Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Chicken

This Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Chicken is a fantastic option for any dinner occasion. The slow cooking method allows the chicken to soak up the rich flavors of garlic and butter, resulting in incredibly tender and juicy meat. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family gatherings!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Effortless Cooking: Simply set it and forget it! The slow cooker does all the work while you attend to other tasks.
• Rich Flavor: The combination of garlic and butter creates a mouthwatering sauce that elevates the chicken to new heights.
• Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it with rice, mashed potatoes, or even over a fresh salad for a lighter meal.
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love this hearty dish, making it a great choice for family dinners.
• Meal Prep Friendly: Leftovers keep well in the fridge, making this recipe perfect for meal prepping or quick lunches.

Tools and Preparation

To make your Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Chicken, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools. These will help you prepare the meal efficiently.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Slow cooker
• Microwave-safe bowl or saucepan
• Cutting board
• Knife
• Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Slow cooker: This is the star of the show! It allows for low and slow cooking, which infuses flavors deeply into the chicken.
• Microwave-safe bowl or saucepan: Perfect for melting butter and mixing in spices quickly without fuss.
• Cutting board and knife: Essential for preparing ingredients like garlic, lemon, and parsley safely.

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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: Combine Chicken with Sauce

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: Set Your Slow Cooker

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

Step 5: Serve Your Dish

Once cooking is complete, remove the chicken from the slow cooker.
– Place it on a serving plate; you can shred it or serve whole.
– Spoon some of the remaining garlic butter sauce over the chicken.
– Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.

Step 6: Enjoy!

For best results, serve this dish over rice or mashed potatoes to soak up that delicious garlic butter sauce.
– Store any leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

With its simple steps and rich taste profile, this Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Chicken will surely become a favorite in your household!

How to Serve Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Chicken

This Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Chicken is versatile and pairs wonderfully with various sides. Here are some delicious serving suggestions to elevate your meal.

Over Rice

• Fluffy white rice or brown rice makes a perfect base for the garlic butter sauce, soaking up the rich flavors.

With Mashed Potatoes

• Creamy mashed potatoes complement the dish beautifully, providing a comforting side that balances the savory chicken.

In Tacos

• Shred the chicken and serve it in soft tortillas with fresh toppings like avocado, salsa, and cilantro for a fun twist.

On a Salad

• Serve the chicken sliced over a bed of mixed greens, topped with light vinaigrette for a refreshing and healthy option.

As Sandwiches

• Use the garlic butter chicken as a filling in crusty bread rolls or baguettes with your choice of veggies for a satisfying sandwich.

With Steamed Vegetables

• Pair the dish with steamed broccoli, carrots, or green beans to add color and nutrition to your plate.

How to Perfect Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Chicken

Getting this recipe just right can make all the difference. Here are some tips to enhance your cooking experience.

• Use quality chicken: Fresh, high-quality chicken breasts ensure better flavor and texture.
• Adjust seasoning: Feel free to tweak the salt and pepper according to your taste preferences for optimal flavor.
• Experiment with spices: Add additional spices like cayenne pepper or herbs de Provence for an extra kick.
• Let it rest: Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes after cooking before slicing or shredding. This helps retain moisture.
• Make it creamy: Stir in some cream cheese or sour cream into the remaining sauce before serving for added richness.
• Double it up: Consider doubling the recipe if you want leftovers or plan on hosting a gathering; this dish is always a crowd-pleaser!

Best Side Dishes for Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Chicken

Pairing side dishes with your Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Chicken can elevate your dining experience. Here are some great options:

1. Garlic Bread
   A classic choice that complements the garlic flavor of the chicken beautifully; perfect for sopping up sauce.

2. Quinoa Salad
   A nutritious alternative that’s light yet filling; toss cooked quinoa with veggies and lemon dressing for brightness.

3. Roasted Vegetables
   Seasonal veggies roasted until tender provide a colorful and healthy addition to your meal.

4. Coleslaw
   Crunchy coleslaw adds texture and freshness; opt for a vinegar-based dressing to keep it light.

5. Couscous Pilaf
   Fluffy couscous cooked with broth and herbs makes an excellent bed for the rich garlic butter sauce.

6. Sweet Potato Fries
   Crispy sweet potato fries offer a sweet contrast to the savory chicken, making them an irresistible side.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Chicken, there are a few common mistakes to watch out for that can affect the final dish.

• Using cold chicken: It’s best to let the chicken sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before cooking. This ensures even cooking.
• Not seasoning adequately: Be generous with your salt and pepper. Uneven seasoning can lead to bland chicken. Taste the garlic butter mixture before pouring it over the chicken.
• Overcrowding the slow cooker: If you add too much chicken, it won’t cook evenly. Stick to the amount specified in the recipe for best results.
• Skipping the lemon juice: The acidity from lemon juice brightens the flavors of the dish. Don’t skip this step for a well-rounded taste.
• Ignoring cooking times: Cooking on low for 6 hours is key for tender chicken. Avoid checking too often, as lifting the lid can increase cooking time.
• Not saving leftover sauce: The garlic butter sauce is flavorful and can be used later. Make sure to save it for drizzling on sides or future meals.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container.
• They can be kept in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Make sure the chicken has cooled down before sealing.

Freezing Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Chicken

• Place cooled leftovers in freezer-safe bags or containers.
• It can be frozen for up to 3 months.
• Label with date and contents for easy identification.

Reheating Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Chicken

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and cover chicken in foil until heated through, about 20-25 minutes.
• Microwave: Use a microwave-safe plate, cover with a microwave-safe lid, and heat in short intervals until warm, stirring occasionally.
• Stovetop: Heat in a pan over medium heat with a splash of water or broth until warmed through, stirring frequently.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Chicken?

Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Chicken is a simple dish where chicken breasts are cooked slowly with garlic and butter, resulting in juicy and flavorful meat.

How long does it take to make Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Chicken?

The total time includes about 10 minutes of prep followed by 6 hours of cooking on low heat in a slow cooker.

Can I customize this recipe?

Absolutely! You can add vegetables like broccoli or carrots during cooking or replace seasonings according to your taste preferences.

What should I serve with Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Chicken?

This dish pairs wonderfully with rice, mashed potatoes, or pasta to soak up the delicious garlic butter sauce.

Can I use other meats in this recipe?

Yes! While this recipe uses chicken, you can substitute turkey or even beef if you prefer different flavors.

How do I know when my chicken is done?

Ensure that the internal temperature reaches at least 165°F (75°C) using a meat thermometer for safe consumption.

Final Thoughts

Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Chicken is not only easy to prepare but also incredibly versatile. You can customize it with your favorite herbs or sides. Give this dish a try; it’s perfect for busy weeknights and guaranteed to impress your family!