Slow-cooked chicken simmering in a rich, garlicky butter sauce creates a meal that’s comforting and easy to prepare. With just a few ingredients and a slow cooker, you’ll have tender, juicy chicken infused with buttery, garlicky goodness.
This dish is perfect for busy days when you want a homemade meal without standing over the stove. As it cooks low and slow, the flavors deepen, making every bite rich and satisfying. Serve it over mashed potatoes, rice, or pasta for a complete meal that everyone will enjoy.
Why This Slow Cooker Method Works So Well
Cooking chicken in a slow cooker ensures moist, fall-apart tenderness while allowing the flavors to develop over time. Unlike stovetop cooking, where the sauce can burn or thicken too quickly, the slow cooking process keeps everything smooth and flavorful.
Butter slowly melts into the broth, creating a velvety sauce that seeps into the meat. The garlic infuses deeply, balancing the richness with its bold, aromatic essence. Since the slow cooker requires no stirring or monitoring, this method is truly a hands-off way to enjoy a restaurant-quality meal.
What You Need to Make Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Chicken
A handful of simple ingredients come together to create this incredibly flavorful dish.
Key Ingredients:
- Chicken – Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work best for extra juiciness, but chicken breasts can be used for a leaner option.
- Butter – Unsalted butter provides a smooth, velvety texture while allowing for better control over salt levels.
- Garlic – Fresh minced garlic infuses bold, aromatic flavor that deepens as it cooks.
- Chicken Broth – Adds moisture, enhances the richness of the sauce, and prevents the meat from drying out.
- Herbs & Spices – A combination of dried thyme, oregano, paprika, salt, and black pepper enhances the savory notes of the dish.
- Lemon Juice (Optional) – A small amount of lemon juice adds brightness and helps balance the richness of the butter.
- Fresh Parsley – A sprinkle of fresh parsley before serving brings a pop of color and a touch of herbaceous freshness.
Optional Additions for Extra Flavor:
- Parmesan Cheese – A dusting before serving adds a nutty richness.
- Heavy Cream – Stirring in a small amount at the end creates a creamier, more indulgent sauce.
- Red Pepper Flakes – A pinch of spice can enhance the depth of flavor without overpowering the dish.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Garlic Butter Chicken
This recipe requires minimal effort, making it an ideal option for busy days when you want a flavorful meal without spending too much time in the kitchen.
1. Prepare the Garlic Butter Sauce
Melt the butter in a small bowl. Add the minced garlic, chicken broth, dried thyme, oregano, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Whisk the mixture until well combined. This ensures that the flavors are evenly distributed before they coat the chicken.
2. Arrange the Chicken in the Slow Cooker
Place the chicken thighs or breasts in a single layer at the bottom of the slow cooker. Pour the prepared garlic butter mixture over the chicken, ensuring each piece is well coated. The butter and broth will gradually seep into the meat as it cooks, enhancing both texture and flavor.
3. Slow Cook for Maximum Tenderness
Cover and cook on LOW for 4-5 hours or HIGH for 2-3 hours, depending on how much time you have. The low and slow cooking method allows the chicken to fully absorb the buttery garlic sauce while staying juicy and tender.
4. Add the Final Touches Before Serving
Once the chicken is fully cooked, stir in the lemon juice to brighten up the flavors. A small amount is enough to balance the richness of the butter. Sprinkle fresh parsley over the top for a touch of color and an extra layer of flavor.
What to Serve with Garlic Butter Chicken
This dish pairs well with a variety of sides, making it easy to create a complete meal. The sauce acts as a natural gravy, complementing starchy and vegetable-based side dishes beautifully.
Best Side Dishes:
- Mashed Potatoes – The creamy texture works perfectly with the buttery garlic sauce.
- Steamed Rice – A simple and neutral base that absorbs the sauce effortlessly.
- Roasted Vegetables – Carrots, green beans, or asparagus provide a fresh contrast to the richness of the dish.
- Egg Noodles or Pasta – The tender chicken and sauce create an easy, satisfying pasta dish.
Ways to Customize Garlic Butter Chicken
This recipe is versatile and can be adapted to suit different preferences. Small changes can lead to entirely new variations, making it a dish that never gets boring.
Flavor Variations:
- Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken – Stir in ½ cup of heavy cream during the last 30 minutes of cooking for a richer, creamier sauce.
- Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken – Sprinkle parmesan or shredded mozzarella over the top before serving.
- Spicy Garlic Butter Chicken – A small amount of red pepper flakes can add heat without overwhelming the garlic butter flavor.
- Herb-Infused Chicken – Swap out the thyme and oregano for fresh rosemary and sage for a deeper, earthier taste.
Tips for the Best Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Chicken
- Use Chicken Thighs for Maximum Juiciness – While chicken breasts work well, thighs remain moist and tender even after hours of slow cooking.
- Check for Doneness at 4 Hours on LOW – Overcooking can lead to dryness, so keep an eye on the chicken and check for tenderness.
- Sear the Chicken First for Extra Flavor – If you have time, browning the chicken in a pan before slow cooking adds another layer of depth.
- Thicken the Sauce if Needed – If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix 1 teaspoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water and stir it into the slow cooker. Let it cook for another 10 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
What to Do with Leftovers
Leftover Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Chicken can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or frozen for 3 months. It reheats well and can be repurposed into new meals with minimal effort.
Ideas for Using Leftovers:
- Garlic Butter Chicken Sandwich – Shred the chicken and serve on a toasted roll with melted cheese.
- Pasta Toss – Mix the chicken and sauce into cooked pasta for a quick, satisfying meal.
- Wraps & Tacos – Roll shredded chicken into tortillas with lettuce and a drizzle of ranch dressing.
- Salad Topper – Slice and serve over a fresh green salad for a protein-packed lunch.
Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Chicken
Equipment
- Slow Cooker For cooking the chicken low and slow
- Mixing Bowl For preparing the garlic butter sauce
- Whisk For combining ingredients
- Knife For mincing garlic
Ingredients
- 4 boneless skinless chicken thighs or chicken breasts
- 6 cloves garlic minced
- ½ cup unsalted butter melted
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt adjust to taste
- ½ teaspoon black pepper freshly ground
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice optional, for brightness
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter, minced garlic, chicken broth, dried thyme, oregano, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Place the chicken thighs or breasts in the slow cooker in a single layer.
- Pour the garlic butter mixture over the chicken, ensuring it is evenly coated.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 4-5 hours or HIGH for 2-3 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
- Before serving, stir in the lemon juice for added brightness.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with mashed potatoes, rice, or vegetables.
Notes
- For a creamier sauce, add ½ cup of heavy cream during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
- For extra flavor, sear the chicken in a pan before placing it in the slow cooker.
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