Crock Pot Garlic Butter Chicken with Potatoes and Carrots is my go to dinner for those days when I open the fridge, feel tired, and still want something that tastes like I tried. I love that I can toss everything in, walk away, and come back to a cozy kitchen that smells like garlic and butter doing their thing. If you like simple comfort food like I do, you will probably end up making this more than once. I also keep a little list of weeknight favorites on recipezenith.com because honestly I forget what I loved last month. This one is especially great when you want a full meal with meat and veggies all in one pot.
Why this recipe works
The main reason I keep coming back to Crock Pot Garlic Butter Chicken with Potatoes and Carrots is that it basically solves dinner with minimal brain power. The potatoes and carrots cook right alongside the chicken, so you are not juggling multiple pans or trying to time things perfectly. And the garlic butter sauce is simple but it tastes like comfort food in the best way.
Here is what makes it a winner in real life, not just on paper:
- One pot cooking, which means fewer dishes and less cleanup.
- Steady, gentle heat keeps the chicken tender and lets the veggies soak up flavor.
- Pantry friendly ingredients like garlic, butter, broth, and basic seasonings.
- It is a full meal with protein and veggies, no extra sides required.
If you are into that garlicky, buttery vibe, you might also like this cozy pasta situation I make when I want something a little different: Creamy Parmesan Pasta with Garlic Butter Chicken Bites. Different mood, same comfort level.
“I made this on a busy Tuesday and my whole house smelled amazing. The potatoes were soft, the carrots were sweet, and the chicken basically fell apart. This one is going in our regular rotation.”
Tips for making Crockpot Chicken and Potatoes
I have made this enough times to learn what matters and what does not. The good news is it is forgiving. The even better news is a couple small choices can make it taste like you really know what you are doing.
What you will need and how I layer it
I keep the ingredient list pretty simple, but I do care about the order. Veggies on the bottom, chicken on top is my habit because potatoes and carrots take longer and they like being closer to the heat.
- Chicken (breasts or thighs)
- Baby potatoes or chopped Yukon golds
- Carrots cut into chunky pieces so they do not turn to mush
- Butter
- Garlic (fresh is best here)
- Chicken broth
- Salt, pepper, onion powder
- Italian seasoning or parsley
Little tricks that make a big difference
First, do not cut the potatoes too small. They will overcook and get grainy. Second, if you love a richer sauce, add an extra tablespoon or two of butter at the end and let it melt in. Third, taste the broth at the end before serving and add salt if needed. Potatoes can soak up a lot.
Also, if you want the sauce to cling more, you can thicken it quickly. Scoop out a bit of hot liquid, whisk in a spoon of cornstarch, then stir it back in and let it sit for a few minutes on warm. Easy.
When I am craving more slow cooker comfort, I switch things up with Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites and Potatoes. Similar idea, different protein, and it is so satisfying.
Variations on Garlic Butter Chicken
Once you make Crock Pot Garlic Butter Chicken with Potatoes and Carrots the classic way, it is fun to tweak it based on what you have. I do this all the time, especially when I am trying to use up random veggies before grocery day.
Here are a few variations that actually work:
Lemon garlic butter: Add a squeeze of lemon juice at the end and a little lemon zest if you have it. It brightens everything up.
Parmesan finish: Sprinkle grated parmesan over the top right before serving. It melts into the sauce and tastes a little extra cozy.
Spicy kick: Add crushed red pepper flakes or a small spoon of hot sauce. Garlic butter plus heat is a great combo.
More veggies: Green beans added in the last 45 minutes are great. Peas stirred in at the end are also nice.
Herb swap: Fresh thyme or rosemary makes it taste more like a Sunday dinner. Dried works too, just use a lighter hand.
If you want a different chicken slow cooker vibe that still feels super comforting, I have made these Crock Pot French Dip Chicken Sandwiches for game days and everyone asks for the recipe.
Can I Use Chicken Thighs Instead?
