Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Chicken: A Flavorful Delight!

Introduction

Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Chicken is one of those magical recipes that fills your home with the most mouthwatering aroma, making it impossible to resist. I stumbled upon this gem during a particularly busy week when I needed something easy yet delicious. The moment I opened the slow cooker, the rich scent of garlic and butter enveloped me, and I knew I had found a new favorite. This slow cooker chicken with garlic butter is not just a meal; it’s a comforting hug on a plate. The chicken turns out so tender, it practically falls apart, and the buttery garlic sauce is perfect for drizzling over rice or mashed potatoes. Trust me, you’ll want to make this again and again. Let’s get cooking

• It’s incredibly easy to prepare—just 10 minutes of prep time!
• The slow cooking process makes the chicken unbelievably tender.
• Rich garlic butter flavor that elevates any meal.
• Perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep for the week.
• Budget-friendly ingredients that you probably already have at home.
• Gluten-free and packed with protein, making it a healthy choice.
• Leftovers are just as delicious, if not better!

Ingredients for Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Chicken

• 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

How to Make Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Chicken

• Step 1: In a small bowl, melt the butter in the microwave or on the stove. Add the minced garlic, onion powder, smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir until well combined.
• Step 2: Place the chicken breasts into the slow cooker. Pour the garlic butter mixture evenly over the chicken, ensuring each piece is coated.
• Step 3: Squeeze the juice of one lemon over the chicken for added flavor.
• Step 4: Cover the slow cooker with the lid and set it to cook on low for 6 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
• Step 5: Once cooking is complete, remove the chicken from the slow cooker and place it on a serving plate. You can shred it or serve the breasts whole.
• Step 6: Spoon some of the remaining garlic butter sauce over the chicken. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.
• Step 7: For best results, serve this dish over rice or mashed potatoes to soak up the delicious garlic butter sauce.
• Step 8: Store any leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Pro Tips for the Best Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Chicken

• For a richer flavor, consider adding additional herbs or spices to the garlic butter mixture.
• This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed vegetables or a fresh salad.
• Don’t skip the lemon juice—it brightens up the flavors beautifully!

What’s the secret to perfect Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Chicken?

The secret lies in the garlic butter mixture—make sure to mix it well so every piece of chicken gets that delicious flavor!

Can I make Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Chicken ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the chicken and garlic butter mixture the night before and store it in the fridge. Just pop it in the slow cooker in the morning!

How do I avoid common mistakes with Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Chicken?

Make sure not to overcook the chicken; it should be tender but not dry. Also, avoid lifting the lid too often while it cooks to maintain the heat.

Best Ways to Serve Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Chicken

Serve this dish over fluffy rice or creamy mashed potatoes to soak up that luscious garlic butter sauce. You can also pair it with a side of steamed broccoli or a fresh garden salad for a complete meal. It’s perfect for family dinners or meal prep for the week!

Nutrition Facts for Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Chicken

Per serving (1 chicken breast with sauce):

• Calories: 350
• Fat: 25g
• Protein: 30g
• Carbohydrates: 2g
• Sugar: 1g
• Sodium: 600mg

This is an estimate and may vary.

How to Store and Reheat Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Chicken

Let the chicken cool completely before storing. Place it in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze it for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply microwave until warmed through or heat gently on the stove with a splash of water to keep it moist.

Frequently Asked Questions About Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Chicken

Can I use frozen chicken breasts for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but you’ll need to increase the cooking time by about an hour.

What can I substitute for garlic if I don’t have any?

You can use garlic powder as a substitute, but fresh garlic gives the best flavor.

Can I add vegetables to the slow cooker?

Definitely! Carrots, potatoes, or green beans can be added in the last hour of cooking for a complete meal.

Variations of Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Chicken You Can Try

• Herb-Infused: Add fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary for an aromatic twist.
• Spicy: Toss in some red pepper flakes for a kick of heat.
• Honey Garlic: Mix in a tablespoon of honey for a sweet and savory flavor.
• Asian-Inspired: Use soy sauce instead of salt and add sesame oil for a different flavor profile.

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