Ah, my dear friend, settle in! Today, I’m excited to share a dish that’s been my culinary companion for cozy evenings and busy weekdays alike: Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Chicken and Veggies. This one-pot wonder has become my go-to recipe because it’s simple, flavorful, and oh-so-comforting. Plus, it fills the house with that heavenly aroma that beckons everyone to the dinner table.
You know those days when time slips away from you, and before you know it, you’re left scrambling for dinner ideas? This dish is a lifesaver! Just throw in the ingredients, set your slow cooker, and voilà—it’s like having a personal chef.
Why you’ll love this recipe
What makes this recipe stand out? Well, we’re talking about tender chicken tenders bathed in rich garlic butter, paired beautifully with vibrant veggies that practically cook themselves. It’s the kind of meal that warms you from the inside out and makes you feel like everything’s right in the world.
You’re not just getting a nutritious feast with this dish; it offers fantastic flavor whiplash! Each bite melds the creamy richness of butter with fragrant garlic and the earthy notes of fresh herbs. It’s as if all the ingredients had a delightful party in your slow cooker while you were busy doing life. And let’s not forget—you can easily customize it based on whatever you have at hand. How convenient is that?
Gather these ingredients
First, let’s talk about the stars of our show:
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1 1/2 lbs boneless skinless chicken tenders: Chicken tends to absorb flavors remarkably well, making it a perfect blank canvas. You could also use thighs if you prefer something a tad juicier!
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1 lb baby carrots: Sweet and crunchy, these little gems not only add color but also take the guesswork out of chopping! Got big carrots? Just cut them into bite-sized pieces; they’ll still work wonders.
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1 1/2 lbs Yukon gold potatoes (cut into wedges): Creamy and buttery in texture, these potato wedges not only soak up all that garlic butter goodness but also provide a lovely heartiness to the meal.
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1/2 cup salted butter (melted): This is the magical ingredient that transforms our dish from good to spectacular. If you want to lighten things up, feel free to substitute olive oil, but let me tell you—that garlic butter is worth it!
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1 Tbsp minced garlic: The more, the merrier, I say! Fresh garlic really elevates this dish to aromatic bliss.
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Salt and pepper to taste: It’s crucial to season wisely—don’t skimp on this part!
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1 tsp dried thyme leaves & 1 tsp dried parsley: These herbs add layers of flavor you didn’t know you were missing. Feel free to swap in fresh herbs if you have them; just double the amount!
How this recipe comes together
Ready to get started? Here’s how to make this delicious meal—no complicated instructions here; we’ll keep it real and straightforward:
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Layer the chicken: Start by placing the chicken tenders smack dab in the center of your slow cooker.
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Add the veggies: On one side, artfully arrange the potato wedges, and on the other, scatter those vibrant baby carrots.
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Mix the magic: In a separate bowl, whisk together the melted butter, minced garlic, salt, pepper, thyme, and parsley. Don’t skip this step—it’s where the flavor bombs are created!
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Pour it all: Drizzle that garlic butter mixture evenly over the chicken and veggies. Your slow cooker should look like it’s ready for a fancy dinner party!
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Set and forget: Cover the slow cooker. Cook on HIGH for 4 hours or LOW for 6-8 hours—whichever fits your schedule—or fills your home with that irresistible aroma sooner!
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Serve hot: When the time’s up, serve this gorgeous dish hot alongside your favorite sides.
Best way to enjoy it
Now that you have this masterpiece ready, let’s talk about how to serve it up! I personally love this dish paired with a light green salad dressed in a tangy vinaigrette, which complements the richness of the chicken and butter.
You can also try serving it over a bed of fluffy rice or quinoa for that extra heartiness. If you want a splash of color and flavor, consider a sprinkle of fresh parsley or a squeeze of lemon juice over the top right before serving—beautifully bright!
Keeping leftovers fresh
Ah, leftovers—the gift that keeps giving! If you have any extras (trust me, it’s hard not to snack on this), here’s how to store them properly:
- Allow the dish to cool completely before transferring it into an airtight container.
