Name: Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Chicken and Veggies Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: PT-490415H30S
Total time: PT-490415H30S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 1/2 lbs boneless skinless chicken tenders; 1 lb baby carrots; 1 1/2 lbs Yukon gold potatoes, cut into wedges; 1/2 cup salted butter, melted; 1 Tbsp minced garlic; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 tsp dried thyme leaves; 1 tsp dried parsley

I absolutely adore this Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Chicken and Veggies Recipe because it combines the ease of slow cooking with flavors that feel indulgently rich yet homey. To me, it’s the perfect dish to come home to after a busy day — just toss everything in your slow cooker and let the garlic butter sauce infuse the tender chicken and fresh veggies with a comforting warmth. This recipe never fails to fill my kitchen with the most inviting aroma and our dinner table with happy smiles.

Why You'll Love This Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Chicken and Veggies Recipe

I love how this dish strikes the perfect balance between simple and special. The garlic butter sauce has just enough richness and savoriness that each bite feels truly satisfying without overwhelming the natural flavors of the chicken and vegetables. The touch of thyme and parsley adds that subtle herbaceous note I find so comforting, almost like a warm hug in a bowl.

What I find really wonderful—and what keeps me coming back to this recipe—is how incredibly easy it is to prepare. There’s no frantic chopping or complicated steps. I just arrange the ingredients, drizzle the garlic butter over everything, and let the slow cooker do the hard work. It’s such a time saver for those busy weeknights when I want something hearty but hassle-free.

This recipe also shines for all kinds of occasions. Whether you’re feeding a family, inviting friends over for casual dinners, or simply looking to enjoy a cozy meal by yourself, it fits the bill. It stands out because it’s both comforting and nourishing, with tender chicken and vibrant veggies soaked in buttery garlic goodness that feels like a little celebration on the plate every time.

Ingredients You'll Need

The image shows a white oval slow cooker filled with cooked food against a white marbled surface. Inside, at the bottom, there are small orange baby carrots arranged around the edge. On top of the carrots, a large piece of cooked, light brown chicken sits in the center. A woman's hand holds a wooden spoon, stirring or lifting the chicken. The colors include the orange of the carrots, the light brown of the chicken, and the dark interior of the cooker. The scene is bright and natural. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of this Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Chicken and Veggies Recipe is in its simple, wholesome ingredients, each playing a crucial role in delivering bold flavor and satisfying textures. The combination of tender chicken, colorful veggies, and that luscious garlic butter sauce creates a harmony that's as delicious as it is straightforward to prepare.

TIP : You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below

Boneless skinless chicken tenders: Tender, quick-cooking pieces perfect for soaking up the garlic butter.
Baby carrots: Sweet and vibrant, they add color and natural sweetness to balance the savory sauce.
Yukon gold potatoes: Creamy and buttery, these cut into wedges absorb flavor beautifully and add hearty texture.
Salted butter: The star that brings a rich, velvety base to the garlic sauce and complements the chicken and veggies.
Minced garlic: Provides a punch of aromatic flavor, making every bite wonderfully savory.
Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance and balance all the flavors perfectly.
Dried thyme leaves: Adds earthy, slightly floral notes that elevate the dish’s complexity.
Dried parsley: Brings freshness and a subtle green color for visual appeal and flavor.

Directions

Step 1: Start by placing the boneless skinless chicken tenders right in the center of your slow cooker. This ensures they cook evenly while bathing in all the delicious flavors.

Step 2: Arrange the potato wedges on one side of the slow cooker and scatter the baby carrots on the other side. This separation helps the veggies cook consistently and absorb just the right amount of garlic butter.

Step 3: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the melted salted butter, minced garlic, salt, pepper, dried thyme, and dried parsley until well combined. This fragrant mixture is what brings everything together beautifully.

Step 4: Pour the garlic butter sauce evenly over the chicken and vegetables, making sure every piece is coated to maximize flavor.

Step 5: Cover the slow cooker and cook on HIGH for 4 hours or LOW for 6 to 8 hours. The slower, lower cooking time will yield fall-apart tender chicken and perfectly softened vegetables.

Step 6: When cooking time is complete, give everything a gentle mix if desired, then serve hot with your favorite sides. The garlic butter sauce will be rich and ready to drizzle over each plate.

Servings and Timing

This Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Chicken and Veggies Recipe serves about 4 people generously, making it great for small families or a cozy dinner with friends. The prep time is super quick—around 15 minutes to get everything ready. As for cooking, you have flexibility: 4 hours on HIGH or 6 to 8 hours on LOW, which is perfect if you want to start it in the morning and come back to a wonderful meal. Total time including prep and cook ranges from roughly 4 hours 15 minutes up to 8 hours 15 minutes, and there is no additional resting time required. The slow cooker does all the work so you can relax.

