The cozy and savory delight of crockpot garlic butter chicken is a meal that promises comfort and taste in every bite. This dish combines the ease of slow cooking with the rich flavors of garlic and butter, making it a perfect meal for any day of the week. Below, we embark on a culinary journey to create this mouthwatering dish, ensuring a delightful experience for both novice and seasoned cooks alike.
What You’ll Need
here are the ingredients for the crockpot garlic butter chicken recipe, detailed in a straightforward and easy-to-follow manner. These ingredients combine to create a deliciously tender and flavorful dish that’s perfect for any day of the week.
Equipment
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Crockpot
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Mixing bowl
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Measuring cups and spoons
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Garlic press (optional)
Ingredients
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1.5 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken breasts: This is the main protein of the dish. Chicken breasts are chosen for their lean nature and ability to absorb flavors well.
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1 cup of chicken broth: This liquid adds moisture and flavor to the dish, ensuring the chicken stays juicy during the slow cooking process.
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10 cloves of garlic, minced: Garlic is the star flavoring ingredient, providing a robust and aromatic taste that pairs perfectly with butter.
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1/2 cup of unsalted butter: The butter enriches the dish, adding a creamy texture and a rich, smooth flavor that complements the garlic.
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1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning: This blend of dried herbs adds complexity and a hint of Mediterranean flair to the dish.
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Salt and pepper to taste: These seasonings are essential for enhancing the natural flavors of the chicken and the sauce.
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Fresh parsley for garnish (optional): Adding a sprinkle of fresh parsley not only adds a pop of color but also a fresh, herbaceous flavor that brightens the dish.
These ingredients are readily available and come together to create a dish that’s both comforting and rich in flavor. The simplicity of the recipe makes it an excellent choice for both weeknight dinners and special occasions, ensuring a delicious meal with minimal effort.
Preparing Your Ingredients
Preparing your ingredients correctly can make a significant difference in the cooking process and the final taste of your crockpot garlic butter chicken. Here’s how to prepare your ingredients efficiently and effectively:
Chicken Preparation
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Rinse and Dry: Begin by rinsing the boneless, skinless chicken breasts under cold water. Pat them dry with paper towels. This step is crucial for removing any residual blood or packaging fluids, ensuring a cleaner taste.
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Season: Generously season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. This not only enhances the flavor but also helps in the formation of a slight crust, adding texture to the dish.
Garlic Butter Mixture
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Minced Garlic: Peel and mince the cloves of garlic. Using fresh garlic is highly recommended for the best flavor. If you have a garlic press, it can make this task easier and quicker.
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Prepare the Butter: Measure out 1/2 cup of unsalted butter and melt it gently. You can do this in a microwave-safe bowl in the microwave or over low heat in a small pot on the stove.
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Mix: In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, minced garlic, and 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning. Stir well to ensure the garlic and herbs are evenly distributed throughout the butter.
Additional Tips
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Chicken Broth: Measure 1 cup of chicken broth. If you have homemade broth, it’s a great option for enhanced flavor, but store-bought broth works well too.
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Parsley: If you’re using fresh parsley for garnish, rinse it under cold water, pat it dry, and chop it finely. Set it aside until you’re ready to serve.
Preparing your ingredients with care not only makes the cooking process smoother but also ensures that each component of the dish contributes to its overall flavor profile. With everything prepped and ready to go, you’re one step closer to enjoying a delicious crockpot garlic butter chicken.
Step by step making crockpot garlic butter chicken
Once your ingredients are prepared, you’re ready to start cooking. Follow these steps to create a delicious crockpot garlic butter chicken that’s full of flavor and perfectly tender.
Setting Up the Crockpot
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Prepare the Crockpot: Begin by pouring the 1 cup of chicken broth into the bottom of the crockpot. The broth will serve as a base for the chicken, keeping it moist and adding flavor as it cooks.
