Slow Cooker Garlic Chicken
Recipe Tested & Approved by Mia Hartwell
Every recipe is developed, cooked, and tested by Mia in a real home kitchen using everyday ingredients to ensure reliable, repeatable results.
Tender chicken slow-cooked in a savory garlic-herb sauce that practically melts in your mouth. A simple, comforting dinner that fills the kitchen with incredible aroma.
By Mia HartwellUpdated November 25, 2025
Developed using tested cooking methods — cook to the temperatures given and adjust times to your equipment.
Why you'll love this recipe
- Melt-in-your-mouth garlic-herb chicken
- 38g of protein and only 6g of carbs per serving
- Fills the house with an irresistible aroma
- Hands-off and comforting
Slow Cooker Garlic Chicken
5 hr 10 min totalServes 4
Nutrition (per serving)
Values are estimates. See our disclaimer for details.
- Calories
- 320kcal
- Protein
- 38g
- Carbs
- 6g
- Fat
- 15g
- Fiber
- 0g
- Sugar
- 2g
Step-by-Step Instructions
- 1
Season the chicken thighs with salt, pepper, and paprika, and place in the slow cooker.
- 2
Whisk together the garlic, melted butter, chicken broth, Worcestershire, and Italian seasoning, and pour over the chicken.
- 3
Cover and cook on LOW for 5-6 hours or HIGH for 3 hours, until the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) and is very tender.
- 4
For a thicker sauce, whisk the cornstarch with 2 tbsp cold water, stir into the liquid, and cook on HIGH 10-15 minutes.
- 5
Garnish with parsley and serve over rice, pasta, or mashed potatoes.
Pro Tips for the Best Results
- Bone-in thighs stay juicy and flavorful over the long cook; boneless work but cook faster.
- For golden skin, broil the cooked thighs for 3-4 minutes before serving.
- Use plenty of garlic — it mellows and sweetens as it slow-cooks.
- Thaw chicken fully before slow cooking for safe, even cooking.
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How to Cook Slow Cooker Garlic Chicken
New to this dish? Follow along with the detailed guide below — we break down each stage so you get perfect results the very first time.
Season and make the garlic sauce
Season the thighs, then whisk together a garlic-butter-broth sauce to pour over them. Don't be shy with the garlic — its sharpness mellows into a sweet, savory depth over hours of slow cooking.
Cook low and slow
Bone-in thighs are ideal here, staying juicy and tender through the long cook. Slow cook until the chicken is very tender and reaches a safe 165°F (74°C); the gentle heat keeps the meat moist.
Thicken and finish
The cooking liquid makes a flavorful sauce — thicken it with a cornstarch slurry if you like. For golden skin, broil the thighs a few minutes before serving, then garnish with parsley and spoon the sauce over rice or potatoes.
Storage & Make-Ahead
Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days; reheat gently in the sauce. Freezes well for up to 3 months.
Serving Suggestions
This slow cooker garlic chicken pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad, crusty bread, or your favorite grain. Add a simple side of roasted vegetables for a complete, satisfying dinner the whole family will enjoy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chicken breasts?+
Yes — they cook faster (about 3-4 hours on LOW) and are leaner. Pull them at 165°F (74°C) so they don't dry out.
How do I get crispy skin?+
Slow cookers steam rather than crisp, so broil the cooked thighs for a few minutes to crisp the skin before serving.
What should I serve with it?+
Rice, mashed potatoes, or pasta to soak up the garlicky sauce, plus a green vegetable.
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