Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Chicken

This Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Chicken is the epitome of comfort food—moist, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a delicious, tender chicken that practically falls off the bone. The garlic butter infuses the chicken with savory flavors, and the slow cooking ensures it stays juicy and tender. Perfect for a busy weeknight or a family meal!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This garlic butter chicken is everything you want in a meal: rich in flavor, tender, and fuss-free. The slow cooker does all the hard work, and you get a perfectly cooked chicken with crispy skin if you finish it under the broiler. The combination of garlic, butter, lemon, and seasoning makes it a mouthwatering dish that goes well with nearly anything—whether you serve it with potatoes, veggies, or a side salad.

Ingredients

• 4-5 lb whole chicken

• 1/2 cup butter, softened

• 8 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 lemon, zest and juice

• 2 teaspoons kosher salt

• 1 teaspoon fresh ground pepper

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Remove the inner parts from the chicken and pat the chicken dry with paper towels. Make 4 large aluminum foil balls and place them into the bottom of the slow cooker.

2. In a small bowl, mix the softened butter, minced garlic, lemon zest and juice, kosher salt, and fresh ground pepper until well combined.

3. Gently lift the skin from the chicken breast using a spoon and place about 1 tablespoon of garlic butter under the skin on both sides. Rub the remaining garlic butter all over the outside of the chicken.

4. Place the chicken on top of the foil balls in the slow cooker. Place sliced lemon along the sides of the chicken.

5. Cover and cook on high for 4 to 4 1/2 hours or on low for 7 to 8 hours, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

6. If your slow cooker has a removable crockery insert and is oven-safe, place it in the oven and broil for 4-5 minutes to crisp the skin. You can also flip the chicken and broil the other side for an additional 4-5 minutes. If your slow cooker isn’t oven-safe, place the chicken on a sheet pan and broil in the oven for 4-5 minutes.

7. Let the chicken rest for 10 minutes before carving. Drizzle the juices over the carved chicken and serve.

Servings and Timing

• Prep Time: 10 minutes

• Cook Time: 8 hours

• Total Time: 8 hours 10 minutes

• Servings: 6 servings

Variations

• Add Herbs: For a more herby flavor, add fresh thyme, rosemary, or sage under the skin with the garlic butter mixture.

• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the butter mixture for a little heat.

• Lemon Butter Version: If you love lemon, increase the lemon juice and zest for an extra zesty, tangy flavor. You can also add lemon slices inside the cavity of the chicken.

• Crispy Skin Without Broiling: If you prefer not to broil, you can use a slow cooker with a crisping lid or serve it as-is from the slow cooker.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

• Freezer-Friendly: You can freeze leftovers by removing the meat from the bones and storing it in a freezer-safe container for up to 2-3 months.

• Reheating: Reheat the chicken in the microwave, or for extra crispy skin, place it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes. You can also reheat the chicken in a pan on the stovetop with a bit of broth or water to keep it moist.

FAQs

1. Can I use chicken parts instead of a whole chicken?

Yes! You can use chicken breasts, thighs, or legs. Adjust the cooking time based on the size and cut of the chicken. Bone-in pieces usually take about 4-5 hours on low in the slow cooker.

2. Can I make this without broiling the skin?

Yes, you can skip the broiling step and serve the chicken directly from the slow cooker. It will still be incredibly tender, but the skin won’t be crispy.

3. Can I use salted butter?

If you use salted butter, reduce the amount of kosher salt in the recipe to avoid making the chicken too salty.

4. Can I cook this chicken on low for a shorter time?

If you need to cook it on low, the time is usually around 7-8 hours. If you want it done faster, cooking on high is the way to go (around 4-4.5 hours).

5. Can I add vegetables to the slow cooker?

Yes, you can add vegetables such as carrots, potatoes, or onions to the slow cooker. Just make sure to place them underneath or around the chicken for even cooking.

6. Can I use garlic powder instead of fresh garlic?

You can use garlic powder if you don’t have fresh garlic, but fresh garlic gives a much richer and more aromatic flavor.

7. Can I cook the chicken overnight?

Yes, you can cook the chicken on low overnight, but you may want to check the chicken’s internal temperature to make sure it doesn’t overcook. It should still be juicy and tender if cooked properly.

8. Can I make this recipe without foil balls?

The foil balls help the chicken cook evenly by keeping it elevated. If you don’t have foil, you can use a trivet or place the chicken directly on the slow cooker base, but be mindful it might cook slightly differently.

9. Can I add more butter?

Yes! If you love the garlic butter flavor, feel free to add more butter to the mixture or drizzle additional melted butter on the chicken after it’s cooked.

10. Can I use a rotisserie chicken instead?

For a quicker option, you can shred rotisserie chicken and toss it in the garlic butter mixture after it’s cooked, but this will not give you the same texture or flavor as slow-cooking a whole chicken.

Conclusion

This Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Chicken is a delicious, hands-off recipe that results in tender, juicy chicken with rich flavors. The slow cooking process ensures the chicken is perfectly cooked, while the garlic butter mixture infuses it with savory goodness. Whether you’re making it for dinner or a family gathering, this dish is guaranteed to be a hit!

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