This Crockpot Garlic Butter Chicken with Red Potatoes & Carrots is the ultimate easy comfort-food dinner. Tender chicken is slow-cooked with buttery garlic sauce, baby red potatoes, sweet carrots, and fragrant herbs until everything is perfectly cooked and infused with delicious flavor.
The chicken becomes juicy and tender, while the potatoes and carrots soak up the rich garlic butter sauce. Best of all, everything cooks together in one slow cooker, making cleanup easy and dinner preparation stress-free.
Perfect for busy weeknights, family dinners, Sunday meals, or cozy comfort-food gatherings.
Recipe Information
– Prep Time: 15 minutes
– Cook Time: 6–7 hours on LOW or 3–4 hours on HIGH
– Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes to 7 hours 15 minutes on LOW
– Servings: 6
– Course: Main Course
– Cuisine: American Comfort Food
– Cooking Method: Slow Cooker
Ingredients
For the Chicken and Vegetables
– 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or chicken breasts
– 1½ pounds baby red potatoes, halved
– 4 medium carrots, peeled and cut into thick slices
– 1 small yellow onion, chopped
– 6 cloves garlic, minced
– ½ cup low-sodium chicken broth
– ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
For the Garlic Butter Seasoning
– 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– ½ teaspoon dried thyme
– ½ teaspoon dried rosemary
– ½ teaspoon onion powder
– ½ teaspoon garlic powder
– ½ teaspoon black pepper
– ¾ teaspoon salt, or to taste
For Garnishing
– 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
– 1 tablespoon freshly grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
– Lemon wedges, for serving
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables
Wash the baby red potatoes thoroughly and cut them in half. If the potatoes are larger, cut them into quarters.
Peel the carrots and slice them into thick, evenly sized pieces.
Chop the onion and mince the garlic.
Arrange the potatoes and carrots in an even layer at the bottom of your slow cooker. Add the chopped onion and half of the minced garlic.
Step 2: Prepare the Garlic Butter Sauce
In a small mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, olive oil, chicken broth, lemon juice, and remaining minced garlic.
Add Italian seasoning, paprika, thyme, rosemary, onion powder, garlic powder, black pepper, and salt.
Whisk everything together until well combined.
Step 3: Prepare the Chicken
Pat the chicken thighs or breasts dry with paper towels.
If using chicken breasts, choose pieces of similar thickness so they cook evenly.
Season both sides lightly with a little additional black pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning if desired.
Step 4: Assemble the Slow Cooker
Place the seasoned chicken pieces over the potatoes and carrots.
Pour the garlic butter mixture evenly over the chicken and vegetables.
Use a spoon to gently distribute the sauce so the vegetables are coated.
Step 5: Slow Cook Until Tender
Cover the slow cooker with its lid.
Cook on LOW for 6–7 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours, depending on your slow cooker and the size of the chicken pieces.
The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), measured with a food thermometer.
The potatoes should be fork-tender, and the carrots should be soft but not mushy.
Step 6: Check and Adjust the Sauce
Once cooked, carefully remove the chicken and vegetables.
Taste the garlic butter sauce and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
If you prefer a thicker sauce, transfer the liquid to a small saucepan and simmer gently until reduced. Alternatively, whisk 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 1 tablespoon cold water and stir it into the hot liquid, cooking until thickened.
Step 7: Add the Finishing Touches
Return the chicken and vegetables to the slow cooker or arrange them on a large serving platter.
Spoon the garlic butter sauce over everything.
Sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley and Parmesan cheese if desired.
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy
Serve warm with extra garlic butter sauce and fresh lemon wedges.
Enjoy this delicious, tender, and flavorful one-pot chicken dinner!
Nutritional Information
Estimated per serving, based on 6 servings using boneless, skinless chicken thighs. Values vary with ingredients and portion sizes.
Nutrient Amount
Calories 485 kcal
Protein 35 g
Total Carbohydrates 32 g
Dietary Fiber 4 g
Net Carbs 28 g
Total Fat 24 g
Saturated Fat 10 g
Sugar 5 g
Sodium 590 mg
Nut Information & Allergens
Tree Nuts: No tree nuts are included in the standard recipe.
Peanuts: No peanuts are included.
Almonds: Not included.
Walnuts: Not included.
Cashews: Not included.
Pecans: Not included.
Pistachios: Not included.
Other Allergens:
– Dairy: Contains butter. Optional Parmesan cheese also contains dairy.
– Gluten: No gluten-containing ingredients are included in the standard recipe. Check chicken broth and seasonings for cross-contact or additives.
– Soy: Not included in the standard ingredients, but check packaged broth and seasoning labels.
– Eggs: Not included.
– Mustard: Not included in the standard ingredients.
Nut Allergy Warning: This recipe does not require nuts or peanuts. However, always check ingredient labels for possible cross-contamination, especially packaged broth, seasonings, and Parmesan cheese.
Frequently Asked Questions (Q&A)
Q1: Can I use chicken breasts instead of chicken thighs?
Yes! Boneless, skinless chicken breasts work very well. They are leaner than thighs, but be careful not to overcook them because they can become dry. Check that the thickest part reaches 165°F (74°C).
Q2: Can I use bone-in chicken for this recipe?
Yes. Bone-in chicken thighs or drumsticks can be used. They may require additional cooking time depending on their size. Always check the internal temperature with a food thermometer.
Q3: Do I need to brown the chicken before putting it in the crockpot?
No. Browning is optional. You can add the seasoned chicken directly to the slow cooker. However, searing it in a skillet for a few minutes on each side can add extra color and flavor.
Q4: Can I use regular potatoes instead of red potatoes?
Absolutely! Yukon Gold potatoes, baby yellow potatoes, or small russet potatoes can be used. Cut them into evenly sized pieces for consistent cooking.
Q5: Can I use frozen carrots or potatoes?
Fresh vegetables are recommended for the best texture. Frozen carrots can be used, but they may become softer during slow cooking. Avoid adding frozen chicken directly to the slow cooker because it may remain at an unsafe temperature for too long.
Q6: Can I add other vegetables?
Yes! Green beans, mushrooms, celery, zucchini, or bell peppers are delicious additions. Add delicate vegetables toward the end of cooking to prevent them from becoming too soft.
Q7: Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes. Replace the butter with a dairy-free butter alternative or additional olive oil. Omit the Parmesan cheese or use a dairy-free alternative.
Q8: Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! The standard ingredients are naturally gluten-free when certified gluten-free broth and seasonings are used. Always check product labels.
Q9: How do I make the garlic butter sauce thicker?
Mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 1 tablespoon cold water. Stir it into the hot cooking liquid and simmer until the sauce thickens. You can also reduce the liquid in a saucepan.
Q10: Can I prepare this meal the night before?
Yes. Chop the vegetables and prepare the garlic butter mixture separately. Refrigerate them in covered containers. For food safety, keep raw chicken separate and refrigerated. Assemble everything just before cooking.
Q11: How do I store leftovers?
Allow the food to cool slightly and transfer it into airtight containers. Refrigerate within 2 hours of cooking and store for up to 3–4 days.
Q12: Can I freeze leftover garlic butter chicken?
Yes. Store the cooked chicken and sauce in freezer-safe containers for up to 2–3 months for best quality. Potatoes may change texture slightly after freezing.
Q13: What is the best way to reheat leftovers?
Reheat in a covered skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of chicken broth until heated through. You can also use the microwave, stirring or turning the food halfway through. Reheat leftovers to 165°F (74°C).
Q14: Can I cook this recipe on HIGH instead of LOW?
Yes. Cook on HIGH for approximately 3–4 hours. Cooking time depends on the slow cooker, chicken thickness, and vegetable size.
Q15: Can I add Parmesan cheese to the garlic butter sauce?
Definitely! Stir in a little freshly grated Parmesan toward the end of cooking for a richer, more savory flavor.
Q16: What should I serve with garlic butter chicken and potatoes?
This dish is already a complete meal with protein and vegetables. You can also serve it with a fresh green salad, steamed broccoli, roasted asparagus, green beans, or crusty bread.
Q17: Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes! Divide the chicken, potatoes, and carrots into individual meal-prep containers. Store in the refrigerator and reheat when needed for an easy lunch or dinner.
Q18: Can I make this recipe low-sodium?
Yes. Use no-salt-added chicken broth, reduce or omit the added salt, and choose unsalted butter. Check seasoning labels and adjust to your dietary needs.
Helpful Recipe Tips
– Use baby red potatoes because they hold their shape beautifully during slow cooking.
– Cut carrots into thick slices to prevent them from becoming mushy.
– Place potatoes and carrots at the bottom of the slow cooker.
– Use fresh minced garlic for the best garlic butter flavor.
– Choose unsalted butter so you can control the sodium.
– Avoid lifting the slow cooker lid frequently because heat escapes.
– Use a meat thermometer to confirm the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).
– Add fresh parsley and lemon juice just before serving for a fresh finish.
– Spoon extra garlic butter sauce over the chicken before serving.