Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Chicken in 5 Steps

Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Chicken transforms your busiest weeknight into a restaurant-quality dinner experience with just 10 minutes of prep time. I’ve been making this recipe for over a decade, and it never fails to deliver tender, juicy chicken swimming in the most incredible garlic butter sauce.

There’s something magical about walking into your home after a long day and being greeted by the aroma of garlic and herbs that have been slowly mingling for hours. This recipe reminds me of those cozy Sunday dinners at my grandmother’s house, where the kitchen was always filled with the most comforting smells. The beauty of this slow cooker garlic butter chicken lies in its simplicity – you literally dump everything in and let time work its magic. By dinner time, you’ll have fork-tender chicken that practically falls apart, all bathed in a rich, buttery sauce that’s perfect for spooning over rice, pasta, or mashed potatoes. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Chicken

This recipe has become my go-to solution for those crazy weekdays when I need dinner to practically cook itself. I’ve served this to countless family gatherings, and it never fails to impress – even my pickiest eaters clean their plates! The combination of garlic, butter, and herbs creates a sauce so good, you’ll want to drink it with a spoon.

• Incredibly easy with just 10 minutes of prep time – perfect for busy parents juggling work and family life
• Hands-off cooking method that frees you up to handle homework, laundry, or simply relax while dinner cooks itself
• Rich, restaurant-quality flavor that develops beautifully over the long, slow cooking process
• Versatile serving options – works equally well over rice, pasta, mashed potatoes, or with crusty bread for dipping
• Budget-friendly ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry and fridge
• Customizable seasoning – add your favorite herbs or spices to make it uniquely yours

This slow cooker garlic butter chicken is more than just a recipe – it’s your secret weapon for creating memorable family dinners without the stress.

Ingredient Note List

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: I always choose chicken breasts that are roughly the same size so they cook evenly, and the slow cooking process ensures they stay incredibly moist and tender.

Unsalted butter: Using unsalted butter gives you better control over the overall saltiness of the dish, and it creates that rich, luxurious sauce base that makes this recipe special.

Fresh garlic cloves: In my kitchen, I prefer using fresh garlic over pre-minced because it delivers a more robust, aromatic flavor that really shines in this slow cooker garlic butter chicken.

Onion powder: This adds a subtle sweetness and depth that complements the garlic beautifully without overpowering the delicate chicken flavor.

Smoked paprika: The smokiness adds an unexpected layer of complexity that elevates this simple dish from ordinary to extraordinary.

Italian seasoning: I always recommend using a good quality Italian seasoning blend because it brings together herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme that pair perfectly with garlic and butter.

Fresh lemon juice: The acidity brightens the entire dish and helps balance the richness of the butter, creating a more well-rounded flavor profile.

Fresh parsley: This isn’t just for looks – the fresh parsley adds a pop of color and a light, herbaceous note that completes the dish perfectly.

How to Cook Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Chicken

Step 1. I usually start by melting the butter in a microwave-safe bowl for about 30 seconds, just until it’s completely liquid and ready to absorb all those wonderful seasonings.

Step 2. In my experience, mixing the garlic, onion powder, smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper into the melted butter creates the most aromatic base – the smell alone will make your mouth water.

Step 3. My grandmother always said to pat chicken completely dry before seasoning, and she was absolutely right – it helps the garlic butter mixture adhere better for maximum flavor.

Step 4. I’ve found that arranging the chicken breasts in a single layer in the slow cooker ensures even cooking, so none of your pieces end up overdone or underdone.

Step 5. When pouring the garlic butter mixture over the chicken, I like to use a spoon to make sure every single piece gets completely coated – this is where all the flavor magic happens.

Step 6. Adding fresh lemon juice right before cooking brightens the entire dish and helps tenderize the chicken even more during the slow cooking process.

Step 7. I always cook this slow cooker garlic butter chicken on low for 6 hours because the gentle heat keeps the chicken incredibly tender and allows all those flavors to meld together perfectly.

Step 8. My family prefers when I check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 165°F – food safety is always worth that extra minute of checking.

Step 9. Once it’s done, I usually let the chicken rest for about 5 minutes before serving, which helps redistribute the juices for the most tender results possible.

How to Store & Reheat

I usually store any leftover slow cooker garlic butter chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where it stays fresh and delicious for up to 4 days. Make sure the chicken has cooled completely before sealing to prevent condensation from making the sauce watery.

For longer storage, I recommend portioning the chicken and sauce into individual freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags. In my experience, this recipe freezes beautifully for up to 3 months, and having pre-portioned servings makes weeknight dinners even easier.

When it’s time to reheat, I prefer using a covered skillet over medium-low heat, adding a tablespoon of water or chicken broth to prevent the sauce from separating. For convenience, you can also microwave individual portions in 30-second intervals, stirring between each round to ensure even heating and maintain that silky sauce texture.

What to Serve with Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Chicken

Fluffy White Rice: The neutral flavor and soft texture of rice makes it perfect for soaking up every drop of that incredible garlic butter sauce – it’s my family’s favorite pairing.

Creamy Mashed Potatoes: The rich, buttery potatoes complement the chicken beautifully while creating the ultimate comfort food combination that everyone loves.

Buttered Egg Noodles: These wide noodles grab onto the sauce perfectly, creating a pasta dish that feels both elegant and homey at the same time.

Roasted Vegetables: In my kitchen, I often serve this with roasted broccoli or asparagus because the slight char and crisp texture provide a wonderful contrast to the tender chicken.

Crusty French Bread: Nothing beats having warm bread on the table for soaking up that amazing garlic butter sauce – it’s practically a requirement in our house.

Simple Garden Salad: A light salad with vinaigrette adds freshness and helps balance the richness of this indulgent slow cooker garlic butter chicken perfectly.

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