Slow Cooker Garlic Herb Chicken & Green Beans

Slow Cooker Garlic Herb Chicken & Green Beans

Description

This Slow Cooker Garlic Herb Chicken & Green Beans is the perfect one-pot comfort meal for busy days. Tender shredded chicken slowly simmers in a buttery garlic herb sauce while fresh green beans cook until perfectly tender but still vibrant. The result is a wholesome, protein-packed dinner that’s rich in flavor, incredibly easy to prepare, and requires very little hands-on time.

The slow cooker does all the work, allowing the chicken to become juicy and fall-apart tender while absorbing every bit of the savory garlic butter broth. The green beans add freshness, color, and a satisfying bite, making this a complete meal that’s both nourishing and comforting. With simple pantry ingredients and minimal prep, it’s ideal for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or cozy family meals.

Serve this flavorful chicken over mashed potatoes, fluffy rice, buttered noodles, or cauliflower rice for a hearty meal. Leftovers also make an excellent filling for wraps, sandwiches, or grain bowls. If you’re looking for a healthy, fuss-free slow cooker recipe that everyone will love, this garlic herb chicken is sure to become a regular favorite.

Ingredients For the Chicken

  • 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 3 cups fresh green beans, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
  • 3 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1½ cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 tbsp olive oil

Seasonings

  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 1 tsp dried parsley
  • ½ tsp dried thyme
  • ½ tsp onion powder
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • ½ tsp smoked paprika
  • Salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

For Garnish

  • Fresh chopped parsley
  • Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
  • Lemon wedges

Instructions

  1. Lightly grease the inside of your slow cooker with cooking spray or a little olive oil.
  2. Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of the slow cooker.
  3. Sprinkle the Italian seasoning, parsley, thyme, onion powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper evenly over the chicken.
  4. Scatter the minced garlic over the top.
  5. Add the butter and pour in the chicken broth.
  6. Cover and cook on LOW for 5–6 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
  7. Remove the chicken from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks.
  8. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir it into the flavorful broth.
  9. Add the green beans and gently mix them with the chicken.
  10. Cover and cook for an additional 20–30 minutes on LOW, or until the green beans are tender but still slightly crisp.
  11. Taste the broth and adjust the seasoning if needed.
  12. Garnish with fresh parsley, Parmesan cheese, and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice before serving.

Tips

  • Chicken thighs can be substituted for extra juicy meat.
  • Fresh green beans hold their texture better than canned beans.
  • