing you to pair it with your favorite side dishes or incorporate it into various meals throughout the week.
How to Make Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Chicken
Creating this mouth-watering dish is as easy as following a few simple steps. You’ll start with fresh chicken and aromatic herbs, then let them meld together, yielding a flavorful and satisfying dinner perfect for any night of the week.
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Directions:
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Step 1: Preparation
Begin by placing the boneless, skinless chicken breasts at the bottom of your slow cooker.
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Step 2: Mixing
In a saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the minced garlic, dried thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
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Step 3: Cooking
Pour the garlic butter mixture evenly over the chicken breasts in the slow cooker. Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, depending on your schedule. The chicken should be cooked through and incredibly tender.
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Step 4: Finishing
Once the chicken is done, carefully remove it from the slow cooker. You can shred it for a pulled chicken effect or serve the breasts whole. Return the chicken to the garlic butter sauce, mixing gently. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving for a pop of color and freshness.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Chicken
This dish is incredibly versatile. Serve it over fluffy rice, creamy mashed potatoes, or alongside steaming vegetables for a complete meal. Adding a fresh salad on the side can enhance the meal, making it not only filling but nutritious as well. For a special touch, drizzle a bit of the garlic butter sauce over your sides for extra flavor.
How to Store Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Chicken
To store leftovers, let the chicken cool down to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it. The chicken can be frozen for up to 3 months. Just ensure you thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Expert Tips for Perfect Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Chicken
- Use fresh herbs: While dried herbs work well, using fresh thyme and rosemary can elevate the flavor.
- Adjust the seasoning: Don’t hesitate to adjust salt and pepper according to your taste preferences – everyone’s palate is different!
- Browning the chicken: For added depth of flavor, consider searing the chicken in a pan before adding it to the slow cooker.
- Don’t lift the lid: Each time you open the lid, you lose heat and extend cooking time. Try to keep it closed until the cooking is complete.
- Making it creamy: For an extra creamy sauce, add a splash of cream or cream cheese during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Delicious Variations
- Add vegetables: Toss in some carrots, potatoes, or bell peppers into the slow cooker for a one-pot meal.
- Switch the protein: Try this recipe with pork chops or turkey breasts for a new twist on flavors.
- Spicy kick: Incorporate crushed red pepper flakes for a little heat in your garlic butter sauce.
- Lemon zest: Add the zest of a lemon for a bright, citrusy twist that complements the butter and garlic.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts, but you’ll need to increase the cooking time. It’s generally advisable to thaw the chicken for even cooking. -
What sides pair well with this dish?
Mashed potatoes, rice pilaf, or a fresh green salad are delightful accompaniments. -
Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure your slow cooker is large enough to accommodate the increased volume. -
How can I thicken the sauce?
If you prefer a thicker sauce, consider adding a cornstarch slurry (a mixture of cornstarch and water) during the last 30 minutes of cooking. -
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, all the ingredients are naturally gluten-free! Just ensure your broth (if using) is labeled gluten-free.
Conclusion
This Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Chicken is bound to become a family favorite! Its simple preparation and rich flavor make it a standout dish for any occasion. The tender chicken bathed in garlic butter creates a mouthwatering experience that will have everyone coming back for seconds. So gather your ingredients, set your slow cooker, and get ready to enjoy a delightful meal that requires minimal effort but delivers maximum flavor. Happy cooking!
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Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Chicken
- Author: lydia
- Total Time: 370 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten-Free
Description
A comforting dish combining tender chicken with a rich garlic butter sauce, perfect for any night of the week.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Place the chicken breasts at the bottom of the slow cooker.
- Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat; add garlic, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper, stirring to combine.
- Pour the garlic butter mixture over the chicken in the slow cooker. Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
- Once cooked, carefully remove the chicken, shred if desired, and return to the sauce. Garnish with parsley before serving.
Notes
Use fresh herbs for better flavor. Adjust seasoning to taste and consider searing the chicken for added depth.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 360 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 36g
- Saturated Fat: 23g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 37g
- Cholesterol: 0mg