How to Serve This Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Chicken and Veggies Recipe

The image shows a white plate filled with a dish featuring several layers: the bottom layer has bright orange carrot chunks, next are yellow potatoes with a smooth texture, and on top are light brown cooked chicken pieces sprinkled with herbs. A small sprig of fresh thyme rests on the side, and the white marbled surface underneath adds a clean look. The chicken looks tender with a slightly glossy finish from the sauce. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

When it comes to serving this slow cooked favorite, I love to keep it rustic and warm. The dish is hearty enough on its own but pairs beautifully with a simple green salad or steamed green beans to add a crisp, fresh balance. For a special touch, I sometimes sprinkle fresh chopped parsley or a few cracks of black pepper right before serving—it instantly brightens the plate.

Presentation-wise, I serve the chicken and veggies on large warm plates to showcase all the colors: golden potatoes, bright orange carrots, and that glossy garlic butter coating everything. A drizzle of extra melted butter or a squeeze of lemon over the top can add a nice zing that livens up the buttery richness.

For beverages, I find a chilled glass of crisp Chardonnay or a light Pinot Noir pairs wonderfully with this dish. If you prefer non-alcoholic options, sparkling water with fresh lemon or herbal iced tea complements the meal’s comforting flavors just as well. This recipe is perfect for family dinners, relaxed weekend meals, or even small holiday gatherings when you want to keep it effortless but delicious. Serving it hot is key to enjoying that melty butter goodness at its best.

Variations

One of my favorite things about this recipe is how adaptable it is. If you want to switch things up, try substituting the Yukon gold potatoes for sweet potatoes to add a touch of natural sweetness and a beautiful orange hue. For veggies, feel free to mix in green beans, parsnips, or pearl onions depending on the season or what you have on hand.

If you’re catering to dietary preferences, this dish can easily be modified. For a gluten-free version, all ingredients are naturally free from gluten, making it a safe bet. To turn this into a vegan-friendly meal, replace the chicken with hearty cauliflower florets or chickpeas and swap butter for a vegan alternative like olive oil or vegan margarine, then adjust cooking times accordingly.

Flavor-wise, I sometimes add a pinch of smoked paprika or a splash of white wine to the garlic butter mixture for an extra layer of complexity. Alternatively, searing the chicken tenders quickly in a pan before adding them to the slow cooker adds a wonderful caramelized crust that some might really enjoy. The slow cooker method is versatile, so don’t hesitate to experiment and make it your own!

Storage and Reheating

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying the meal, I like to store leftovers in airtight containers to keep the garlic butter flavors locked in. Glass containers work great since they don’t absorb smells, and I always make sure to refrigerate the leftovers within two hours of cooking. Stored properly, the dish will keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days, making it perfect for quick lunches or easy dinners throughout the week.

Freezing

This Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Chicken and Veggies Recipe freezes well if you want to save portions for a later date. I recommend portioning the leftovers into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, removing as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. Label each container with the date and enjoy it within 2 to 3 months for best flavor and texture. When you’re ready, simply thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Reheating

The best way I’ve found to reheat this meal is gently on the stovetop or in the microwave at medium power. If using the stove, warm it slowly in a covered pan with a splash of water or broth to bring back moisture and prevent the chicken from drying out. Avoid overheating as the butter sauce can separate. Stir occasionally until warmed through and the veggies remain tender. Reheated properly, the garlic butter sauce still tastes wonderfully rich and the chicken stays juicy.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of chicken tenders?

Absolutely! Chicken breasts work just fine, but since they are thicker than tenders, you may want to increase the cooking time slightly to ensure they are fully cooked and tender. I recommend slicing breasts into strips for more even cooking.

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

No need at all. The slow cooker does a fantastic job cooking the chicken through and keeping it moist. However, if you love a bit of extra caramelization and flavor, quickly searing the chicken before adding it is a nice optional step.

Can I add other vegetables to this recipe?

Definitely! This recipe is very flexible. You can add vegetables like green beans, mushrooms, or bell peppers. Just consider the cooking times—root vegetables like carrots and potatoes take longer, so add quicker-cooking veggies later if possible.

What if I don’t have dried herbs? Can I use fresh?

Yes, you can swap dried thyme and parsley for fresh, but use about three times the amount since fresh herbs are less concentrated in flavor. Adding them towards the end of cooking preserves their brightness.

Is it okay to cook this recipe on low all day?

Yes, cooking on low for 6 to 8 hours works perfectly and yields very tender, flavorful chicken and vegetables. It’s great for busy days when you want to start the slow cooker in the morning and come home to a ready meal.

Conclusion

I hope you’re as excited as I am to try this Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Chicken and Veggies Recipe. It’s a dish that combines ease with incredible flavor and makes every dinner feel like a comforting feast. Whether you’re a seasoned slow cooker fan or just discovering one-pot meals, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. So grab your slow cooker, gather the ingredients, and get ready to enjoy a warm, delicious meal that feels like a hug from the inside out.