- It should keep in the fridge for about 3-4 days. Just reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through.
- Planning to save some for later? Feel free to freeze it! Store it in a freezer-safe container and it should last for about 2-3 months. Just thaw overnight and heat when you’re ready to indulge again.
Pro chef tips
Before you start cooking, here are a few pro tips to elevate your dish:
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Sear the chicken first: If you have a few extra moments, searing the chicken for a minute on each side before placing it in the slow cooker adds a gorgeous golden hue and extra depth of flavor!
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Experiment with herbs: Don’t hesitate to switch it up a bit! Rosemary or Italian seasoning can serve as delicious alternatives to thyme and parsley.
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Add a kick: Want some heat? Sprinkle in some crushed red pepper flakes for a spicy twist.
Creative Twists
Looking to customize this dish to suit your palate? Here are a few ideas:
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Vegetable Mix: Swap out the carrots for bell peppers, green beans, or even Brussels sprouts—whatever you have around that needs to be used up.
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Zesty Flavor: Add splash of lemon juice or zest right before serving for a fresh zing!
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Creamy Addition: Toss in some cream in the last 30 minutes of cooking for a richer sauce, if you fancy something extra indulgent!
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lbs boneless skinless chicken tenders
- 1 lb baby carrots
- 1 1/2 lbs Yukon gold potatoes, cut into wedges
- 1/2 cup salted butter, melted
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tsp dried thyme leaves
- 1 tsp dried parsley
Directions to follow
- Place the chicken in the center of the slow cooker.
- Arrange potato wedges on one side, then scatter baby carrots on the other.
- In a mixing bowl, combine melted butter, minced garlic, salt, pepper, thyme, and parsley until well mixed.
- Pour the garlic butter mixture evenly over the chicken and vegetables.
- Cover and cook on HIGH for 4 hours or LOW for 6-8 hours.
- Once cooked, serve hot with your favorite sides.
Your questions answered
- How long does prep take? Roughly 15 minutes! Seriously, it’s that easy.
- Can I use frozen chicken? Absolutely! Just ensure to increase the cooking time slightly if you do.
- What should I serve it with? A simple salad, rice, or even some crusty bread make great accompaniments.
- Is it healthy? Yes! Packed with protein and veggies, this dish can fit into a balanced diet.
- Can I make this ahead? You bet! It’s even better the next day—flavors intensify beautifully!
Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Chicken and Veggies is more than just a meal; it’s a hug in a bowl, a stamp of comfort, and proof that dinner can be both simple and divine. I can’t wait for you to try it! Dive in, tweak it to your tastes, and share your thoughts with me—after all, we’re in this cooking adventure together!
Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Chicken and Veggies
Description
Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Chicken and Veggies is a simple and flavorful dish perfect for cozy evenings and busy weekdays. Tender chicken tenders and vibrant veggies bathe in rich garlic butter for a delightful meal.Ingredients
Main Ingredients
Instructions
Preparation Steps
-
Layer the chicken
Place the chicken tenders in the center of your slow cooker. -
Add the veggies
Arrange potato wedges on one side, and scatter baby carrots on the other. -
Mix the magic
In a bowl, whisk together melted butter, garlic, salt, pepper, thyme, and parsley.Don't skip this step for flavor. -
Pour it all
Drizzle the garlic butter mixture evenly over the chicken and veggies. -
Set and forget
Cover the slow cooker. Cook on HIGH for 4 hours or LOW for 6-8 hours. -
Serve hot
Once cooked, serve hot alongside your favorite sides.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 4-6
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 450kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 35g54%
- Saturated Fat 20g100%
- Trans Fat 0g
- Cholesterol 120mg40%
- Sodium 600mg25%
- Potassium 800mg23%
- Total Carbohydrate 30g10%
- Dietary Fiber 4g16%
- Sugars 6g
- Protein 25g50%
- Vitamin A 250 IU
- Vitamin C 15 mg
- Calcium 40 mg
- Iron 2 mg
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
