Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Chicken and Veggies is a delightful dish that brings together tender chicken, vibrant veggies, and a rich garlic butter sauce. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings, offering a comforting meal with minimal effort. The slow cooker does all the work, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully while you focus on other tasks. You’ll love how simple it is to prepare this hearty meal that’s sure to please everyone at the table.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortless Cooking: Simply toss the ingredients in your slow cooker and let it do the magic.
- Flavor Explosion: The combination of garlic, butter, and herbs creates a savory sauce that enhances the chicken and veggies.
- One-Pot Meal: Enjoy easy cleanup with everything cooked in one pot.
- Versatile Ingredients: Customize with your favorite veggies or swap out chicken for another protein.
- Family-Friendly: With its delicious taste and hearty portions, this dish appeals to both kids and adults alike.
Table of Contents
Tools and Preparation
To make Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Chicken and Veggies, you’ll need some essential tools that will streamline your cooking experience.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Slow cooker
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Mixing bowl
- Cutting board
Importance of Each Tool
- Slow cooker: The heart of this recipe, ensuring gentle cooking that makes the chicken tender and juicy.
- Mixing bowl: Perfect for combining the garlic butter sauce before pouring it over your ingredients.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Ensure accurate measurements for optimal flavor balance in the dish.
Ingredients
Chicken tenderloins, carrots, and potatoes covered in a savory garlic butter sauce and slow cooked.
Protein
- 1 1/2 lbs. boneless skinless chicken tenders (boneless skinless chicken breasts will work fine too)
Vegetables
- 1 lb. bag baby carrots
- 1 1/2 lbs. Yukon gold potatoes (cut into wedges)
Sauce Components
- 1/2 cup salted butter (melted)
- 1 Tbsp. minced garlic (or one teaspoon garlic powder)
- 1/2 tsp. salt
- 1/4 tsp. pepper
- 1 tsp. dried thyme leaves (not ground)
- 1 tsp. dried parsley
How to Make Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Chicken and Veggies
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Start by placing the chicken down in the center of the slow cooker. Arrange the potato wedges on one side and scatter the baby carrots on the other.
Step 2: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
In a small mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, minced garlic, salt, pepper, thyme, and parsley until well mixed.
Step 3: Combine Everything
Pour the garlic butter mixture evenly over the chicken and vegetables in the slow cooker.
Step 4: Cook
Cover your slow cooker with its lid. Cook on HIGH for 4 hours or set it to LOW for 6-8 hours.
Step 5: Serve
Once cooking time is complete, serve your Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Chicken and Veggies hot. Enjoy this comforting meal with family or friends!
How to Serve Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Chicken and Veggies
Serving Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Chicken and Veggies can elevate your meal experience. The combination of tender chicken, carrots, and potatoes in a rich garlic butter sauce is not only delicious but also versatile. Here are some great ideas to serve this dish.
On a Bed of Rice
- Serve the chicken and veggies over steamed rice to soak up the flavorful sauce.
With Fresh Bread
- Accompany your meal with a warm, crusty bread for dipping into the savory garlic butter.
In Tacos
- Shred the chicken and use it as a filling for soft tortillas topped with your choice of salsa or avocado.
As a Salad Topper
- Slice the chicken and add it on top of mixed greens for a hearty salad that’s packed with flavor.
With a Side of Green Beans
- Add steamed green beans on the side for a pop of color and additional nutrients.
How to Perfect Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Chicken and Veggies
To make your Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Chicken and Veggies even better, consider these helpful tips.
- Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh thyme or parsley can enhance the flavor profile compared to dried herbs.
- Brown the Chicken First: Searing the chicken in a skillet before adding it to the slow cooker adds depth to the flavor.
- Adjust Cooking Time: If you prefer very tender chicken, increase cooking time slightly while monitoring doneness.
- Add Extra Veggies: Feel free to include other vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini for variety and nutrition.
Best Side Dishes for Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Chicken and Veggies
Pairing side dishes with your Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Chicken and Veggies can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some excellent options:
- Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes seasoned with garlic complement the flavors perfectly.
- Roasted Brussels Sprouts: A crispy side that balances the tenderness of the main dish.
- Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad with lemon dressing adds freshness alongside the rich chicken.
- Coleslaw: A crunchy coleslaw provides a refreshing contrast to the savory meal.
- Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn pairs well with garlic butter flavors, making it an ideal side.
- Steamed Broccoli: Rich in nutrients, steamed broccoli adds color and health benefits to your plate.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Chicken and Veggies, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes that can affect your dish. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:
Using the wrong cut of chicken – Always opt for boneless skinless tenders or breasts for best results. Other cuts may not cook evenly or become too tough.
Overcrowding the slow cooker – Ensure you have enough space for the chicken and veggies. If the cooker is too full, they won’t cook properly.
Neglecting seasoning – Don’t skip on the garlic butter sauce! Proper seasoning is key to enhancing flavors; follow the recipe closely.
Not cutting veggies evenly – Make sure your potatoes and carrots are uniformly sized. This helps them cook at the same rate, ensuring everything is tender.
Ignoring cooking times – Keep an eye on your slow cooker settings. Cooking on high is different from low, so adjust accordingly based on your schedule.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- Keep in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezing Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Chicken and Veggies
- Place in freezer-safe containers or bags.
- Can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Chicken and Veggies
- Oven – Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and reheat covered for about 20 minutes until hot.
- Microwave – Heat in a microwave-safe bowl for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
- Stovetop – Warm in a pan over low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common queries about Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Chicken and Veggies:
Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken tenders but increase the cooking time by at least an hour on low.
What vegetables work best with this recipe?
Feel free to add vegetables like green beans or bell peppers for added flavor and nutrition!
Can I prepare it ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prep all ingredients the night before and store them in the fridge until ready to cook.
Is it possible to make this dish dairy-free?
Yes! Substitute melted butter with olive oil or a dairy-free alternative for a lighter version.
Final Thoughts
Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Chicken and Veggies is a fantastic dish that combines convenience with comfort. Its versatility allows you to customize it with different vegetables or spices according to your taste. We encourage you to try this recipe and enjoy a warm, hearty meal that everyone will love!
PrintSlow Cooker Garlic Butter Chicken and Veggies
Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Chicken and Veggies is a comforting, one-pot meal that brings together tender chicken, vibrant veggies, and a rich garlic butter sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings, this easy dish requires minimal effort while delivering maximum flavor. Simply toss the ingredients in your slow cooker, and let it work its magic as you go about your day. With its savory flavor profile and hearty portions, this recipe is sure to please everyone at the table. Enjoy a warm, satisfying dinner that embodies comfort food at its finest!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: High (4 hours) or Low (6–8 hours)
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: Serves approximately 4 people
- Category: Main
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lbs boneless skinless chicken tenders
- 1 lb baby carrots
- 1 1/2 lbs Yukon gold potatoes (cut into wedges)
- 1/2 cup salted butter (melted)
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tsp dried thyme leaves
- 1 tsp dried parsley
Instructions
- Place the chicken in the center of your slow cooker. Arrange potato wedges on one side and scatter baby carrots on the other.
- In a mixing bowl, combine melted butter, minced garlic, salt, pepper, thyme, and parsley until well mixed.
- Pour the garlic butter mixture evenly over the chicken and vegetables.
- Cover and cook on HIGH for 4 hours or LOW for 6-8 hours.
- Once cooked, serve hot with your favorite sides.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (245g)
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 610mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