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Add the Chicken: Place the seasoned chicken breasts in the crockpot, arranging them so that they are evenly spaced and submerged in the broth as much as possible.
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Garlic Butter Mixture: Pour the garlic butter mixture over the chicken in the crockpot, ensuring that the garlic, butter, and herbs are evenly distributed over and around the chicken breasts.
Cooking Process
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Cook on Low or High: Cover the crockpot with its lid. Set the crockpot to cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The choice between low and high depends on your schedule; cooking on low for longer will result in more tender chicken, but the high setting is perfect when you have less time.
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Check for Doneness: The chicken is done when it is thoroughly cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer to ensure it’s safely cooked. The chicken should be tender enough to be easily shredded with a fork.
Finishing Touches
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Shred (Optional): If desired, you can shred the chicken directly in the crockpot using two forks. This step is optional but allows the chicken to soak up more of the flavorful sauce.
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Garnish: Sprinkle the dish with chopped fresh parsley before serving for a burst of color and fresh flavor.
Serving Suggestions
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Serve Hot: Your crockpot garlic butter chicken is best served hot, directly from the crockpot. Use a slotted spoon or tongs to serve the chicken, making sure to drizzle it with the garlic butter sauce from the pot.
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Accompaniments: This dish pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides such as mashed potatoes, steamed rice, or a crisp green salad. Choose sides that will complement the rich flavors of the garlic and butter.
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Storage: If you have leftovers, they can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave before serving.
FAQs about crockpot garlic butter chicken
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Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but it’s recommended to add 1-2 hours to the cooking time to ensure it’s fully cooked. -
Can I make this dairy-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the butter with a dairy-free alternative like coconut oil or a vegan butter to make this dish dairy-free. -
How long can I store leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure to reheat thoroughly before serving. -
Can I add vegetables to this?
Yes, adding vegetables can make this dish even more nutritious. Consider adding carrots, potatoes, or green beans during the last 2 hours of cooking. -
What are some good sides?
Good side dishes include mashed potatoes, steamed rice, quinoa, or a fresh salad. These sides complement the rich flavors of the chicken beautifully.
Conclusion
crafting a delicious crockpot garlic butter chicken is a wonderfully simple way to enjoy a flavorful and comforting meal with minimal effort. By combining the robust flavors of garlic and butter with the tenderness of slow-cooked chicken, this dish is sure to satisfy any palate. The preparation process, from seasoning the chicken to creating the garlic butter mixture, is straightforward and manageable for cooks of all skill levels. The crockpot does most of the work, slowly infusing the chicken with rich flavors and ensuring it’s perfectly cooked and tender.
This recipe not only provides a hearty and delicious meal but also showcases the versatility and convenience of slow cooking. Whether you’re looking for a comforting meal to end a long day or a simple yet impressive dish to serve guests, crockpot garlic butter chicken fits the bill. It’s a reminder that great food doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming to prepare.
crockpot garlic butter chicken
- Prep Time: 10minutes
- Cook Time: 3hours
- Total Time: 3hours 10minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: crockpot
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
ingredients
- 2 pounds chicken breasts boneless, skinless
- 1 pound baby carrots
- 1 pound Yukon Gold potatoes cut in wedges
- 14.5 ounces chicken broth optional
- 1/2 cup salted butter melted
- 3 tablespoons minced garlic
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon thyme ground
- 1 teaspoon parsley dried
Instructions
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Place chicken in bottom crock pot.
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Place butter in small microwavable bowl. Heat for 1 minute or until melted.
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Add Garlic, salt, pepper, thyme and parsley to melted butter and mix.
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Pour 1/4 of butter mixture over chicken.
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Add carrots and potatoes. Pour remaining butter over veggies and mix to cover.
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Add 1/2 a cup of chicken broth to crock pot. (optional just adds more delicious juices)
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Cover and cook on high for 3-4 hours or low for 6 hours.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6 servings
- Calories: 411kcal
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 1013mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 21g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 137mg