Introduction: Can a Slow Cooker Dish Be Rich, Flavorful, and Effortlessly Elegant?
Craving a comforting meal that’s low-effort yet tastes luxurious? Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Chicken, created by Sarah DiGregorio, combines tender chicken thighs, creamy cannellini beans, and a rich garlic-herb sauce inspired by escargot butter. Rated 4.0 out of 5 stars from 1,296 reviews, this one-pot recipe is perfect for busy days or cozy dinners. Ready to create a dish that’s both easy and impressive? Let’s dive into this savory recipe!
Overview: Why Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Chicken Shines
Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Chicken is loved for its rich flavors, minimal prep, and hands-off cooking. Here’s what makes it special:
- Time Requirement: 10 minutes prep, 4 hours cooking, totaling 4 hours 10 minutes.
- Difficulty Level: Easy—requires combining ingredients and slow cooking, ideal for all skill levels.
- Why It’s Special: Boneless chicken thighs and cannellini beans simmer in a garlic-butter sauce, finished with sour cream for creaminess and croutons for crunch. This recipe serves 4, perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or cozy gatherings.
Ideal served with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal.
Essential Ingredients
Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Chicken uses simple ingredients for a rich, comforting result. Here’s what you’ll need for 4 servings:
- 1 ½ to 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs: Tender, juicy protein.
- 2 (15-ounce) cans cannellini beans, rinsed: Adds creamy texture and heartiness.
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into chunks: Creates a rich, savory base.
- 8 large garlic cloves, smashed and chopped: Infuses bold flavor.
- ⅓ cup chopped fresh parsley, plus more for serving: Adds fresh, herbaceous notes.
- 1 shallot, minced: Contributes mild oniony depth.
- 1 lemon, juiced: Brightens the dish with acidity.
- Kosher salt (e.g., Diamond Crystal) and black pepper: Seasons the dish.
- ½ cup sour cream: Adds creamy richness.
- Homemade or store-bought croutons: Provides crunchy topping.
Why These Ingredients Matter
- Chicken Thighs: Boneless, skinless thighs stay tender and absorb flavors.
- Cannellini Beans: Add protein and creaminess, making the dish hearty.
- Garlic and Butter: Mimic escargot butter for a rich, aromatic sauce.
- Sour Cream and Croutons: Elevate with creamy texture and crunchy contrast.
Substitutions and Variations
- Chicken Thighs: Swap with boneless chicken breasts (reduce cooking time to 3 hours) or bone-in thighs (increase to 5 hours).
- Cannellini Beans: Use navy beans, great northern beans, or chickpeas.
- Butter: Replace with plant-based butter for vegan or olive oil for lighter flavor.
- Garlic: Use 1 tablespoon garlic powder in a pinch.
- Parsley: Substitute with cilantro or dill.
- Shallot: Swap with ½ small onion or 2 scallions.
- Lemon Juice: Use 2 tablespoons white wine vinegar or lime juice.
- Sour Cream: Replace with Greek yogurt or plant-based sour cream for vegan.
- Croutons: Use toasted bread cubes, crushed crackers, or omit for gluten-free.
- Vegan Option: Use plant-based chicken, vegan butter, and plant-based sour cream.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free croutons or omit; ensure all ingredients are gluten-free.
- Flavor Variations:
- Spicy Garlic Butter Chicken: Add ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes with the garlic.
- Herb-Infused Chicken: Include 1 teaspoon dried thyme or rosemary with the parsley.
- Mushroom Garlic Chicken: Add 8 ounces sliced mushrooms to the slow cooker.
- Cheesy Garlic Chicken: Stir in ¼ cup grated Parmesan with the sour cream.
- Citrus Garlic Chicken: Add 1 teaspoon lemon zest with the juice.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Making Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Chicken is a hands-off process that yields a flavorful, comforting dish. Let’s get cooking!
Step 1: Gather and Prep
- Gather all ingredients: 1 ½ to 2 pounds chicken thighs, 2 cans cannellini beans, 4 tablespoons butter, 8 garlic cloves, ⅓ cup parsley, 1 shallot, 1 lemon, kosher salt, black pepper, ½ cup sour cream, croutons.
- Rinse and drain cannellini beans; smash and chop garlic; mince shallot; chop parsley; juice lemon.
- Cut butter into chunks for even melting.
Tip: Prep ingredients in advance for quick assembly; use fresh garlic for the best flavor.
