Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Chicken

There’s something magical about coming home and being enveloped in the rich aromas of a home-cooked meal, don’t you think? One of my go-to recipes for such evenings is the Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Chicken. It’s as comforting as a warm hug and impressively simple. Imagine this: tender chicken breasts bathed in savory, buttery garlic sauce, all without breaking a sweat. This recipe has become a staple for me—perfect for busy weeknights or gatherings with friends.

Why you’ll love this recipe

Let’s chat about what makes this dish truly delightful. First off, the flavor! Picture this: garlic roasting gently in butter, mingling with fresh herbs, enveloping those chicken breasts—it’s like a culinary love serenade. With just a handful of ingredients, you’re creating a symphony of taste that’s sure to satisfy even the pickiest eaters.

Aside from its creamy and savory profile, this recipe is a champion during busy days. The slow cooker takes care of the hard work while you can go about your day. If you’ve never tried making a full meal in a slow cooker, this recipe is a perfect starting point. It’s effortless, and the cleanup is a breeze. Plus, cooking it low and slow means that the chicken remains juicy and flavorful, melting in your mouth! With each forkful, you’re not just tasting food; you’re savoring love and care served on a plate.

Key ingredients overview

Let’s gather our culinary arsenal for this delightful recipe. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 4 Chicken Breasts: The star of the show! Fresh, boneless chicken breasts are ideal here, but you can also substitute with thighs for a richer flavor and extra tenderness.

• 1/2 Cup Unsalted Butter: This is where the magic begins. Unsalted butter allows you to control the flavor. Feel free to swap in olive oil if you want a lighter option.

• 6 Cloves Garlic, Minced: Ah, garlic! Not only does it add depth, but it’s also packed with health benefits. Adjust the amount based on your love for this aromatic wonder.

• 1 Teaspoon Salt: This helps to enhance all the flavors. Don’t hesitate to taste and adjust to your preference throughout the cooking process.

• 1/2 Teaspoon Black Pepper: A touch of heat! You can add more if you’d like a little kick.

• 1 Teaspoon Dried Thyme: A key herb that adds a warm, earthy flavor reminiscent of cozy meals shared with loved ones.

• 1 Teaspoon Dried Rosemary: A robust herb to round out the dish, its piney notes work beautifully here! Fresh rosemary can be a fantastic substitute if you have it on hand.

• 1/2 Cup Chicken Broth: This adds moisture and richness. Use low-sodium broth if you’re keeping an eye on salt intake.

• Chopped Parsley for Garnish (Optional): This fresh herb adds a pop of color and freshness. It’s optional but definitely elevates the presentation.

The cooking process explained

Alright, are you ready to get cooking? Here’s how we pull this masterpiece together:

1. Place the chicken breasts in the slow cooker. Make sure they’re all nestled in nicely.

2. Melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Don’t rush this step—it’s where the butter and garlic create their harmonious connection.

3. Stir in the salt, black pepper, thyme, and rosemary. This is the moment to taste the magic! A little smell can go a long way.

4. Pour that luscious garlic butter mixture over the chicken, adding the chicken broth. Let it rain glorious flavors!

5. Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until those chicken breasts are cooked through and tender. If you can resist, try not to peek too often—let the slow cooker do all the work!

6. Serve garnished with chopped parsley if desired. And just like that, you’ve got a flavorful, aromatic dish.

Best way to enjoy it

Now let’s talk serving! This chicken pairs beautifully with fluffy rice or creamy mashed potatoes to soak up all that delicious garlic butter sauce. Roasted vegetables or a refreshing green salad would also make fantastic companions, balancing the richness of the chicken beautifully.

If you want to jazz it up, you can shred the chicken and toss it in with some pasta or enjoy it wrapped in tortillas for delightful tacos. Just think of the endless possibilities!

Storage and reheating tips

Have leftovers? Lucky you! Store any uneaten chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. When it’s time to reheat, you can either warm it gently in the slow cooker again or in the microwave—just add a splash of broth to keep it moist.

Looking to save it for a later feast? You can freeze portions for up to 3 months. Just make sure to label them! Let it thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating—trust me; it’s worth the wait.

Pro chef tips

I’ve got some insider tips here to make this dish even more enjoyable:

• Don’t skip the butter-garlic combo. It’s essential! Toasting the garlic in butter unlocks incredible flavors that will have everyone asking for seconds.

• Season as you go. Feel free to taste and adjust the spices throughout the cooking process—this is your canvas!

• Veggie boost! Sneak in some chopped onions, carrots, or celery into the slow cooker for added flavor and nutrition.

Creative Twists

Feeling adventurous? Here are some variations you might like:

• Add a kick: Throw in some crushed red pepper flakes for a spicy twist.

