Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Chicken and Green Beans

A delicious, easy slow cooker dinner made with tender chicken breasts, fresh green beans, melted butter, and savory seasonings. This simple Crockpot recipe requires minimal preparation and delivers a comforting homemade meal perfect for busy weeknights.

Recipe Overview

CategoryDetails
Preparation Time10 minutes
Cooking Time3–4 hours LOW or 2–3 hours HIGH
Total Time3 hours 10 minutes–4 hours 10 minutes
Servings4
CuisineAmerican
Cooking MethodSlow Cooker
DifficultyEasy

Ingredients

IngredientQuantity
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts4 (about 900 g)
Fresh green beans, trimmed and cut450 g (1 lb)
Unsalted butter, cubed½ cup (115 g)
Italian dressing seasoning mix1 packet (about 0.7 oz / 20 g)
Garlic, minced3 cloves
Chicken broth½ cup (120 ml)
Paprika½ teaspoon
Black pepper¼ teaspoon
SaltTo taste
Fresh parsley1 tablespoon, optional

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

Wash and trim the green beans, removing the ends. If desired, cut them into smaller pieces.

Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Season lightly with black pepper and paprika.

Step 2: Arrange the Chicken

Lightly grease the inside of a 5–6-quart slow cooker.

Place the chicken breasts in a single layer across the bottom of the slow cooker.

Step 3: Add the Green Beans

Spread the prepared green beans evenly over and around the chicken breasts.

Distribute them as evenly as possible to encourage consistent cooking.

Step 4: Add the Seasonings

Sprinkle the Italian dressing seasoning mix and minced garlic over the chicken and green beans.

Pour the chicken broth around the ingredients.

Step 5: Add the Butter

Cut the butter into small cubes and distribute them evenly over the chicken and green beans.

As the butter melts, it combines with the broth, garlic, and seasonings to create a delicious savory sauce.

Step 6: Slow Cook

Cover the slow cooker with its lid.

Cook on LOW for 3–4 hours or HIGH for 2–3 hours, depending on the thickness of the chicken breasts and your slow cooker.

The chicken is ready when its internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), measured using a food thermometer at the thickest part.

The green beans should be tender but not overly soft.

Step 7: Serve

Carefully remove the chicken breasts and green beans from the slow cooker.

Spoon the garlic butter sauce over everything.

Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve warm.

Best Tips

Use chicken breasts of similar thickness to help them cook evenly. For extra juicy results, avoid cooking them longer than necessary.

Fresh green beans provide the best texture, but frozen green beans can also work. Add frozen beans during the final 60–90 minutes of cooking for a firmer texture.

For a richer garlic butter sauce, add an extra tablespoon of butter and a little freshly squeezed lemon juice before serving.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this delicious chicken and green bean dinner with creamy mashed potatoes, steamed white rice, roasted potatoes, or warm homemade bread.

It also pairs beautifully with a fresh garden salad or roasted vegetables.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3–4 days.

Keep the chicken and green beans together with some of the garlic butter sauce to maintain moisture.

Reheating

Reheat individual portions in the microwave in short intervals until thoroughly heated.

Alternatively, warm everything in a covered skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of chicken broth.

Reheat leftovers to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Nutrition Estimate

Approximate values per serving, based on 4 servings.

NutrientAmount
Calories480 kcal
Protein43 g
Carbohydrates12 g
Total Fat28 g
Saturated Fat15 g
Fiber4 g
Sugar4 g
Sodium650 mg

Nutrition values are estimates and vary depending on the ingredients and seasoning brand.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen green beans?

Yes. Frozen green beans work well. Add them during the final 60–90 minutes of cooking to help prevent them from becoming too soft.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Absolutely. Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are an excellent alternative and tend to remain juicy during slow cooking.

Can I use ranch seasoning instead of Italian seasoning?

Yes. Ranch seasoning creates a creamy-style garlic butter flavor that pairs wonderfully with chicken and green beans.

Can I add potatoes?

Yes. Add approximately 500 g of baby potatoes, halved if large. Place them underneath the chicken so they have sufficient cooking time.

Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?

Yes. Prepare the green beans, mince the garlic, and measure the seasonings in advance. Keep everything refrigerated until cooking.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes. Replace the butter with a suitable dairy-free butter alternative and check that your seasoning mix is dairy-free.

Final Thoughts

This Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Chicken and Green Beans recipe is an easy, flavorful, and satisfying family dinner.

With juicy chicken, tender green beans, melted butter, and delicious garlic seasoning, it’s a wonderful addition to your collection of easy Crockpot chicken recipes.

Save this simple slow cooker dinner for your next busy weeknight!

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