Step 2: Combine in Slow Cooker
- In a 6- to 8-quart slow cooker, combine 1 ½ to 2 pounds chicken thighs, 2 cans rinsed cannellini beans, 4 tablespoons butter chunks, 8 chopped garlic cloves, ⅓ cup chopped parsley, 1 minced shallot, juice of 1 lemon, 2 teaspoons kosher salt, and several grinds of black pepper.
- Stir to distribute ingredients evenly.
- Cook on low for 4 hours, until chicken is tender and flavors meld.
Tip: Ensure chicken is submerged in liquid for even cooking; no need to stir during cooking.
Step 3: Finish the Dish
- Using two forks, break chicken into large pieces directly in the slow cooker.
- Stir in ½ cup sour cream until fully incorporated.
Tip: Break chicken gently to maintain texture; stir sour cream slowly to avoid curdling.
Step 4: Serve
- Serve hot, dividing into 4 portions (about 1-1 ½ cups per serving).
- Top each serving with homemade or store-bought croutons and a sprinkle of extra parsley.
- Pair with crusty bread, a side salad, or holiday dishes like French lentil salad or roasted broccoli.
Tip: Serve immediately for the best texture; offer extra croutons for crunch lovers.
Assembly: Building the Perfect Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Chicken
Making Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Chicken is all about creating a rich, comforting dish with minimal effort. Here’s how to make it shine:
- Chicken and Beans: Tender, juicy chicken and creamy beans form the hearty base.
- Garlic Butter Sauce: Rich, aromatic, and inspired by escargot butter.
- Sour Cream: Adds a creamy, tangy finish.
- Croutons: Provide crunchy contrast to the silky sauce.
Presentation Tips
- Serve in deep bowls to capture the sauce.
- Garnish with extra parsley and a generous handful of croutons for color and texture.
- Pair with holiday dishes like one-pot Roman chicken cacciatore or desserts like Dubai chocolate for a festive spread.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Chicken is great for meal prep and leftovers.
- Storage:
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Freeze for up to 3 months in freezer-safe containers; omit croutons until serving.
- Make-Ahead:
- Prep ingredients (chop garlic, shallot, parsley) up to 1 day ahead; refrigerate separately.
- Assemble in the slow cooker insert and refrigerate overnight; cook the next day.
- Reheating: Reheat in a saucepan over medium-low with a splash of broth or water for 5-10 minutes, stirring gently. Microwave in 1-minute bursts, covered, until hot.
- Tip: Add fresh croutons and parsley after reheating to maintain crunch and freshness.
Recipe Variations
Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Chicken is versatile and easy to customize. Here are some fun twists:
- Creamy Mushroom Chicken: Add 8 ounces sliced mushrooms to the slow cooker.
- Vegan Garlic Butter Chicken: Use plant-based chicken, vegan butter, and plant-based sour cream.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free croutons or omit; ensure all ingredients are gluten-free.
- Spicy Garlic Chicken: Add 1 sliced jalapeño or ½ teaspoon cayenne with the garlic.
- Vegetable-Packed Chicken: Include 1 cup diced carrots or spinach with the beans.
Nutrition Information (Per Serving, Based on 4 Servings)
- Calories: Approximately 500-600 kcal (varies with chicken and crouton amounts).
- Protein: High, from chicken and beans.
- Fat: Moderate, from butter and sour cream.
- Carbs: Moderate, from beans and croutons.
- Note: For precise nutrition, calculate based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.
Conclusion: Savor the Rich, Comforting Bliss!
Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Chicken is the dish that brings effortless elegance to every bite. With its tender chicken, creamy beans, and rich garlic-butter sauce, it’s perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or cozy gatherings. Incredibly easy with a luxurious payoff, this recipe is sure to impress. So, grab your slow cooker, whip up this comforting masterpiece, and enjoy a burst of flavor. We’d love to hear how your dish turns out—share your creations in the comments or on social media!
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Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Chicken
Description
Craving a comforting meal that’s low-effort yet tastes luxurious? Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Chicken, created by Sarah DiGregorio, combines tender chicken thighs, creamy cannellini beans, and a rich garlic-herb sauce inspired by escargot butter
Ingredients
Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Chicken uses simple ingredients for a rich, comforting result. Here’s what you’ll need for 4 servings:
- 1 ½ to 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs: Tender, juicy protein.
- 2 (15-ounce) cans cannellini beans, rinsed: Adds creamy texture and heartiness.
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into chunks: Creates a rich, savory base.
- 8 large garlic cloves, smashed and chopped: Infuses bold flavor.
- ⅓ cup chopped fresh parsley, plus more for serving: Adds fresh, herbaceous notes.
- 1 shallot, minced: Contributes mild oniony depth.
