Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Chicken & Veggies Recipe Delight Recipe
Introduction
This Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Chicken & Veggies recipe is an effortless way to enjoy a flavorful, comforting meal. Tender chicken thighs simmer in a rich garlic butter sauce alongside vibrant vegetables, making it perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends.
Ingredients
- 4-6 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 fresh garlic cloves, minced
- 3 carrots, chopped
- 2 bell peppers, sliced
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme or rosemary, chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Step 1: Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper on both sides.
- Step 2: In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Step 3: Place the seasoned chicken in the bottom of the slow cooker. Pour the garlic butter mixture evenly over the chicken.
- Step 4: Arrange the chopped carrots, bell peppers, and broccoli on top of the chicken.
- Step 5: Sprinkle the fresh thyme or rosemary and dried Italian seasoning over the vegetables.
- Step 6: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
- Step 7: Once cooked, serve the garlic butter chicken and veggies warm.
Tips & Variations
- Use bone-in chicken thighs for extra juiciness, adjusting cooking time slightly if needed.
- Swap vegetables based on what’s in season or what you prefer, such as zucchini or green beans.
- Add a splash of chicken broth or white wine to the slow cooker for a more saucy dish.
- Fresh herbs added at the end of cooking boost flavor and aroma.
- For a spicy twist, include a pinch of red pepper flakes in the garlic butter mixture.
Storage
Store leftover chicken and vegetables in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through. This dish can also be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, you can substitute chicken breasts, but they may cook faster and can dry out more easily. Reduce cooking time and monitor doneness to keep the chicken tender.
Is it necessary to brown the garlic butter before adding to the slow cooker?
Sautéing the garlic briefly in butter enhances its flavor and aroma, but if you’re short on time, you can add raw minced garlic directly to the slow cooker. The flavor will be milder and less caramelized.
PrintSlow Cooker Garlic Butter Chicken & Veggies Recipe Delight Recipe
This Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Chicken & Veggies recipe is a comforting and flavorful one-pot meal featuring tender chicken thighs slow-cooked to perfection with a rich garlic butter sauce, fresh herbs, and a medley of colorful vegetables. Ideal for an easy dinner, this dish offers a hearty combination of protein and veggies with minimal effort.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes to 8 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Salt
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Garlic Butter Sauce
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 fresh garlic cloves, minced
Vegetables
- 2 medium carrots, chopped
- 1 bell pepper, chopped (red, yellow, or orange)
- 1 cup broccoli florets
Herbs & Seasoning
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme or rosemary (finely chopped)
Instructions
- Season Chicken: Season the chicken thighs on both sides with salt and black pepper to taste, ensuring an even coating for flavor.
- Melt Butter and Sauté Garlic: In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 to 2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant but not browned to infuse the butter with fresh garlic flavor.
- Add Chicken to Slow Cooker: Place the seasoned chicken thighs at the bottom of the slow cooker in a single layer to create a base for the dish.
- Pour Garlic Butter Over Chicken: Evenly pour the prepared garlic butter mixture over the chicken, making sure each piece gets coated for maximum flavor.
- Add Vegetables: Arrange the chopped carrots, bell pepper, and broccoli on top of the chicken, distributing them evenly to cook uniformly and absorb flavors.
- Season with Herbs and Italian Seasoning: Sprinkle fresh thyme or rosemary and dried Italian seasoning over the vegetables to add aromatic herbal notes.
- Cook in Slow Cooker: Cover the slow cooker with the lid and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours until the chicken is tender and cooked through and the vegetables are soft.
- Serve Warm: Once done, carefully transfer the garlic butter chicken and veggies onto plates and serve immediately while warm for a comforting meal.
Notes
- Use skinless chicken thighs for more even cooking and to keep the dish leaner.
- Fresh garlic is preferred for the best flavor but garlic powder can be used in a pinch.
- You can swap out the vegetables for other slow cooker-friendly options such as zucchini, green beans, or potatoes.
- Adjust seasoning to taste before serving, especially salt and pepper.
- If you prefer, add a splash of chicken broth to the slow cooker for a bit more moisture and sauciness.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently.
Keywords: slow cooker chicken, garlic butter chicken, easy chicken recipe, healthy chicken dinner, slow cooker vegetables, one pot dinner
