Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Chicken That Practically Cooks Itself

There are two things in life that never let me down—good friends and my slow cooker. And this Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Chicken? Well, she’s become one of my closest pals. She’s dependable, shows up looking fabulous every time, and never talks back when I eat seconds (or thirds). This is the kind of recipe that makes you look like you’ve been cooking all day, but in reality, you were binge-watching your favorite show while the kitchen did all the work.

Picture this: tender chicken soaking up buttery garlic goodness, filling your house with that “come on in and grab a plate” aroma. Whether it’s a busy Tuesday or you’ve got guests coming over, this dish has your back.

Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Chicken

  • Effortless prep: Toss it in and forget it—until your nose tells you dinner’s ready.
  • Crowd-pleaser: Even picky eaters will come back for more.
  • Perfect for leftovers: The flavor gets even better overnight.

Ingredients You’ll Need

  • Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs – for tender, juicy bites
  • Butter – the star of the show, making everything rich and indulgent
  • Fresh garlic – because garlic makes everything better
  • Chicken broth – adds depth and helps keep everything moist
  • Seasonings (salt, pepper, paprika, parsley) – for balanced flavor and a touch of color
  • Lemon juice – just a squeeze to brighten all that buttery richness

How to Make It

  1. Season the chicken: Sprinkle on your salt, pepper, and paprika like you mean it.
  2. Melt the butter: Add garlic to the melted butter and let it sizzle for a minute—your kitchen will smell heavenly.
  3. Layer in the slow cooker: Place chicken inside, pour over the garlicky butter, then add the broth.
  4. Cook low and slow: 4–5 hours on low or 2–3 on high. You want fork-tender perfection.
  5. Brighten and serve: Squeeze in lemon juice, garnish with parsley, and watch it disappear.

Tips from My Kitchen

  • Thighs vs. breasts: Thighs stay a bit juicier, but breasts will work beautifully too.
  • Extra garlicky? Go for it—double the garlic if you’re a true believer.
  • Thicken the sauce: Stir in a cornstarch slurry at the end for a silky gravy.

A Little Story

The first time I made this was for a church potluck, and let me tell you, the slow cooker pot was licked clean before the dessert table was even touched. Now it’s my go-to when I want something comforting without babysitting the stove.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, but thaw first for even cooking and best flavor.

How do I store leftovers?
Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 2 months.

Can I add veggies?
Absolutely! Carrots, potatoes, or green beans soak up that garlic butter like a dream.

If your weeknight dinner plan has been looking a little tired, Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Chicken is the answer. It’s rich, flavorful, and couldn’t be easier—exactly the kind of recipe that turns “what’s for dinner?” into “when can we eat?”

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Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Chicken That Practically Cooks Itself


  • Author: Nova
  • Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x

Description

This Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Chicken is rich, flavorful, and ridiculously easy. Tender chicken simmers in a buttery garlic sauce that’s perfect over rice, potatoes, or pasta.


Ingredients

Scale

2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs

1/2 cup unsalted butter (1 stick), melted

6 cloves garlic, minced

1 cup low-sodium chicken broth

1 tsp salt

1/2 tsp black pepper

1 tsp paprika

2 tbsp fresh lemon juice

2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)


Instructions

1. Season chicken with salt, pepper, and paprika.

2. In a small saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.

3. Place chicken in the slow cooker. Pour garlic butter over chicken.

4. Add chicken broth to the slow cooker.

5. Cover and cook on low for 4–5 hours, or high for 2–3 hours, until chicken is tender.

6. Add lemon juice and stir gently.

7. Garnish with parsley and serve warm.

Notes

For extra flavor, add vegetables like carrots or baby potatoes in the slow cooker with the chicken.

If you prefer a thicker sauce, whisk 1 tbsp cornstarch with 2 tbsp water and stir into the sauce during the last 30 minutes of cooking.

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 4 hours
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Slow Cooker
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 350
  • Sugar: 1g
  • Sodium: 560mg
  • Fat: 20g
  • Saturated Fat: 9g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 2g
  • Fiber: 0g
  • Protein: 39g
  • Cholesterol: 135mg

Keywords: slow cooker garlic butter chicken, crockpot chicken, garlic butter chicken

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