This Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Chicken is the ultimate comfort food for any occasion. With its rich flavors and tender chicken, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or leisurely family dinners. The slow cooker does all the work, allowing the chicken to soak up the buttery garlic goodness. You’ll love how simple and delicious this dish is!

Jump to:
- Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Tools and Preparation
- Essential Tools and Equipment
- Importance of Each Tool
- Ingredients
- For the Chicken
- How to Make Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Chicken
- Step 1: Prepare the Garlic Butter Mixture
- Step 2: Coat the Chicken
- Step 3: Add Lemon Juice
- Step 4: Cook Low and Slow
- Step 5: Serve Your Dish
- Step 6: Enjoy!
- How to Serve Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Chicken
- Over Rice
- With Mashed Potatoes
- In Tacos
- On a Salad
- With Pasta
- As Sandwiches
- How to Perfect Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Chicken
- Best Side Dishes for Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Chicken
- Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Storage & Reheating Instructions
- Refrigerator Storage
- Freezing Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Chicken
- Reheating Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Chicken
- Frequently Asked Questions
- What is Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Chicken?
- Can I use other meats?
- How do I know when my chicken is done?
- What can I serve with Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Chicken?
- Final Thoughts
- 📖 Recipe Card
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortless Cooking: Just set it and forget it! The slow cooker makes dinner preparation a breeze.
- Flavor Explosion: The combination of garlic and butter creates a mouthwatering sauce that elevates the chicken.
- Versatile Serving Options: Perfect on its own, over rice, or with mashed potatoes; this dish adapts to your preferences.
- Family-Friendly: A crowd-pleaser that both kids and adults will enjoy.
- Meal Prep Friendly: Leftovers are easy to store and reheat, making it great for meal prepping.
Tools and Preparation
To achieve the best results with your Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Chicken, you’ll need a few essential tools in your kitchen.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Slow cooker
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Small mixing bowl
- Spoon
Importance of Each Tool
- Slow Cooker: This is the star of the show! It ensures even cooking and allows flavors to meld beautifully over several hours.
- Knife: A sharp knife makes chopping garlic and cutting chicken effortless, ensuring you have clean cuts for better presentation.

Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts (About 1.5 pounds.)
- 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
- 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.
- Add in the minced garlic, onion powder, smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, along with salt and pepper.
- Stir until well combined.
Step 2: Coat the Chicken
- Place the chicken breasts into the slow cooker.
- Pour the garlic butter mixture evenly over each piece of chicken, ensuring they are well coated.
Step 3: Add Lemon Juice
- Squeeze the juice of one lemon over the chicken for an added tangy flavor.
Step 4: Cook Low and Slow
- Cover the slow cooker with its lid.
- Set it to cook on low for about 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 all that delicious garlic butter sauce.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
With these simple steps, your Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Chicken will be ready to impress!
How to Serve Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Chicken
This delicious Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Chicken is versatile and can be served in various ways to enhance your meal. Here are some creative serving suggestions that will elevate your dining experience.
Over Rice
- Serve the chicken over a bed of fluffy white or brown rice to soak up the rich garlic butter sauce.
With Mashed Potatoes
- Pair the chicken with creamy mashed potatoes for a comforting, hearty meal that complements the flavors perfectly.
In Tacos
- Shred the chicken and serve it in soft tortillas with fresh toppings like lettuce, tomatoes, and avocado for a fun taco night.
On a Salad
- Slice the chicken and place it on a bed of mixed greens with your favorite dressing for a light and healthy option.
With Pasta
- Toss the chicken with cooked pasta and steamed vegetables, then drizzle with extra garlic butter sauce for a satisfying dish.
As Sandwiches
- Use the chicken as a filling for sandwiches or sliders, adding cheese and veggies to create a delicious handheld meal.
How to Perfect Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Chicken
To make sure your Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Chicken turns out perfect every time, follow these helpful tips.
- Use fresh ingredients: Fresh garlic and herbs enhance flavor significantly compared to dried or stale ones.
- Don’t overcrowd the slow cooker: Ensure there’s enough space between the chicken pieces for even cooking and flavor absorption.
- Adjust seasoning: Feel free to taste and adjust salt and pepper before serving to suit your palate.
- Let it rest: Allowing the chicken to rest for a few minutes after cooking helps retain moisture when you slice or shred it.
- Experiment with spices: Try adding your favorite spices or herbs for added dimensions of flavor.
- Serve warm: Enjoying the dish warm enhances its taste and overall experience.
Best Side Dishes for Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Chicken
Pairing your Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Chicken with delightful side dishes can elevate your meal. Here are some fantastic options:
- Steamed Vegetables
Lightly steam broccoli, carrots, or green beans to add color and nutrients alongside your chicken dish. - Quinoa Salad
A refreshing quinoa salad with cucumbers and cherry tomatoes makes for a healthy complement filled with texture. - Garlic Bread
Serve warm garlic bread on the side for an indulgent treat that pairs wonderfully with the garlic butter sauce. - Coleslaw
A tangy coleslaw adds crunch and contrast, balancing out the richness of the chicken dish. - Potato Wedges
Crispy potato wedges seasoned with herbs provide an easy-to-make side that everyone will love. - Couscous
Fluffy couscous serves as a great base that absorbs flavors beautifully while offering a different grain option. - Roasted Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potatoes drizzled with olive oil and roasted until tender can add natural sweetness to your plate. - Baked Beans
Flavorful baked beans can provide heartiness and complement the savory notes of the chicken nicely.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Selecting the right techniques will enhance your Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Chicken experience. Here are common mistakes to watch out for:
- Skipping the seasoning: Neglecting to season your chicken can lead to bland flavors. Always ensure you use enough salt, pepper, and spices for a flavorful dish.
- Not browning the chicken: Failing to sear the chicken before adding it to the slow cooker may reduce depth of flavor. Consider browning the chicken in a skillet for a few minutes first.
- Overcrowding the slow cooker: Packing too much chicken into one pot can prevent even cooking. Stick to the recommended amount of chicken for best results.
- Ignoring cooking times: Cooking the chicken for too short or too long can affect its texture. Follow the specified cooking times closely for perfectly tender meat.
- Disregarding liquid ratios: Using too little liquid can cause your chicken to dry out. Make sure there’s enough butter and juices in the slow cooker to keep it moist.

Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Chicken in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Ensure the dish is completely cooled before sealing it tightly to maintain freshness.
Freezing Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Chicken
- Freeze portions in freezer-safe containers or resealable bags for up to 3 months.
- Label each container with the date and contents for easy identification later.
Reheating Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Chicken
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken in a baking dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 20-25 minutes.
- Microwave: Use a microwave-safe container, cover loosely, and reheat on medium power for 2-3 minutes or until warmed through.
- Stovetop: Heat on medium-low in a skillet with a splash of water or broth until hot. Stir occasionally to avoid sticking.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you have more questions about making this dish, here are some common inquiries:
What is Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Chicken?
Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Chicken is a flavorful and easy-to-make dish where chicken breasts are cooked slowly with garlic and butter, resulting in tender meat packed with flavor.
Can I use other meats?
Yes! While this recipe uses chicken, you can substitute it with turkey or even beef for different flavors while maintaining similar cooking times.
How do I know when my chicken is done?
Chicken is fully cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Use a meat thermometer for accuracy if needed.
What can I serve with Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Chicken?
This dish pairs beautifully with rice, mashed potatoes, or steamed vegetables that soak up the delicious garlic butter sauce.
Final Thoughts
This Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Chicken recipe is not only simple but also versatile. You can customize it by adding vegetables or swapping out seasonings based on your preferences. Try this comforting dish tonight; it’s sure to become a family favorite!
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Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Chicken
- Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Indulge in the comforting flavors of Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Chicken, a dish that marries tender chicken with a rich, buttery garlic sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights or relaxed family dinners, this recipe allows the slow cooker to work its magic, infusing each bite with savory goodness. With minimal prep time and effortless cooking, you’ll have a satisfying meal that pleases everyone at the table. Serve it over rice, mashed potatoes, or even toss it into tacos for a fun twist. Enjoy this versatile dish that’s sure to become a favorite in your home!
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 pounds)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (1 stick)
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- In a small bowl, melt the butter and mix in minced garlic, onion powder, smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Place chicken breasts in the slow cooker and pour the garlic butter mixture over them.
- Squeeze lemon juice over the chicken.
- Cover and cook on low for about 6 hours until the chicken is tender.
- Serve hot with extra sauce spooned over the top and garnish with parsley.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 360 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Slow cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast (approximately 170g)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 95mg





