Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Chicken and Veggies

Cooking can often feel daunting, especially on busy weeknights when time is tight, but it doesn’t have to be. One of my go-to solutions for a quick, satisfying meal is the Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Chicken and Veggies. It combines tender, flavorful chicken with vibrant vegetables, all brought together by a rich garlic butter sauce. The best part? It practically cooks itself while you go about your day. Perfect for family dinners or even impressing guests, this recipe is bound to become a staple in no time.

Why You’ll Love Making It

This Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Chicken and Veggies recipe is more than just a meal; it’s an experience that brings warmth and comfort to the dinner table. Here’s why you should consider adding this dish to your rotation:

• Set-It-and-Forget-It: The slow cooker does all the heavy lifting. Simply toss in your ingredients, set the timer, and enjoy your day without the stress of constant attention.
• Healthy and Wholesome: Packed with lean protein and fresh vegetables, this dish is both nutritious and satisfying, making it perfect for families and health-conscious eaters.
• Kid-Approved Flavor: The irresistible garlic butter sauce is a huge hit with children. They won’t even realize they’re eating their veggies!

“This dish has become a family favorite! It’s so easy to throw together, and the flavors are incredible. My kids clean their plates every time!” – Happy Home Cook

How to Prepare This Recipe

Making Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Chicken and Veggies requires minimal effort, allowing you to enjoy quality time with your loved ones. Here’s a brief overview of what to expect:

1. Prepare your chicken and veggies, then layer them in the slow cooker.
2. Whisk the garlic butter sauce ingredients together until combined.
3. Pour the sauce over the chicken and veggies, ensuring even coverage.
4. Cook for either four hours on high or six to eight hours on low.

It’s that simple! Now, let’s dive into the details.

Gather Your Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create this delicious meal:

• 1 ½ lbs boneless skinless chicken tenders
• 1 lb baby carrots
• 1 ½ lbs Yukon gold potatoes, cut into wedges
• ½ cup salted butter, melted (you can use unsalted butter for a lighter flavor)
• 1 Tbsp minced garlic (fresh garlic works best, but garlic powder can be a substitute)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tsp dried thyme leaves
• 1 tsp dried parsley

Feel free to adjust the seasoning according to your taste or swap the veggies based on what you have available!

Step-by-Step Directions

Here’s how you can bring this dish to life:

1. Begin by placing the chicken tenders in the center of your slow cooker.
2. Arrange the potato wedges on one side and scatter the baby carrots on the other.
3. In a mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, minced garlic, salt, pepper, thyme, and parsley. Mix well.
4. Pour the garlic butter mixture evenly over the chicken and vegetables, making sure everything is coated.
5. Cover your slow cooker and cook on HIGH for 4 hours or LOW for 6-8 hours.
6. Once it’s cooked, serve hot alongside your favorite sides.

Serving Suggestions

When it comes to serving this dish, the possibilities are endless. Here are a few ideas to enhance your meal:

• Over Rice or Quinoa: Serve the flavorful chicken and veggies over a bed of fluffy rice or quinoa for a hearty dish.
• Crusty Bread: A slice of warm bread is perfect for sopping up the delectable garlic butter sauce.
• Green Salad: Pair it with a fresh green salad to add a refreshing crunch to your meal.
• Roasted or Steamed Veggies: Complement the dish with additional greens like broccoli or asparagus for added nutrition.

Best Way to Store Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Chicken and Veggies

To keep your leftovers fresh and tasty, here are some essential storage tips:

• Cool Completely: Allow the chicken and veggies to cool before transferring them to storage containers.
• Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days.
• Freeze for Later: You can freeze the leftovers for up to three months. Just defrost in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
• Reheat Safely: When reheating, ensure that it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F to ensure safe consumption.

Pro Chef Tips

Here are a few expert tips to elevate your cooking game:

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and vibrant vegetables can make a significant difference in flavor.
• Customize Your Herbs: Feel free to experiment with herbs like rosemary or sage for a different flavor profile.
• Brown the Chicken First: For extra flavor, sear the chicken tenders in a skillet for a few minutes before adding them to the slow cooker.

Creative Twists

Looking to customize this recipe further? Here are some variations to try:

• Add Heat: Incorporate red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños for a spicy kick.
• Mushroom Medley: Toss in some mushrooms for an earthy flavor and added texture.
• Pasta Dish: Serve the chicken and veggies over cooked pasta for a wholesome one-dish meal.

Your Questions Answered

How long does this recipe take to prepare?

Prep time is about 10-15 minutes, followed by 4-8 hours of cooking in the slow cooker.

Can I use frozen chicken tenders?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken tenders, but you may need to increase the cooking time by an hour or so.

Is this meal gluten-free?

Absolutely! All the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, making it suitable for gluten-sensitive diets.

How do I spice it up for adults?

Consider adding a splash of white wine or lemon juice to the garlic butter sauce for a more sophisticated flavor.

With this Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Chicken and Veggies recipe, you’ll not only save time in the kitchen but also delight your taste buds with its rich and comforting flavors. Enjoy the simplicity and let the slow cooker do the work for you!

Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Chicken and Veggies

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• Total Time: 255 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Gluten-Free

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Description

A quick and satisfying meal combining tender chicken and vibrant vegetables in a rich garlic butter sauce, perfect for busy weeknights.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 ½ lbs boneless skinless chicken tenders
• 1 lb baby carrots
• 1 ½ lbs Yukon gold potatoes, cut into wedges
• ½ cup salted butter, melted
• 1 Tbsp minced garlic
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tsp dried thyme leaves
• 1 tsp dried parsley

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Instructions

1. Place the chicken tenders in the center of your slow cooker.
2. Arrange the potato wedges on one side and scatter the baby carrots on the other.
3. In a mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, minced garlic, salt, pepper, thyme, and parsley. Mix well.
4. Pour the garlic butter mixture evenly over the chicken and vegetables.
5. Cover and cook on HIGH for 4 hours or LOW for 6-8 hours.
6. Serve hot alongside your favorite sides.

Notes

Use fresh ingredients for the best flavor and consider adding herbs like rosemary or sage for variations.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 240 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 500mg
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 1g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 5g
• Protein: 25g
• Cholesterol: 70mg

Keywords: slow cooker, garlic butter, chicken recipe, family dinner, healthy meal