Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Chicken

This Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Chicken is the ultimate comfort food. The chicken is infused with a rich, flavorful garlic butter that makes it incredibly juicy and tender. With a few simple ingredients, it’s cooked to perfection in the slow cooker, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully. The optional crispy skin finish adds an extra layer of deliciousness. This dish is perfect for a family dinner or special occasion!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

The garlic butter sauce in this dish makes the chicken incredibly flavorful and tender, while the slow cooking process ensures the meat stays moist and juicy. The lemon adds a fresh zing that balances out the richness of the butter. Plus, the optional crispy skin step takes this dish to the next level with a crispy, golden exterior. Whether you’re serving it for a weeknight dinner or a special meal, this recipe is sure to impress!

Ingredients

For the Chicken:
1 (4-5 lb) whole chicken
½ cup butter, softened
8 cloves garlic, minced
1 lemon (zest and juice)
2 teaspoons kosher salt
1 teaspoon freshly ground pepper

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

Directions

Prepare the Chicken:

1. Remove the inner parts from the chicken and pat the chicken dry with a paper towel.

2. Make 4 large aluminum foil balls and place them at the bottom of the slow cooker.

Make the Garlic Butter:

1. In a small bowl, mix together the softened butter, minced garlic, lemon zest and juice, salt, and pepper until well combined.

Prepare the Chicken:

1. Lift the skin of the chicken from the breast using a spoon. Place about 1 tablespoon of garlic butter under the skin on both sides of the breast.

2. Rub the remaining garlic butter all over the outside of the chicken.

Cook the Chicken:

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

2. Cook on high for 4 to 4 ½ hours or on low for 7 to 8 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Optional Step for Crispy Skin:

1. If your slow cooker has a removable insert that is oven-safe, transfer the chicken to the oven and broil for 4-5 minutes to crisp the skin.

2. You can also flip the chicken and broil the other side for another 4-5 minutes.

3. If your slow cooker’s insert isn’t oven-safe, transfer the chicken to a sheet pan and broil in the oven for 4-5 minutes.

Rest and Serve:

1. Let the chicken rest for 10 minutes before carving.

2. Drizzle the juices over the cut-up chicken before serving.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 8
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 8 hours
Total Time: 8 hours 10 minutes

Variations

• Add herbs: For extra flavor, add fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, or parsley to the slow cooker, either under the chicken skin or alongside the chicken while it cooks.

• Stuffed chicken: Add aromatics like onion, garlic, and herbs inside the chicken for additional flavor.

• Lemon herb butter: Mix fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, and parsley into the garlic butter for a more complex, fragrant flavor.

• Spicy kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic butter if you like a little heat.

Storage/Reheating

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

• Reheating: Reheat in the microwave or oven. If reheating in the oven, cover with foil to retain moisture and heat at 350°F for about 15 minutes.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of a whole chicken?

Yes, you can use chicken breasts, but adjust the cooking time. Chicken breasts typically cook faster than a whole chicken, so they will be done in about 3 to 4 hours on low.

Do I need to brown the chicken before cooking it in the slow cooker?

No, there’s no need to brown the chicken first. The slow cooker will do the work and infuse the chicken with all the delicious flavors from the garlic butter.

Can I make this recipe in a pressure cooker or Instant Pot?

Yes, you can cook the chicken in a pressure cooker or Instant Pot. Set the Instant Pot to the poultry setting and cook for about 25-30 minutes, then use the broiler for a few minutes to crisp the skin.

How do I know when the chicken is done?

The chicken is done when the internal temperature reaches 165°F. You can check this by inserting a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the chicken, usually the breast or thigh.

Can I add vegetables to the slow cooker with the chicken?

Yes, you can add vegetables like potatoes, carrots, and onions to the slow cooker. Place them under the chicken, so they cook in the flavorful juices.

Conclusion

Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Chicken is a tender, juicy, and flavorful dish that’s perfect for any occasion. The combination of garlic, butter, and lemon gives the chicken an irresistible taste, and the slow cooking method ensures the meat stays moist and tender. The optional crispy skin step adds a delicious crunch, making this dish a showstopper. Enjoy this easy, hands-off recipe for a comforting and flavorful meal!

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