- 1 lemon, juiced: Brightens the dish with acidity.
- Kosher salt (e.g., Diamond Crystal) and black pepper: Seasons the dish.
- ½ cup sour cream: Adds creamy richness.
- Homemade or store-bought croutons: Provides crunchy topping.
Why These Ingredients Matter
- Chicken Thighs: Boneless, skinless thighs stay tender and absorb flavors.
- Cannellini Beans: Add protein and creaminess, making the dish hearty.
- Garlic and Butter: Mimic escargot butter for a rich, aromatic sauce.
- Sour Cream and Croutons: Elevate with creamy texture and crunchy contrast.
Substitutions and Variations
- Chicken Thighs: Swap with boneless chicken breasts (reduce cooking time to 3 hours) or bone-in thighs (increase to 5 hours).
- Cannellini Beans: Use navy beans, great northern beans, or chickpeas.
- Butter: Replace with plant-based butter for vegan or olive oil for lighter flavor.
- Garlic: Use 1 tablespoon garlic powder in a pinch.
- Parsley: Substitute with cilantro or dill.
- Shallot: Swap with ½ small onion or 2 scallions.
- Lemon Juice: Use 2 tablespoons white wine vinegar or lime juice.
- Sour Cream: Replace with Greek yogurt or plant-based sour cream for vegan.
- Croutons: Use toasted bread cubes, crushed crackers, or omit for gluten-free.
- Vegan Option: Use plant-based chicken, vegan butter, and plant-based sour cream.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free croutons or omit; ensure all ingredients are gluten-free.
- Flavor Variations:
- Spicy Garlic Butter Chicken: Add ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes with the garlic.
- Herb-Infused Chicken: Include 1 teaspoon dried thyme or rosemary with the parsley.
- Mushroom Garlic Chicken: Add 8 ounces sliced mushrooms to the slow cooker.
- Cheesy Garlic Chicken: Stir in ¼ cup grated Parmesan with the sour cream.
- Citrus Garlic Chicken: Add 1 teaspoon lemon zest with the juice.
Instructions
Step 1: Gather and Prep
- Gather all ingredients: 1 ½ to 2 pounds chicken thighs, 2 cans cannellini beans, 4 tablespoons butter, 8 garlic cloves, ⅓ cup parsley, 1 shallot, 1 lemon, kosher salt, black pepper, ½ cup sour cream, croutons.
- Rinse and drain cannellini beans; smash and chop garlic; mince shallot; chop parsley; juice lemon.
- Cut butter into chunks for even melting.
Tip: Prep ingredients in advance for quick assembly; use fresh garlic for the best flavor.
Step 2: Combine in Slow Cooker
- In a 6- to 8-quart slow cooker, combine 1 ½ to 2 pounds chicken thighs, 2 cans rinsed cannellini beans, 4 tablespoons butter chunks, 8 chopped garlic cloves, ⅓ cup chopped parsley, 1 minced shallot, juice of 1 lemon, 2 teaspoons kosher salt, and several grinds of black pepper.
- Stir to distribute ingredients evenly.
- Cook on low for 4 hours, until chicken is tender and flavors meld.
Tip: Ensure chicken is submerged in liquid for even cooking; no need to stir during cooking.
Step 3: Finish the Dish
- Using two forks, break chicken into large pieces directly in the slow cooker.
- Stir in ½ cup sour cream until fully incorporated.
Tip: Break chicken gently to maintain texture; stir sour cream slowly to avoid curdling.
Step 4: Serve
- Serve hot, dividing into 4 portions (about 1-1 ½ cups per serving).
- Top each serving with homemade or store-bought croutons and a sprinkle of extra parsley.
- Pair with crusty bread, a side salad, or holiday dishes like French lentil salad or roasted broccoli.
Tip: Serve immediately for the best texture; offer extra croutons for crunch lovers.
FAQs
1. Why is my chicken dry?
Overcooking or using chicken breasts can cause dryness; use thighs and check at 3.5 hours.
2. Can I use bone-in chicken?
Yes, increase cooking time to 5 hours on low; remove bones before serving.
3. Is this recipe gluten-free?
Not as written; use gluten-free croutons or omit.
4. Why is my sauce too thin?
Too much liquid or unrinsed beans can cause this; rinse beans well and reduce lemon juice if needed.
5. Can I make this in advance?
Yes, prep ingredients or assemble in the slow cooker insert up to 1 day ahead; cook fresh.
6. What are the health benefits of this dish?
Chicken and beans provide protein; garlic offers antioxidants; moderate in fat, enjoy in balance