Dinner

Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Chicken

This slow cooker garlic butter chicken is an easy, hands-off weeknight winner. The chicken cooks low and slow until tender, then soaks up a rich garlic butter sauce. It smells warm and garlicky, tastes buttery and savory, and pulls apart into moist, shreddable pieces. If you like similar slow cooker favorites, try this easy slow cooker honey garlic chicken for a sweeter twist: https://www.tastequick.com/easy-slow-cooker-honey-garlic-chicken-2/.

Recipe Information

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 6 hours (low) or 3–4 hours (high)
Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes (low) or 3 hours 40 minutes (high)
Servings: 4
Difficulty Level: Easy

Nutrition Information

(Approximate per serving)

Calories per serving: 480 kcal
Protein: 53 g
Carbohydrates: 1 g
Fat: 29 g
Fiber: 0 g
Sugar: 0 g
Sodium: 400 mg

Why Make This Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Chicken

This recipe is simple and reliable. You get juicy chicken with a glossy garlic butter sauce and very little hands-on time. The slow cooker builds flavor while keeping the meat moist. It works for busy weeknights, easy meal prep, or feeding a small family. The aroma of garlic and butter while it cooks makes the whole house inviting.

How to Make Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Chicken

Make this dish in three main parts: prepare the chicken, melt and flavor the butter with garlic, then let the slow cooker do the work. The butter adds a silky texture and the garlic gives bright, savory flavor. Cook on low for deeper tenderness or on high when you need it faster. Once shredded, the chicken soaks up the sauce for rich mouthfeel and a savory finish.

Ingredients:

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1/2 cup unsalted butter
6 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley, for garnish

Directions:

Step 1: Preparation

Place the chicken breasts in the slow cooker. Pat them dry with a paper towel and season lightly with salt and pepper. If breasts are very thick, you can pound them to an even thickness for more even cooking.

Step 2: Mixing

In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook just until fragrant, about 1–2 minutes. Do not let the garlic brown too much or it will turn bitter. Remove from heat and pour the garlic butter mixture evenly over the chicken in the slow cooker. Sprinkle the Italian seasoning, and add additional salt and pepper to taste.

Step 3: Cooking

Cover and cook on low for 6–7 hours or on high for 3–4 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and very tender. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and pull apart easily with forks.

Step 4: Finishing

Shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker using two forks. Stir the shredded meat into the garlic butter sauce so the chicken absorbs the flavors. Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Chicken

Serve over steamed rice, mashed potatoes, buttered pasta, or a bed of sautéed greens. It also makes a great filling for sandwiches, wraps, or over a baked potato. The sauce pairs well with roasted vegetables or a crisp green salad. For a brighter finish, add a squeeze of lemon before serving.

How to Store Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Chicken

Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for 3–4 days. Cool to room temperature (no more than 2 hours) before refrigerating.
Freezer: Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating: Reheat gently in a saucepan over low heat with a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen the sauce. You can also microwave covered in short intervals, stirring to distribute heat.

Expert Tips for Perfect Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Chicken

Use even-sized breasts so everything cooks evenly. If breasts vary, remove smaller ones earlier.
Don’t burn the garlic. Cook it just until fragrant in the melted butter.
For extra flavor, brown the chicken quickly in a hot skillet before adding to the slow cooker. This adds color and depth.
If the sauce is thin after cooking, thicken with a slurry of 1 tsp cornstarch + 1 tbsp cold water; stir into the hot sauce and cook until slightly thickened.
Substitute boneless skinless thighs for juicier meat (they can handle longer cook times).
Reduce added salt if you plan to serve with salty sides or use salted butter.

Delicious Variations

Lemon Garlic: Add 2 tablespoons lemon juice and 1 teaspoon lemon zest to the butter for a bright finish.
Creamy Garlic Butter: Stir in 1/2 cup heavy cream or sour cream after shredding for a richer sauce.
Herb Boost: Add fresh thyme or rosemary with the Italian seasoning for extra herb flavor.
Spicy Twist: Mix in 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce for heat.
Veggie-Packed: Add baby potatoes, carrots, or sliced mushrooms to the slow cooker for a one-pot meal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use frozen chicken breasts?
A: It’s best to thaw the chicken first. Cooking from frozen in a slow cooker can keep meat in the “danger zone” too long and may yield uneven results. Thaw overnight in the fridge for best safety and texture.

Q: How do I know when the chicken is done?
A: The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the meat pulls apart easily with forks. It should feel moist, not dry.

Q: Can I make this with chicken thighs instead?
A: Yes. Boneless skinless thighs work great. They stay moist and tolerate longer cooking. Reduce time slightly if pieces are small.

Q: How can I thicken the sauce?
A: Remove some sauce to a small bowl. Mix 1 teaspoon cornstarch with 1 tablespoon cold water to make a slurry and whisk into the sauce. Heat until slightly thickened. Alternatively, stir in a tablespoon of softened cream cheese or heavy cream.

Q: Is this recipe low sodium?
A: Not necessarily. Butter and added salt can increase sodium. Use unsalted butter and add salt to taste. Serve with low-sodium sides if you need to reduce sodium intake.

Q: Can I double the recipe?
A: Yes, you can double, but use a larger slow cooker and avoid overfilling. Cook times may increase slightly when the cooker is more full.

Q: Will the garlic flavor be too strong after slow cooking?
A: Slow-cooked garlic mellows and becomes sweet and nutty rather than sharp. The result should taste rich and savory, not harsh.

Conclusion

This Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Chicken is an easy, comforting meal that highlights simple ingredients and big flavor. The chicken turns tender and juicy, while the butter and garlic create a rich, savory sauce that’s perfect over rice, pasta, or potatoes. If you want a trusted reference or another version for inspiration, check the full recipe: Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe. Give it a try — it’s a low-effort dish that feels like a warm, homemade hug.