When it comes to creating a hearty, flavorful meal with minimal effort, a slow cooker is an invaluable kitchen tool. Enter the Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Chicken & Ribeye with Parmesan Mashed Potatoes—a dish that combines tender meats, rich garlic butter, and creamy mashed potatoes into one unforgettable meal. Perfect for a cozy dinner, special occasion, or even a stress-free weeknight, this recipe offers indulgent flavors while requiring only a few simple steps. Let’s break down the magic of this comforting feast.
The Star Ingredients:
- Chicken Thighs: Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs provide juicy, tender meat that cooks beautifully in the slow cooker. The skin crisps up, adding texture and flavor.
- Ribeye Steak: Known for its marbling, ribeye steak brings rich, beefy flavor to the dish. Cooking it alongside the chicken in the slow cooker allows the juices to meld together, creating a savory fusion of tastes.
- Garlic Butter: A classic combination of butter, fresh garlic, and herbs, garlic butter infuses both the chicken and ribeye, making every bite irresistible.
- Parmesan Mashed Potatoes: Smooth, velvety mashed potatoes enhanced with Parmesan cheese for a deliciously cheesy and creamy texture. They perfectly complement the richness of the meats.
How to Make Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Chicken & Ribeye with Parmesan Mashed Potatoes
Ingredients:
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 2 ribeye steaks
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme or rosemary (or a mix of both)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 large potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Garlic Butter In a small bowl, melt the butter and combine it with minced garlic, fresh herbs, salt, and pepper. Stir until everything is well mixed.
Step 2: Sear the Ribeye Steaks (Optional) For added flavor and a caramelized crust, heat a skillet over medium-high heat, add a tablespoon of olive oil, and sear the ribeye steaks for 2-3 minutes on each side until browned. This step is optional but adds a layer of depth to the dish.
Step 3: Prepare the Slow Cooker Place the chicken thighs at the bottom of your slow cooker. Drizzle half of the garlic butter mixture over the chicken. Then, place the ribeye steaks on top of the chicken, spoon the remaining garlic butter over the meat, and pour in the chicken broth to help everything cook evenly.
Step 4: Slow Cook Cover the slow cooker and set it to low for 4-6 hours. This slow cooking method allows the chicken to become fall-off-the-bone tender and the ribeye steak to soak in the garlic butter flavors, while the juices from the meats will meld with the broth, creating a savory gravy.
Step 5: Prepare the Parmesan Mashed Potatoes While the meats are cooking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the cubed potatoes and cook until tender, about 15-20 minutes. Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot. Add heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper. Mash until smooth and creamy. If you prefer an even creamier texture, feel free to add more cream or butter as needed.
Step 6: Serve Once the chicken and ribeye are done, remove them from the slow cooker. Serve the meats alongside a generous helping of Parmesan mashed potatoes. Spoon some of the delicious garlic butter sauce over the top of the potatoes for extra flavor.
Tips for Success:
- Mix up the herbs: While thyme and rosemary work wonderfully, feel free to experiment with other herbs like oregano or parsley for a different flavor profile.
- Don’t skip the searing: While optional, searing the ribeye steaks before adding them to the slow cooker can create a crispy exterior and enhanced flavor. If you prefer, you can skip this step, but it’s worth the effort.
- Use bone-in chicken for juiciness: Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs are key to achieving juicy, tender meat. Boneless chicken will cook more quickly and may dry out in the slow cooker.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
This dish brings together the best of both worlds—rich, flavorful meats and creamy potatoes, all cooked together in one pot for ultimate convenience. The garlic butter not only flavors the meats but also infuses the broth, creating a savory sauce that can be spooned over the potatoes for extra indulgence. The Parmesan mashed potatoes, with their silky texture and cheesy flavor, are the perfect companion to the rich chicken and ribeye.
Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner, hosting a small gathering, or just craving a comforting meal, this Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Chicken & Ribeye with Parmesan Mashed Potatoes is sure to impress. Set it and forget it, and let the slow cooker do the heavy lifting while you enjoy the irresistible aroma filling your home.
Final Thoughts:
This Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Chicken & Ribeye with Parmesan Mashed Potatoes is a deliciously indulgent, easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for any occasion. The combination of tender, flavorful meats and creamy mashed potatoes makes for a comforting, satisfying meal that will leave everyone coming back for seconds. With minimal prep and a slow cooker doing the hard work, this recipe is a must-try for anyone looking to enjoy a luxurious, fuss-free dinner at home.
PrintSlow Cooker Garlic Butter Chicken
- Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes – 6 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
For the Garlic Butter:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme or rosemary (or a mix of both)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Meats:
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 2 ribeye steaks
For the Parmesan Mashed Potatoes:
- 4 large potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For Cooking:
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for searing, optional)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Garlic Butter
In a small bowl, melt the butter and stir in minced garlic, fresh herbs, salt, and pepper. Set aside.
Step 2: Sear the Ribeye Steaks (Optional)
For added flavor, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the ribeye steaks for 2-3 minutes per side until browned. This step is optional but will enhance the flavor and texture of the steaks.
Step 3: Prepare the Slow Cooker
Place the chicken thighs at the bottom of your slow cooker. Drizzle half of the garlic butter mixture over the chicken. Add the ribeye steaks on top, then pour the remaining garlic butter over the meats. Add chicken broth to the slow cooker to help cook the meats evenly.
Step 4: Slow Cook
Cover the slow cooker and set it on low for 4-6 hours. The chicken will become fall-off-the-bone tender, and the ribeye steaks will absorb the savory garlic butter flavors.
Step 5: Prepare the Parmesan Mashed Potatoes
While the meats cook, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the cubed potatoes and cook until tender, about 15-20 minutes. Drain and return the potatoes to the pot. Add heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper, then mash until smooth. Add more cream or butter if you prefer a creamier texture.
Step 6: Serve
Once the chicken and ribeye are cooked, remove them from the slow cooker. Serve the meats alongside the Parmesan mashed potatoes. Drizzle some of the garlic butter sauce from the slow cooker over the potatoes for extra flavor.
Notes
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 4-6 hours (slow cooker)
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free