Yes, absolutely. I actually think thighs are the safest choice if you worry about chicken drying out in the slow cooker. They stay juicy, and they taste amazing with garlic butter. If you use boneless skinless thighs, the cook time is basically the same as breasts, but the texture comes out a little more forgiving.
A couple quick notes from my own trial and error:
Bone in thighs work too, but they take a bit longer and you will have to remove the bones before serving. Not hard, just an extra step.
Trim excess fat if you want a cleaner sauce. Thighs render more fat than breasts, which is not a bad thing, just richer.
Do not overcook if you can help it. Even thighs can get too soft if they sit on high for ages. Low and steady is best when you have time.
Either way, you will still get that cozy, buttery broth soaking into the potatoes and carrots, which is kind of the whole point.
Want More Crockpot Chicken Recipes?
If you are like me, once you find one slow cooker recipe that actually works, you want five more that feel just as reliable. Crock Pot Garlic Butter Chicken with Potatoes and Carrots is the one I recommend to friends who are new to slow cooking because it is simple and tastes familiar.
When you are ready to branch out, here are a few directions to go:
Soupy and cozy: chicken tortilla soup nights are always a win, especially when it is cold out.
Creamy and comforting: cream cheese based crockpot chicken recipes are great for picky eaters.
Bold and savory: sandwich style slow cooker chicken is perfect for feeding a crowd.
And just to keep the keyword honest and helpful, Crock Pot Garlic Butter Chicken with Potatoes and Carrots also reheats well, so it is great if you like leftovers for lunch. I usually store the chicken and veggies with some of the sauce so nothing dries out.
Common Questions
Do I need to brown the chicken first?
Nope. You can if you want extra flavor, but I usually skip it. The garlic butter sauce still gives you plenty of taste.
How do I keep the potatoes from getting mushy?
Use whole baby potatoes or big chunks, and cook on low when possible. Tiny pieces fall apart faster.
Can I add more liquid?
Yes, but go slow. Potatoes and carrots release moisture, so you might not need much. I start with broth, then add a splash more at the end if I want extra sauce.
What should I do if the sauce tastes bland?
Add salt a little at a time and taste again. A pinch of garlic powder or onion powder can help too, and a squeeze of lemon at the end can wake it up.
How long does it keep in the fridge?
Usually 3 to 4 days in a sealed container. Reheat gently with a spoon of broth to loosen the sauce.
A cozy dinner you will want on repeat
If you need a low stress meal that still feels like real food, Crock Pot Garlic Butter Chicken with Potatoes and Carrots is the answer. You get tender chicken, soft potatoes, sweet carrots, and that buttery garlic sauce that makes everyone hover around the kitchen. Keep it classic the first time, then play with lemon, parmesan, or a little heat once you get comfortable. And if you want another take on this general idea, I have pulled inspiration from recipes like Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Chicken and Veggies when I am in the mood to swap the vegetables around. Try it this week and tell me how it turns out at your house.
Crock Pot Garlic Butter Chicken with Potatoes and Carrots
- Total Time: 255 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten-Free
Description
A cozy one-pot meal featuring tender chicken, soft potatoes, and sweet carrots in a rich garlic butter sauce.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds chicken (breasts or thighs)
- 1 pound baby potatoes or 4–5 chopped Yukon gold potatoes
- 3 large carrots, cut into chunky pieces
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning or fresh parsley
Instructions
- Layer the carrots and potatoes at the bottom of the slow cooker.
- Place the chicken on top of the vegetables.
- Melt butter and mix in garlic, then pour over the chicken.
- Add chicken broth, salt, pepper, onion powder, and Italian seasoning.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is tender.
- If desired, thicken the sauce by mixing cornstarch with hot liquid and adding it back to the pot.
Notes
For added richness, melt extra butter before serving. Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 240 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
Keywords: slow cooker, garlic butter chicken, one pot meal, comfort food, family dinner




