Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Chicken and Veggies

Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Chicken and Veggies is the ultimate comfort food dish that blends tender chicken, hearty vegetables, and a rich garlic butter sauce into one easy, flavorful meal. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, family dinners, or any time you want a home-cooked meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Using a slow cooker, you can simply toss in the ingredients, set it, and let the magic happen, freeing you up to relax or tend to other tasks while the dish cooks to perfection.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Effortless cooking: Minimal prep and hands-off slow cooking make this ideal for busy schedules.
• Hearty and comforting: Tender chicken paired with potatoes and carrots creates a filling, satisfying meal.
• Flavorful garlic butter sauce: A rich, buttery, and garlicky coating ensures every bite is packed with taste.
• Family-friendly: Mild yet savory flavors appeal to both kids and adults.
• Versatile: Easily adaptable with different vegetables or herbs for seasonal variations.

Ingredients Breakdown

Serves: 4

Main Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 lbs boneless skinless chicken tenders
• 1 lb baby carrots
• 1 1/2 lbs Yukon gold potatoes, cut into wedges

Sauce:

• 1/2 cup salted butter, melted
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme leaves
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley

This simple combination ensures a perfect balance of protein, vegetables, and rich flavor for a wholesome meal.

Tools & Equipment Needed

• Slow cooker (6-quart recommended for even cooking)
• Cutting board and knife
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Mixing bowl
• Spoon or spatula for stirring
• Tongs (for handling chicken)
• Serving bowls or plates

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

Wash and peel the potatoes, then cut them into wedges. Rinse the baby carrots, and ensure the chicken tenders are patted dry. Having all ingredients prepped before assembling the slow cooker makes the process smooth and stress-free.

Step 2: Arrange Chicken and Vegetables

Place the chicken tenders in the center of the slow cooker. Arrange potato wedges on one side and scatter the baby carrots on the other side. This layering ensures even cooking and allows the flavors to meld.

Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

In a mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, minced garlic, salt, pepper, dried thyme, and dried parsley. Whisk thoroughly to ensure all herbs and seasonings are evenly distributed.

Step 4: Pour Sauce Over Ingredients

Drizzle the garlic butter mixture evenly over the chicken and vegetables. Make sure all pieces are coated to infuse them with flavor throughout the cooking process.

Step 5: Slow Cook to Perfection

Cover the slow cooker and cook on HIGH for 4 hours or LOW for 6–8 hours, depending on your schedule. The low and slow method allows the chicken to remain moist and the vegetables to become tender while absorbing the garlic butter flavor.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Once cooking is complete, serve hot directly from the slow cooker. You can garnish with fresh parsley or additional herbs for a bright touch. Pair with a fresh green salad or crusty bread for a complete, comforting meal.

Tips & Variations

• Vegetarian Option: Substitute chicken with firm tofu or chickpeas; reduce cooking time slightly to avoid overcooking.
• Dairy-Free: Replace butter with olive oil or a dairy-free butter alternative.
• Spice Adjustments: Add crushed red pepper flakes or smoked paprika for a mild kick.
• Vegetable Substitutions: Include parsnips, sweet potatoes, or green beans depending on seasonal availability.
• Flavor Enhancements: Fresh garlic or herb sprigs like rosemary can deepen the dish’s aroma.

Flavor Profile & Pairings

This dish is rich and savory, with the garlic butter coating providing a luscious mouthfeel. The potatoes offer a soft, creamy texture, and the carrots provide subtle sweetness, balancing the dish beautifully. The flavors meld slowly, giving each bite a comforting, home-cooked taste. Serve this as a standalone main, or complement with crusty bread, a side of roasted vegetables, or a light green salad.

Nutritional Overview (Approximate Per Serving)

Nutrient	Amount per Serving
Calories	360
Protein	25g
Carbohydrates	22g
Dietary Fiber	4g
Total Fat	20g
Saturated Fat	11g
Cholesterol	85mg
Sodium	610mg
Sugar	3g

Dietary Notes: This recipe is naturally gluten-free and nut-free. Using plant-based butter and protein alternatives can make it dairy-free and vegetarian-friendly.

Make-Ahead & Meal Prep Tips

• Advance Preparation: Chop vegetables and prepare the garlic butter mixture the night before. Store in airtight containers in the fridge.
• Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days.
• Reheating: Warm gently in a saucepan over low heat or in the microwave to maintain moisture. Slow cooker reheating is also effective for larger batches.

FAQs

1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of tenders?
Yes, bone-in or boneless chicken thighs can be used. Adjust cooking time slightly if using bone-in pieces.

2. Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely. Ensure your slow cooker is large enough for the increased volume, and you may need to extend cooking time by 30–60 minutes.

3. Can I cook this on the stove?
Yes, cook chicken and vegetables in a covered pot over low heat, stirring occasionally, for about 45–60 minutes until tender.

4. Can I add other seasonings?
Feel free to experiment with paprika, rosemary, or oregano to suit your taste preferences.

5. Is it okay to freeze leftovers?
Yes, freeze in a sealed container for up to 2 months. Reheat thoroughly before serving.

Cooking Timeline (At a Glance)

Task	Time
Prep Ingredients	15 minutes
Assemble in Slow Cooker	5 minutes
Cooking on HIGH	4 hours
Cooking on LOW	6–8 hours
Serving & Plating	5 minutes

Serving Suggestions

• Serve directly in a bowl for a cozy, rustic presentation.
• Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or thyme for a fresh aroma.
• Add a wedge of lemon to brighten the buttery flavors.
• Pair with a simple side salad or crusty bread for soaking up extra sauce.

Recipe Variations

1. Herbed Garlic Butter Chicken: Add fresh rosemary and sage for a fragrant, garden-inspired twist.
2. Spicy Garlic Butter Chicken: Mix in 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes for a gentle heat.
3. Vegetable Medley: Substitute potatoes with cauliflower or parsnips for a lower-carb option.
4. Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken: Add 1/4 cup cream or coconut milk at the end for a luscious, creamy sauce.

Ingredient Spotlight

Garlic: Garlic is the star of this dish, providing depth, aroma, and a savory richness. Choose fresh cloves, store in a cool, dry place, and crush or mince just before cooking for maximum flavor.

Yukon Gold Potatoes: These potatoes are naturally buttery and hold their shape well during slow cooking. Store in a dark, dry spot to prevent sprouting, and avoid refrigeration as it can alter their texture.

Pro Cooking Tips

• Sear the chicken lightly before adding to the slow cooker for added flavor (optional).
• Coat vegetables lightly with a little extra butter or olive oil to ensure caramelization during cooking.
• Stir once midway through cooking if possible to distribute flavors evenly.

Storage & Freezing Guide

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for 3–4 days.
• Freezing: Freeze cooked chicken and vegetables in individual portions for up to 2 months. Avoid freezing raw butter sauce; add fresh melted butter when reheating.
• Reheating: Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat on the stove or in the microwave for best results.

Nutrition Estimate Table (Per Serving)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	360
Protein	25g
Carbohydrates	22g
Fiber	4g
Total Fat	20g
Saturated Fat	11g
Cholesterol	85mg
Sodium	610mg
Sugar	3g

Dietary Notes: Gluten-free, nut-free, can be made dairy-free with substitutions.

Expanded Conclusion

Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Chicken and Veggies is a classic, comforting dish that combines convenience with rich, satisfying flavors. Perfect for weeknight dinners, family meals, or when you want a low-effort, high-reward meal, this recipe delivers tender chicken, perfectly cooked vegetables, and a luscious garlic butter sauce that everyone will love. Whether you stick to the basic recipe or experiment with variations, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Give it a try, share your results with friends and family, and keep it in your regular dinner rotation—you’ll find yourself coming back to this warm, hearty meal time and time again.

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