Easy Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe
This delicious Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Chicken recipe is rich, buttery, and melt-in-your-mouth tender. This easy crockpot chicken recipe is also perfect for busy weeknights, cozy weekend dinners, and meal prep. With just a few simple ingredients—juicy chicken breasts (or thighs), fresh garlic, and rich butter—you can create a delicious, garlicky meal that the whole family will love.
It’s the super-flavorful garlic herb butter sauce that slowly infuses the chicken until it’s fall-apart tender that makes this garlic butter chicken in the slow cooker so irresistible. This set-it-and-forget-it meal is perfect for anyone following a low-carb, keto, or high-protein diet, and it pairs beautifully with rice, pasta, mashed potatoes, or vegetables. This garlic chicken slow cooker recipe delivers tons of flavor with minimal effort to impress guests.
About This Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Chicken
This slow cooker garlic butter chicken is the ultimate set-it-and-forget-it meal. Made with tender, juicy chicken simmered in a rich garlic butter sauce, it’s ideal for low carb diets, meal prep lunches, or a cozy family dinner.
- 10-Minute Prep: Simply mix, dump, and cook. No fancy skills needed!
- Garlicky Goodness: Loaded with fresh garlic and butter for irresistible flavor.
- Family-Friendly: A kid-approved chicken dinner that even picky eaters love.
- Low-Carb & Keto Friendly: Perfect for your healthy eating goals.
- Freezer Friendly: Meal prep in bulk and enjoy throughout the week.
- Versatile Pairings: Serve over rice, mashed potatoes, noodles, or steamed veggies.
- Juicy Every Time: The slow cooker guarantees perfectly cooked, fall-apart chicken.
Suggested: Keto Casserole Recipes
Ingredients for Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Chicken
Here are the simple pantry-friendly ingredients you’ll need to make this easy garlic butter chicken crockpot recipe. All the ingredients are naturally low-carb, gluten-free, and perfect for a keto chicken dinner.
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts – or use thighs for extra tenderness and flavor.
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter – gives that rich, garlic-infused flavor.
- 6 garlic cloves, minced – fresh garlic is key to this buttery garlic chicken.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning – or a blend of dried oregano, thyme, and basil.
- Salt & freshly ground black pepper – to taste.
- Fresh parsley or chives – optional for garnish.
Suggested: Gluten-Free Casserole Recipes
How to Make Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Chicken
This easy slow cooker garlic butter chicken recipe comes together with just a few simple steps. Follow this step-by-step guide for a juicy, flavorful, and buttery crockpot chicken that the whole family will love!
Step 1: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
In a small bowl, mix together melted unsalted butter, freshly minced garlic, Italian seasoning, paprika, a pinch of red pepper flakes (optional), salt, and black pepper. This flavorful garlic butter sauce is the heart of this dish and infuses the chicken with delicious richness.
Step 2: Add Chicken to the Crockpot
Place boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs (depending on your preference) in the bottom of your slow cooker. Make sure the chicken is arranged in a single layer for even cooking. For maximum flavor, you can sear the chicken first in a hot skillet, but it’s optional.
Step 3: Pour Sauce and Cook
Pour the garlic butter mixture evenly over the chicken. Cover the crockpot with the lid and cook:
- On LOW for 5-6 hours (for tender and juicy chicken)
- On HIGH for 2.5-3 hours (if you’re short on time)
Do not overcook, as chicken can dry out. Internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). For accuracy, use a food thermometer as recommended by USDA.
Step 4: Garnish and Serve
Once done, garnish the chicken with freshly chopped parsley, a squeeze of lemon juice, or shredded Parmesan cheese. Serve with your favorite sides like steamed veggies, mashed potatoes, or cauliflower rice for a low carb chicken dinner.
Related: High Protein Slow Cooker Recipes
💡 Tips & Tricks for Success
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Use chicken thighs for maximum juiciness – Boneless skinless chicken thighs hold up better in the slow cooker and stay tender.
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Sear the chicken first – A quick sear locks in flavor and adds golden color. Optional, but worth the step!
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Don’t overcook – Even in a slow cooker, chicken can dry out. Cook on LOW for 4–5 hours or HIGH for 2–3 hours.
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Make it creamy – Stir in a splash of heavy cream or cream cheese during the last 15 minutes for a creamy garlic butter sauce.
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Add fresh herbs – Garnish with chopped parsley, thyme, or chives to enhance the buttery garlic flavors.
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Use fresh garlic – While garlic powder is okay in a pinch, fresh garlic offers more flavor and health benefits like heart support and anti-inflammatory effects.
Suggested: Instant Pot Dump Dinner Recipes
Delicious Variations of Garlic Butter Chicken
Try these delicious and easy-to-make variations to suit your dietary needs or taste preferences. These garlic chicken slow cooker twists are sure to impress, especially those low carb and keto diet.
1. Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken (Low Carb & Keto)
Add ½ cup of heavy cream and ¼ cup grated parmesan during the last hour of cooking for a rich, creamy garlic sauce that’s keto-friendly and irresistibly smooth. Serve over zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice for the perfect low-carb comfort food.
2. Zesty Lemon Garlic Chicken (Fresh & Light)
For a tangy twist, add the juice and zest of one lemon to the butter sauce before cooking. This variation is especially great in spring and summer. Garnish with fresh dill or parsley for extra brightness.
3. Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Chicken with Veggies
Add chopped carrots, green beans, or baby potatoes directly to the slow cooker with your chicken. It turns into a hearty one-pot dinner with a buttery, garlicky sauce soaked into every bite!
Related: Easy Lemon Pepper Chicken Breasts
🍽️ What to Serve With Garlic Butter Chicken
Here are some delicious side dishes to pair with your Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Chicken. These ideas will take your meal to the next level. Definitely give them a try.
Suggested: No-Bake Protein Balls
❄️ Storage & Meal Prep Tips
This slow cooker garlic butter chicken is perfect for meal prep and storing for later! Here’s how to keep your chicken juicy, tender, and flavorful for days.
📦 Refrigerator Storage
Store leftover garlic butter chicken in an airtight glass or BPA-free plastic container. It keeps well in the fridge for up to 4 days.
🧊 Freezing Instructions
For longer storage, freeze the cooked chicken in a labeled freezer-safe bag or container. Best consumed within 2 months for peak flavor.
🔥 Reheating Tips
Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat or microwave in 30-second intervals to avoid drying out. Add a splash of broth or butter to restore moisture.
🫵 Tip for Meal Prep Lovers
Divide your crockpot garlic chicken into individual meal prep containers with roasted veggies, mashed potatoes, or cauliflower rice for a complete lunch or dinner ready in minutes!
Related: Easy Tilapia Recipes
Frequently Asked Questions on Garlic Butter Chicken
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts or thighs in this crockpot garlic butter chicken recipe. However, it’s recommended to thaw the chicken first for even cooking and food safety. Always cook to an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) for juicy, tender results.
This garlic butter chicken is naturally keto and low-carb, as it contains no breading or high-carb ingredients. Pair it with cauliflower rice or sautéed vegetables for a perfect ketogenic dinner recipe.
Yes! For a creamy version of this slow cooker chicken, stir in ½ cup of heavy cream or cream cheese 30 minutes before serving. It creates a rich garlic butter sauce that coats the chicken beautifully—perfect for a comforting dinner.
Cook on LOW for 4–6 hours or on HIGH for 2.5–3 hours. Cooking times may vary depending on the size and type of chicken used. Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs both work well in this garlic chicken crockpot recipe.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in a microwave or skillet over medium heat. You can also freeze for up to 2 months for easy meal prep garlic butter chicken anytime.
Suggested: Easy Chickpea Salad Recipe
Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe
Tender, juicy chicken cooked low and slow in a rich garlic butter sauce—this slow cooker garlic butter chicken is the perfect comforting, low-effort meal. Bursting with flavor and incredibly easy to make, it pairs wonderfully with rice, mashed potatoes, or steamed veggies.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 6 cloves garlic, minced (or 1½ tablespoons)
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Garlic Butter Sauce:
In a small bowl, whisk together melted butter, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, pepper, red pepper flakes (if using), and lemon juice. - Add Chicken to Slow Cooker:
Place chicken breasts (or thighs) in the bottom of the slow cooker in a single layer. - Pour Sauce Over Chicken:
Pour the garlic butter mixture evenly over the chicken. - Cook:
On Low: Cook for 4–6 hours
On High: Cook for 2–3 hours
Chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and is tender. - Serve:
Spoon some of the buttery garlic sauce over the chicken before serving. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley.
Notes
- For extra richness: Add ¼ cup heavy cream or cream cheese in the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- For crispy edges: Sear the chicken in a skillet for 2–3 minutes per side before placing in the slow cooker.
- Use thighs for juicier meat: Chicken thighs are more forgiving and remain juicier than breasts.
- Don’t overcook: Check after 4 hours on low to prevent dry chicken.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with mashed potatoes, steamed rice, cauliflower rice, or over pasta.
- Add a side of roasted or steamed vegetables like broccoli, green beans, or carrots.
Variations
- Garlic Butter Lemon Chicken: Add extra lemon zest and slices for a citrusy pop.
- Garlic Herb Chicken: Use fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, or oregano.
- Creamy Garlic Chicken: Stir in ½ cup of heavy cream or a dollop of sour cream toward the end of cooking.
- Spicy Version: Increase the red pepper flakes or add a splash of hot sauce.
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
4Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 361Total Fat: 22gSaturated Fat: 12gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 148mgSodium: 359mgCarbohydrates: 2gFiber: 0gSugar: 0gProtein: 38g
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