Garlic Butter Chicken in the Slow Cooker
There’s something magical about the smell of garlic and butter filling your kitchen as dinner slowly cooks. This Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Chicken is the kind of recipe that makes weeknight cooking effortless yet incredibly satisfying. With minimal prep and just a handful of pantry staples, you can have tender, juicy chicken infused with rich garlic butter flavor. The slow cooking process makes each bite melt-in-your-mouth delicious, and the aroma will have everyone rushing to the table. This dish is perfect served over rice, mashed potatoes, or pasta to soak up every drop of that buttery goodness.
Quick Recipe Overview
| Prep Time | Cook Time | Total Time | Servings | Difficulty | Cuisine | Best Season |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 mins | 6 hrs | 6 hrs 10 mins | 4 | Easy | American | All Year |
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortless cooking – Just mix, pour, and let the slow cooker do all the work, giving you more time for other things.
- Incredible flavor – Garlic, butter, and herbs come together for a rich, savory taste that’s hard to resist.
- Perfect texture – The slow cooking process keeps the chicken moist and tender, never dry.
- Versatile serving options – Delicious over rice, mashed potatoes, or pasta, making it perfect for any night of the week.
- Family-friendly – Even picky eaters love this buttery, flavorful chicken, making it a crowd-pleaser.
Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Chicken – Tender, Juicy, and Full of Flavor
- Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Chicken is a rich, flavorful, and easy dinner perfect for busy weeknights. Tender chicken breasts are slow-cooked in a savory garlic butter sauce for a melt-in-your-mouth meal everyone will love.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
- ½ cup unsalted butter (1 stick)
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- 1 lemon, juiced
Instructions
1. Melt the butter in a small bowl using the microwave or stovetop. Stir in minced garlic, onion powder, smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper until well combined.
2. Place chicken breasts in the slow cooker in a single layer.
3. Pour the garlic butter mixture evenly over the chicken, making sure each piece is coated.
4. Squeeze the juice of one lemon over the chicken.
5. Cover and cook on low for 6 hours, or until the chicken is tender and fully cooked.
6. Transfer the chicken to a serving plate and spoon sauce over the top.
7. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve over rice, mashed potatoes, or pasta.
Notes
You can easily double the recipe for a larger crowd.
Avoid lifting the slow cooker lid during cooking.
For extra richness, stir in a splash of cream before serving.
Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 1g
- Fat: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 28g
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
- ½ cup unsalted butter (1 stick)
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- 1 lemon, juiced
Ingredient Tips
| Ingredient | Tip |
|---|---|
| Chicken breasts | For extra juiciness, you can substitute chicken thighs. |
| Unsalted butter | Use unsalted to control the seasoning, but salted butter works too—just reduce added salt. |
| Garlic | Fresh minced garlic gives the best flavor, but jarred garlic can save time. |
| Smoked paprika | Adds a subtle smokiness; swap for sweet paprika if preferred. |
| Italian seasoning | Use store-bought or make your own with dried basil, oregano, and thyme. |
| Lemon juice | Fresh lemon brightens the flavor—avoid bottled if possible. |
| Fresh parsley | Adds color and freshness; cilantro can be used for a different twist. |
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the garlic butter – Melt the butter in a small bowl using the microwave or stovetop. Stir in minced garlic, onion powder, smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Add chicken to slow cooker – Place chicken breasts in the slow cooker in a single layer.
- Coat with sauce – Pour the garlic butter mixture evenly over the chicken, making sure each piece is well coated.
- Add lemon juice – Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the chicken to brighten the flavor.
- Slow cook – Cover with the lid and cook on low for 6 hours, or until the chicken is tender and fully cooked.
- Serve – Transfer the chicken to a serving plate, spoon some garlic butter sauce over the top, and garnish with fresh parsley.
- Enjoy – Serve hot with rice, mashed potatoes, or pasta to soak up the delicious sauce.
Helpful Tips
- Avoid lifting the lid during cooking—it releases heat and increases cook time.
- Make sure chicken is fully coated in garlic butter for maximum flavor.
- For more richness, add a splash of cream to the sauce before serving.
- Use a meat thermometer to check doneness (165°F internal temperature).
Expert Tips for the Best Results
- Don’t overcook – Even in a slow cooker, chicken can dry out if left too long. Stick to the time listed.
- Use fresh garlic – It makes a noticeable difference in flavor.
- Layer ingredients evenly – This ensures each piece of chicken gets the same rich taste.
- Rest before serving – Letting the chicken sit for 5 minutes helps lock in juices.
Recipe Variations
- Garlic Butter Chicken Thighs – Swap breasts for thighs for a richer, more flavorful result.
- Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken – Stir in ½ cup heavy cream at the end for a velvety sauce.
- Spicy Garlic Butter Chicken – Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat.
- Herb-Loaded Garlic Butter Chicken – Add fresh thyme, rosemary, or sage for an herbal twist.
Make Ahead & Freezer Tips
You can prepare the garlic butter mixture up to 2 days in advance and store it in the fridge. Assemble everything in the slow cooker when ready. For freezing, place raw chicken and sauce in a freezer bag, seal, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before cooking.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this dish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for color. Plate over a bed of fluffy mashed potatoes, steamed rice, or buttered pasta to catch all the savory garlic butter sauce. Add a side of roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
Pairing Ideas
- Wine – A crisp Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio pairs beautifully.
- Drinks – Sparkling water with lemon or a light iced tea works well.
- Sides – Garlic bread, roasted asparagus, or a fresh garden salad.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave in 30-second intervals until warm, or on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to keep it moist.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I cook this on high instead of low?
Yes, cook on high for about 3 hours, but the low-and-slow method gives a more tender result.
Can I use frozen chicken?
It’s best to thaw chicken first for even cooking, but you can use frozen if you extend cooking time slightly.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes, substitute butter with plant-based butter or olive oil.
How do I know when the chicken is done?
Use a meat thermometer—165°F is the safe internal temperature for chicken.
Can I double this recipe?
Yes, but make sure not to overcrowd the slow cooker so heat circulates evenly.
What can I do with leftovers?
Shred the chicken and use it in wraps, salads, or sandwiches for an easy next-day meal.
Can I use chicken drumsticks or wings?
Absolutely! Adjust cook time slightly, as smaller cuts may cook faster.
Nutrition Information (per serving)
| Serving Size | Calories | Protein | Carbs | Fat | Fiber | Sugar |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 breast | 350 | 28g | 2g | 25g | 0g | 1g |
Nutrition facts are estimated using online tools and may vary based on your ingredients and preparation. Please consult a nutritionist for precise dietary advice.
Conclusion
This Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Chicken is the perfect balance of ease and flavor, making it a go-to for busy days. With minimal prep and maximum taste, it’s a recipe you’ll want to make again and again. Gather your ingredients, let the slow cooker work its magic, and enjoy a comforting, flavorful meal tonight.