Discover the Joy of Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Chicken and Veggies

Slow cooker meals are a lifesaver on busy weeknights, and this Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Chicken and Veggies recipe is no exception. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep work, you can enjoy tender, flavorful chicken, creamy potatoes, and caramelized carrots all cooked together in a rich garlic butter sauce. This one-pot wonder is perfect for family dinners or easy meal prep throughout the week.

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Key Ingredients and Their Benefits

The star ingredients in this Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Chicken and Veggies dish are the boneless, skinless chicken tenders, baby carrots, and Yukon Gold potatoes. Chicken tenders are a lean protein that stays juicy and tender when slow-cooked, while the carrots and potatoes provide a nourishing array of vitamins, minerals, and complex carbohydrates.

The rich, savory flavors come from the melted butter, fragrant garlic, and aromatic herbs like thyme and parsley. Butter not only adds creaminess but also helps the other seasonings cling to the chicken and vegetables. Garlic is a nutritional powerhouse, offering antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immune-boosting properties. Together, these ingredients create a mouthwatering, comfort-food inspired meal.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Making Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Chicken and Veggies couldn’t be easier. Start by placing the chicken tenders in the center of your slow cooker, then arrange the potato wedges and baby carrots around the edges. In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, minced garlic, salt, pepper, thyme, and parsley. Pour this flavorful garlic butter mixture evenly over the chicken and veggies.

Cover and cook on HIGH for 4 hours or on LOW for 6-8 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender. The slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld together seamlessly, resulting in a dish that’s both comforting and restaurant-worthy.

When the cooking is done, simply spoon the garlic butter sauce over each serving. The chicken will be juicy and tender, the potatoes creamy, and the carrots caramelized to perfection. It’s a complete meal that practically cooks itself!

Tips and Tricks for Perfect Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Chicken

To ensure your Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Chicken and Veggies turns out perfectly every time, here are a few helpful tips:

• For extra-tender chicken, use boneless, skinless thighs instead of breasts.
• Feel free to swap in other veggies like bell peppers, zucchini, or green beans.
• Adjust the cooking time based on your slow cooker model – older or smaller units may need less time.
• For a thicker sauce, mix a cornstarch slurry (1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water) and stir it in 30 minutes before serving.

Nutritional Information

One serving of Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Chicken and Veggies contains approximately 430 calories, 25g of protein, 35g of carbs, and 22g of fat. It’s a well-balanced meal that provides a hearty dose of vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats. The combination of lean protein, complex carbs, and satiating fats will keep you feeling full and energized.

Creative Serving Suggestions

This Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Chicken and Veggies dish is incredibly versatile and pairs well with a variety of sides. Try serving it over steamed rice, buttered egg noodles, or crusty bread to soak up all that delicious garlic butter sauce. For a lighter option, it also goes great with a fresh garden salad or roasted asparagus.

If you have any leftovers, they reheat beautifully for easy lunches or dinners throughout the week. The chicken, potatoes, and carrots make a satisfying and nutritious meal all on their own.

More Related Recipes You Might Enjoy

• Garlic Parmesan Sausage Rigatoni
• Cheesy Bacon Ranch Hasselback Potato Bake
• Million Dollar BBQ Bacon Cheese Dip

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I add other vegetables to the slow cooker besides the ones listed in the recipe?

Yes, you can definitely add other vegetables to the slow cooker to customize the dish to your liking. Some great options include bell peppers, zucchini, green beans, or broccoli. Just keep in mind that different vegetables have varying cooking times, so it’s best to add quicker-cooking veggies (like bell peppers or zucchini) halfway through the cooking process to ensure they don’t become mushy.

How can I adjust the cooking time if I want to use larger chicken pieces?

If you’re using larger chicken pieces, such as bone-in thighs or breasts, you will need to increase the cooking time. For larger cuts, you may want to cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours. Always ensure that the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (75°C) for safe consumption. A meat thermometer can help you check this accurately.

What can I do if I want a thicker sauce for my dish?

To achieve a thicker sauce for your Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Chicken and Veggies, you have a few options. You can mix a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons of cold water) and stir it into the sauce about 30 minutes before serving. Alternatively, you can remove the lid during the last hour of cooking to allow some of the liquid to evaporate, concentrating the flavors and thickening the sauce naturally.

Is it possible to prepare this dish in advance and freeze it?

Yes, you can prepare the ingredients ahead of time and freeze them for later use. Simply assemble the chicken and veggies along with the garlic butter sauce in a freezer-safe bag or container. When you’re ready to cook, thaw the mixture in the refrigerator overnight and then transfer it to the slow cooker. Adjust the cooking time as needed, since the ingredients will be colder when starting. This is a great way to streamline meal prep for busy weeks!

Conclusion

With its tender chicken, perfectly cooked vegetables, and rich garlic butter sauce, this Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Chicken and Veggies recipe is a true family-pleasing, weeknight-friendly meal. The slow cooking process infuses every bite with mouthwatering flavor, while the one-pot convenience makes cleanup a breeze. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or gathering the whole crew for a cozy dinner, this dish is sure to become a new household favorite.

Looking for more visual inspiration? Follow me on Pinterest, where I share new recipes, dinner tips, and behind-the-scenes kitchen moments every week. Buon appetito!

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