• Citrus twist: A squeeze of lemon juice just before serving can brighten all the flavors.

• Herb swap: Experiment with fresh herbs like sage or tarragon for a different flavor profile.

Ingredients list

• 4 chicken breasts
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 6 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)

Directions to follow

1. Place the chicken breasts in the slow cooker.
2. Melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat.
3. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
4. Stir in salt, black pepper, thyme, and rosemary.
5. Pour the garlic butter mixture over the chicken; add chicken broth.
6. Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours until tender.
7. Serve garnished with chopped parsley if desired.

Common questions

• Can I use frozen chicken breasts? Yes, but the cooking time will need adjustment. It’s best to thaw them before starting for even cooking.

• What sides should I serve? Mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a simple salad all make excellent choices!

• Can I make this gluten-free? Absolutely! All the ingredients listed are gluten-free, so enjoy without worry.

• How do I know when the chicken is done? Chicken is safe to eat when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).

• Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried? Yes! Use about 3 times the amount of fresh herbs, since they’re less concentrated in flavor.

I hope this recipe brings you as much joy as it has brought me over the years. It’s an invitation to slow down, savor the moment, and enjoy the comforts of home-cooked delights. Give it a try, make it your own, and don’t forget to share your experiences! Let me know how yours turns out, and enjoy every bite!

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Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Chicken

Cooking Method: Simmering Courses: Comfort Food, Dinner, Main Course Recipe Keys: C Comfort Food E Easy Gluten Free High Protein Slow Cooker Recipes

Difficulty: Beginner Prep Time Cook Time Rest Time 43 mins Total Time 17 hrs 43 mins

Cooking Temp: low  C Servings: 4 Estimated Cost: $ 10 Calories: 400

Best Season: Suitable throughout the year

Description

This Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Chicken is tender chicken breasts bathed in savory garlic butter sauce, making it perfect for busy weeknights or gatherings with friends.

Ingredients

Scale

1/2x 1x 2x 3x

Main Ingredients

• 4 pieces Chicken Breasts (Fresh, boneless; thighs can be substituted)
• ¹⁄₂ cup Unsalted Butter (Can substitute with olive oil for a lighter option)
• 6 cloves Garlic, minced (Adjust based on preference for garlic)
• 1 teaspoon Salt (Adjust to taste)
• ¹⁄₂ teaspoon Black Pepper (Add more if desired)
• 1 teaspoon Dried Thyme (Can substitute with fresh thyme)
• 1 teaspoon Dried Rosemary (Fresh rosemary can be used)
• ¹⁄₂ cup Chicken Broth (Use low-sodium broth if desired)
• to taste optional Chopped Parsley (For garnish)

Instructions

Cooking Steps

1. Prepare the Chicken

   Place the chicken breasts in the slow cooker. Make sure they’re all nestled in nicely.
   Mark as complete

2. Melt Butter and Garlic

   Melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
   Don't rush this step—it’s essential for flavor.
   Mark as complete

3. Add Seasonings

   Stir in the salt, black pepper, thyme, and rosemary. Taste the mixture for seasoning.
   Mark as complete

4. Combine and Cook

   Pour the garlic butter mixture over the chicken; add the chicken broth. Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
   Don’t peek too often; let the slow cooker do all the work!
   Mark as complete

5. Serve

   Serve garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
   Pairs well with rice, mashed potatoes, or salad.
   Mark as complete

Nutrition Facts

Servings 4

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Amount Per Serving

Calories 400kcal

% Daily Value *

Total Fat 39g60%

Saturated Fat 24g120%

Trans Fat 0g

Cholesterol 130mg44%

Sodium 800mg34%

Potassium 600mg18%

Total Carbohydrate 2g1%

Dietary Fiber 0g

Sugars 1g

Protein 25g50%

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Vitamin A 800 IU

Vitamin C 1 mg

Calcium 20 mg

Iron 1 mg

Vitamin D 0 IU

Vitamin E 1 IU

Vitamin K 1 mcg

Thiamin 0 mg

Riboflavin 0 mg

Niacin 6 mg

Vitamin B6 0.5 mg

Folate 1 mcg

Vitamin B12 0.5 mcg

Biotin 0 mcg

Pantothenic Acid 1 mg

Phosphorus 200 mg

Iodine 1 mcg

Magnesium 10 mg

Zinc 2 mg

Selenium 30 mcg

Copper 0.3 mg

Manganese 0 mg

Chromium 0 mcg

Molybdenum 0 mcg

Chloride 0 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.

Note

Feel free to adjust seasonings to your liking.

Keywords: slow cooker, chicken, garlic butter, comfort food, easy recipe