Created on February 18th, 2026 at 09:45 pm
The Ultimate Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Comfort Dinner
Crockpot Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken is everything you want in a cozy, low-effort dinner. Tender chicken breasts slowly simmer in a rich garlic butter sauce that turns silky and flavorful as it cooks. The slow cooker does all the work, allowing the butter, garlic, cream, and seasonings to infuse the chicken with deep savory flavor.
If you love garlic butter chicken but want a hands-off version, this crockpot recipe delivers that same bold, buttery richness with even more tenderness. It is perfect for busy weeknights, comfort food cravings, and meal prep.
This dish sits right at the intersection of two powerful dinner categories: garlic butter chicken and creamy crockpot chicken. That combination makes it both crave-worthy and practical.
Why This Garlic Butter Chicken Works So Well
Garlic butter is one of the most universally loved flavor combinations. When combined with slow cooking, it becomes even more luxurious.
Butter adds richness.
Garlic builds depth.
Cream creates a smooth texture.
Slow cooking ensures tender, juicy chicken every time.
Unlike stovetop garlic butter chicken, this crockpot version allows the flavors to develop slowly without constant attention. The result is a creamy garlic sauce that coats every bite without becoming heavy.
If you enjoy slow cooker comfort meals, you may also love this Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Chicken, which delivers a similar creamy texture with a stronger Parmesan profile.
For a deeper mushroom-forward creamy option, Crockpot Creamy Mushroom Chicken is another excellent addition to your slow cooker dinner rotation.
Time Breakdown
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 4–5 hours on LOW
Total Time: About 5 hours
Servings: 4
Ingredients
4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
5 cloves garlic, minced
½ cup unsalted butter, sliced
1 cup chicken broth
¾ cup heavy cream
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
Optional additions
½ teaspoon paprika
Red pepper flakes for subtle heat
Fresh spinach
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Season the Chicken
Pat the chicken breasts dry using paper towels. This helps seasoning stick and prevents excess moisture from thinning the sauce.
Season both sides evenly with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. If using paprika, add it now for subtle warmth.
Place the chicken in the bottom of the crockpot in a single layer.
Step 2: Add the Garlic Butter Base
Sprinkle minced garlic evenly over the chicken. Distribute slices of butter directly on top of each piece of chicken. As the butter melts, it will slowly baste the chicken in garlic flavor.
Pour chicken broth around the sides of the crockpot rather than directly on top to avoid washing off seasoning.
Step 3: Slow Cook to Tenderness
Cover and cook on LOW for 4 to 5 hours. Avoid cooking on HIGH to keep the chicken tender and prevent the dairy from separating later.
The chicken should reach 165°F internally and be fork tender.
Step 4: Build the Creamy Sauce
About 30 minutes before serving, stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Cover and continue cooking on LOW for the remaining time.
The sauce will thicken slightly as it heats and combines with the butter and broth.
If you prefer a thicker sauce, remove the lid for the last 15 minutes to allow slight reduction.
Step 5: Finish and Serve
Stir the sauce gently to combine. Spoon extra garlic butter sauce over the chicken before serving.
Garnish with fresh parsley for color and freshness.
How to Serve Crockpot Garlic Butter Chicken
This creamy garlic butter chicken pairs beautifully with:
Mashed potatoes
Buttered egg noodles
Steamed rice
Roasted vegetables
Cauliflower mash for a lower carb option
You can also shred the chicken and toss it with pasta for a creamy garlic butter chicken pasta dinner.
Make It Lighter
Replace heavy cream with half-and-half.
Reduce butter slightly and add extra broth.
Stir in spinach during the final 10 minutes for added volume and nutrition.
Storage and Meal Prep
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat. Add a splash of broth or cream if needed to loosen the sauce.
Freeze portions for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating slowly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, thighs remain extremely tender in the crockpot and add extra richness.
Can I cook this on HIGH?
You can cook on HIGH for about 2.5 to 3 hours, but LOW produces the best texture.
Will the sauce separate?
Cooking on LOW and adding cream near the end helps prevent separation.
Can I add vegetables directly to the crockpot?
Yes. Mushrooms or spinach work especially well.
Is this recipe freezer friendly?
Yes, but reheat gently to maintain a smooth sauce.
A Garlic Butter Classic Made Crockpot Easy
Crockpot Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken brings together bold garlic flavor, rich butter, and slow-cooked tenderness in one easy dinner. It satisfies garlic butter cravings while delivering the convenience of a dump-and-go crockpot meal.
It is rich without being complicated, creamy without constant stirring, and perfect for anyone who loves comforting chicken dinners with minimal effort.
If creamy slow cooker meals are your comfort zone, you’ll also love this rich and family-approved Slow Cooker Creamy Ranch Chicken, another easy crockpot dinner packed with bold flavor and a velvety sauce.
Crockpot Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken
Equipment
- 6-quart slow cooker
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
- Cutting board
- Chef’s Knife
- Wooden Spoon or Silicone Spatula
- Instant-read thermometer (recommended)
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts trimmed; thighs also work
- 1 tsp salt plus more to taste
- 1/2 tsp black pepper freshly ground
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp paprika optional for warmth and color
Garlic Butter Cream Sauce
- 5 cloves garlic minced
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter sliced into pats (1 stick)
- 1 cup chicken broth low sodium if preferred
- 3/4 cup heavy cream added near the end for best texture
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese freshly grated melts best
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley chopped, for serving
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes optional for gentle heat
Instructions
- Prep the chicken for the best texture. Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. This removes excess moisture so the sauce stays creamy instead of watery. If your chicken breasts are very thick, you can pound them lightly to a more even thickness for consistent cooking.
- Season the chicken evenly. Sprinkle both sides with salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, and paprika (if using). Press the seasoning gently into the surface so it stays on during slow cooking and flavors the sauce.
- Layer in the slow cooker. Place the seasoned chicken in the bottom of the crockpot in a single layer. Scatter the minced garlic over the top, then place the sliced butter pats across the chicken so it melts and bastes the meat as it cooks.
- Add liquid without washing off seasoning. Pour the chicken broth around the edges of the crockpot (not directly on top of the chicken). This keeps the seasoning in place while still providing enough liquid to create a rich garlic butter base.
- Slow cook until tender. Cover and cook on LOW for 4 to 5 hours, or until the chicken reaches 165°F and is fork tender. LOW heat is strongly recommended for cream-based crockpot meals because it produces juicier chicken and reduces the chance of sauce separation.
- Stir and prepare to finish the sauce. When the chicken is done, gently spoon some of the buttery cooking liquid over the top and give the liquid a careful stir to combine the melted butter and broth. If you want shredded chicken, remove the chicken briefly, shred with two forks, then return it to the crockpot.
- Add cream at the right time for a smooth finish. Pour in the heavy cream and sprinkle in the Parmesan cheese. Stir slowly until the Parmesan melts into the sauce. If using red pepper flakes, add them now. Cover and cook for 20 to 30 minutes more on LOW so the sauce becomes silky and cohesive.
- Adjust consistency if needed. If the sauce seems too thin, leave the lid slightly ajar for 10 to 15 minutes to allow gentle reduction. If it becomes too thick, add a small splash of broth and stir until it loosens. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
- Serve with plenty of sauce. Spoon chicken into bowls or plates and ladle the garlic butter cream sauce over the top. Finish with fresh chopped parsley. Serve over mashed potatoes, rice, or buttered noodles. For a lower carb option, serve with roasted vegetables or cauliflower mash.
Notes
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