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Irresistibly Juicy Garlic Butter Chicken Thighs & Potatoes: The Ultimate Slow Cooker Recipe

Prepare for an explosion of flavor with this incredibly easy and utterly delicious recipe for **Garlic Butter Chicken Thighs with Potatoes**. This slow cooker sensation brings together tender, succulent chicken thighs and perfectly cooked potatoes, all bathed in a rich, aromatic garlic butter sauce infused with a blend of savory seasonings. It’s the kind of comforting, hearty meal that the whole family will adore, making it a guaranteed weeknight winner with minimal effort. Simply set it and forget it, then come home to a house filled with an inviting aroma and a dinner that practically cooks itself!

Why Choose Chicken Thighs for This Recipe?

When it comes to flavor and moisture, boneless, skinless chicken thighs are often the unsung heroes of the poultry world. Unlike leaner cuts like chicken breasts, thighs boast a slightly higher fat content, which translates into incredibly juicy, flavorful meat that holds up beautifully during long, slow cooking times. They are remarkably forgiving, much less prone to drying out, even if cooked a little longer than planned, making them perfect for busy cooks relying on their slow cooker.

Beyond their superior taste and texture, chicken thighs are also incredibly economical, offering great value without compromising on quality. Their rich, savory notes pair exquisitely with garlic, butter, and potatoes, absorbing all the wonderful flavors of the seasonings to create a truly memorable meal. If you’re looking to elevate your everyday chicken dinners, opting for thighs is a simple yet impactful choice that consistently delivers delicious results.

Key Ingredients for Our Garlic Butter Chicken Thighs and Potatoes

This recipe relies on a straightforward list of ingredients that, when combined, create a symphony of flavors. Each component plays a vital role in achieving that perfect balance of savory, aromatic, and comforting taste.

• Small to Medium-Sized Potatoes: You can use baby potatoes, small red potatoes, golden potatoes, or even Yukon Golds. Cutting them into bite-sized pieces ensures even cooking alongside the chicken and makes them easy to fork-tender.
• Minced Garlic: Freshly minced garlic is crucial for that potent, pungent aroma and flavor that defines this dish. It infuses the entire meal with its irresistible essence.
• Onion Powder & Garlic Powder: A dynamic duo that provides a foundational layer of savory, aromatic flavor. Using both fresh and powdered garlic ensures a deep, complex garlic profile without being overwhelming.
• Paprika: Adds a subtle smoky sweetness and a beautiful reddish hue to the dish, enhancing both flavor and visual appeal.
• Italian Seasoning: This blend typically includes herbs like oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary, bringing an herbaceous depth that complements the chicken and potatoes wonderfully.
• Salt & Pepper: Essential for seasoning the chicken and potatoes properly, bringing out all the natural flavors. Dividing the seasoning ensures every part of the dish is well-flavored.
• Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs: As discussed, these are the star of the show, guaranteeing tender and moist results.
• Butter: Real butter is non-negotiable for creating that luscious, rich garlic butter sauce. Slicing it into small pieces allows it to melt evenly over the chicken, basting it as it cooks.
• Parmesan Cheese: Stirred in at the end, Parmesan adds a salty, umami kick and a wonderful creamy texture to the sauce, pulling all the flavors together for a perfect finish.

How to Make Garlic Butter Chicken Thighs and Potatoes in the Slow Cooker

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. It’s a true “dump and go” slow cooker meal, perfect for those hectic days when you need a delicious, home-cooked dinner without standing over the stove. Here’s how to achieve perfectly tender chicken and potatoes every time:

Step 1: Prepare Your Slow Cooker. First, ensure your slow cooker is ready for action. Spray the interior of a large slow cooker with non-stick spray or use a slow cooker liner for even easier cleanup. This prevents sticking and makes serving a breeze.

Step 2: Layer the Potatoes and Season. Add your bite-sized potatoes to the bottom of the slow cooker. Next, scatter the minced garlic over the potatoes, followed by half of your seasoning blend (onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper). Stir everything together thoroughly, ensuring all the potato pieces are well-coated with the aromatic spices. This step is crucial for building flavor from the base up.

Step 3: Add the Chicken and Remaining Seasoning. Carefully arrange the boneless, skinless chicken thighs over the seasoned potatoes. Then, sprinkle the remaining half of the seasoning blend evenly over the top of the chicken. This dual seasoning ensures both the chicken and potatoes are packed with flavor.

Step 4: Butter It Up. Place the small slices of butter directly on top of the chicken thighs. As the dish cooks, the butter will melt, creating that signature rich garlic butter sauce that permeates every bite.

Step 5: Cook to Perfection. Cover your slow cooker with the lid and set it to cook. For a low and slow approach that maximizes tenderness and flavor development, cook on LOW for 6 hours. If you’re in more of a hurry, you can cook on HIGH for 4-5 hours. The chicken is done when its internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) as measured with a meat thermometer. The potatoes should also be fork-tender.

Step 6: Finish with Parmesan. Just before serving, stir in the Parmesan cheese. The residual heat will melt the cheese, creating a creamy, savory finish that perfectly binds all the delicious components together.

Serving Suggestions and Variations

This **garlic butter chicken and potatoes** dish is a complete meal on its own, but it also pairs wonderfully with a variety of side dishes to round out your dinner. Consider serving it with a crisp green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette for a refreshing contrast, or alongside some steamed green beans or asparagus to add more vegetables. For those who love to soak up every last drop of the delicious sauce, some homemade dinner rolls or crusty bread would be an excellent addition.

Recipe Variations to Try:

• Add More Veggies: Feel free to incorporate other slow-cooker friendly vegetables. Sliced carrots, bell peppers, or even mushrooms can be added with the potatoes for extra nutrients and flavor.
• Spice It Up: If you enjoy a bit of heat, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes along with the other seasonings.
• Fresh Herbs: A handful of fresh chopped parsley, rosemary, or thyme stirred in at the end can brighten the flavors beautifully.
• Cheesy Twist: Experiment with different cheeses! A blend of cheddar and mozzarella could offer a richer, gooier texture.
• Creamy Sauce: For an even creamier sauce, stir in a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of cream cheese during the last 30 minutes of cooking.

Tips for Success

• Uniform Potato Size: Cut your potatoes into roughly equal, bite-sized pieces to ensure they cook evenly.
• Don’t Overcrowd: Ensure your slow cooker isn’t overly packed. If you’re doubling the recipe, consider using a larger slow cooker or splitting it into two.
• Check for Doneness: Always use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) for food safety.
• Pat Chicken Dry: While not strictly necessary for slow cooking, patting the chicken thighs dry before seasoning can help the spices adhere better.

Storage and Reheating

Leftovers of this delicious **slow cooker chicken and potatoes** are fantastic! Store any uneaten portions in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, you can use the microwave for a quick meal, or gently warm in a skillet on the stovetop over medium-low heat until heated through. For best results, you can add a splash of chicken broth or water to prevent it from drying out.

More Easy Slow Cooker Recipes to Love

If you’re a fan of the convenience and incredible flavors that come from slow cooking, you’ll definitely want to explore more of our easy slow cooker recipes:

• Slow Cooker Pineapple BBQ Chicken: A sweet and tangy delight that’s perfect for summer or any time you crave a tropical twist.
• Slow Cooker Sausage and Peppers: A classic Italian-American dish made effortlessly in your slow cooker.
• Shredded Chicken Tacos in the Slow Cooker: Ideal for busy taco nights, yielding tender, flavorful shredded chicken for your favorite tortillas.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

While you can, chicken breasts tend to dry out more easily in the slow cooker due to their lower fat content. If you do use them, consider cutting them into larger chunks and reducing the cooking time slightly, checking for doneness often.

Do I need to sear the chicken thighs before adding them to the slow cooker?

No, searing is not necessary for this slow cooker recipe. The long cooking process will tenderize the chicken and infuse it with flavor without an initial sear. However, if you prefer a slightly crisper skin (if using skin-on thighs) or deeper caramelized flavor, you can briefly sear them in a pan before slow cooking.

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time for meal prep?

Absolutely! This recipe is excellent for meal prep. You can chop the potatoes and mix the seasonings in advance. Once cooked, the leftovers store well and reheat beautifully, making them perfect for packed lunches or quick dinners throughout the week.

What kind of potatoes work best?

Waxy potatoes like red potatoes, Yukon Golds, or baby potatoes hold their shape well during slow cooking. Starchy potatoes like Russets can become a bit mushy, but some people prefer that texture. Choose what you like!

Garlic Butter Chicken Thighs with Potatoes

By: Julia Pacheco

These Garlic Butter Chicken Thighs and Potatoes are juicy, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make in your slow cooker. A true “dump and go” recipe for a delicious family dinner!

Prep: 10 mins

Cook: 4-6 hours

Total: 4-6 hours 10 mins

Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients

• 9 small to medium-sized potatoes, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 tbsp minced garlic
• 1 tsp onion powder, divided
• 1 tsp garlic powder, divided
• 1 tsp paprika, divided
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning, divided
• 1 tsp salt, divided
• ½ tsp pepper, divided
• 1 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs
• ¼ cup butter, sliced into small slices
• ¼ cup Parmesan cheese

Instructions

1. Spray a large slow cooker with non-stick spray or use a slow cooker liner. Add the cut potatoes, minced garlic, and half of the divided seasonings (onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper). Stir well to ensure all potatoes are coated.
2. Place the boneless, skinless chicken thighs over the potatoes. Season the top of the chicken with the remaining half of the seasonings. Arrange the slices of butter on top of the chicken.
3. Cover the slow cooker with the lid. Cook on LOW for 6 hours or on HIGH for 4-5 hours, or until the chicken is thoroughly cooked (internal temperature reaches 165°F / 74°C) and the potatoes are fork-tender.
4. Before serving, stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and well combined with the sauce. Serve hot and enjoy!

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Nutrition

Calories: 644kcal |
Carbohydrates: 87g |
Protein: 34g |
Fat: 18g |
Saturated Fat: 10g |
Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g |
Monounsaturated Fat: 5g |
Trans Fat: 0.5g |
Cholesterol: 142mg |
Sodium: 904mg |
Potassium: 2356mg |
Fiber: 11g |
Sugar: 4g |
Vitamin A: 697IU |
Vitamin C: 96mg |
Calcium: 165mg |
Iron: 5mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.