Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Chicken

This Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Chicken is a delightful and convenient meal that’s perfect for any occasion. With its rich flavors and tender texture, it’s sure to impress your family and friends. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or need an easy weeknight meal, this recipe stands out for its simplicity and incredible taste.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Effortless Preparation: Just combine the ingredients and let the slow cooker do the work for you.
• Rich Flavor: Garlic and butter create a savory sauce that elevates the chicken to new heights.
• Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it with rice, mashed potatoes, or even in sandwiches for leftovers.
• Healthy Ingredients: Made with wholesome components, this dish is both tasty and nutritious.
• Perfectly Tender Chicken: Slow cooking ensures that the chicken remains juicy and tender.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start cooking, gather your kitchen tools. Having the right equipment will make your preparation smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Slow cooker
• Mixing bowl
• Measuring cups
• Measuring spoons
• Knife
• Cutting board

Importance of Each Tool

• Slow cooker: The star of this recipe; it allows the chicken to cook slowly while absorbing all the flavors.
• Mixing bowl: Useful for combining ingredients without making a mess.
• Measuring cups & spoons: Ensure accuracy in your measurements for consistent results every time.

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Ingredients

For the Chicken

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

For the Garlic Butter Sauce

• 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

For Garnish

• 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

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

Step 2: Coat the Chicken

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

Step 3: Add Lemon Juice

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

Step 4: Cook in Slow Cooker

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: Serve

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: Finish with Sauce

Spoon some of the remaining garlic butter sauce over the chicken. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.

Step 7: Pair It Right

For best results, serve this dish over rice or mashed potatoes to soak up that delicious garlic butter sauce.

Step 8: Store Leftovers

Store any leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Chicken

Serving Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Chicken can be as delightful as preparing it. The rich flavors of garlic and butter create a comforting dish that pairs well with various sides. Here are some creative suggestions for serving this delicious chicken.

Over Rice

• Serve the chicken over fluffy white or brown rice to absorb the flavorful garlic butter sauce.

With Mashed Potatoes

• Pair this dish with creamy mashed potatoes for a hearty meal that complements the tender chicken.

In Tacos

• Shred the cooked chicken and use it as a filling for tacos, topped with fresh vegetables and your favorite salsa.

On a Salad

• Slice the chicken and add it to a fresh green salad, drizzling extra garlic butter sauce on top for added flavor.

With Steamed Vegetables

• Serve alongside steamed broccoli or green beans to balance out the richness of the chicken.

In a Sandwich

• Use the shredded chicken to make a delicious sandwich, adding some lettuce and tomato for freshness.

How to Perfect Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Chicken

A few simple tips can elevate your Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Chicken to new heights. Follow these suggestions for the best results.

• Choose quality chicken: Using fresh, high-quality chicken breasts will enhance the taste and texture of your dish.
• Adjust seasoning: Feel free to tweak the seasonings according to your taste preferences—add more garlic or spices if desired.
• Consider cooking time: For juicier chicken, avoid overcooking. Check at 5 hours if you prefer less cooked meat.
• Use low-sodium broth: If you want extra moisture, consider adding low-sodium chicken broth along with the garlic butter mixture.

Best Side Dishes for Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Chicken

Pairing side dishes with your Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Chicken can create a balanced meal. Here are some excellent options.

1. Garlic Bread
   A must-have companion, perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce from your plate.

2. Roasted Brussels Sprouts
   Toss them in olive oil and seasoning before roasting for a crispy texture that contrasts nicely with the tender chicken.

3. Quinoa Salad
   This protein-packed side adds a nutritious element while complementing the flavors of garlic and butter.

4. Corn on the Cob
   Sweet corn adds a pop of color and sweetness, making it a delightful addition to your meal.

5. Cauliflower Rice
   A healthy alternative that absorbs flavors well; sauté it lightly before serving alongside your chicken.

6. Green Bean Almondine
   Sautéed green beans with toasted almonds provide crunch and brightness against the savory chicken.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Cooking with a slow cooker can be simple, but there are some common mistakes that can hinder your results.

• Boldly skip seasoning: Many people forget to season their chicken well. Always add salt and pepper to enhance flavors.
• Boldly overfill the slow cooker: Overfilling can lead to uneven cooking. Ensure your ingredients fit comfortably without spilling over.
• Boldly use frozen chicken: Cooking frozen chicken in a slow cooker can result in unsafe temperatures. Always thaw the chicken before cooking.
• Boldly ignore check-ins: While it’s tempting to leave the slow cooker unattended, checking on it occasionally can help ensure everything cooks perfectly.
• Boldly rush the cooking time: Cooking for less than the recommended time can leave the chicken tough. Follow the cooking schedule for tenderness.

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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

• Place cooled chicken in a freezer-safe container or bag.
• Consume within 2-3 months for best quality.

Reheating Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Chicken

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place chicken in an oven-safe dish, cover, and heat for about 20 minutes or until warmed through.
• Microwave: Use a microwave-safe plate, cover loosely, and heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, checking periodically.
• Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of broth or water and cook until heated through, stirring occasionally.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about preparing Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Chicken.

Can I use other meats for this recipe?

Yes! You can substitute chicken with turkey or even beef. Adjust cooking times accordingly based on the meat type.

How can I make this dish spicier?

Add crushed red pepper flakes or your favorite hot sauce to the garlic butter mixture for extra heat.

What should I serve with Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Chicken?

This dish pairs beautifully with rice, mashed potatoes, or steamed vegetables. Choose your favorite sides!

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the garlic butter mixture in advance and store it separately until ready to cook.

Final Thoughts

Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Chicken is not only easy to prepare but also incredibly delicious and versatile. Feel free to customize it by adding your favorite herbs or spices. Try it today and enjoy a comforting meal that everyone will love!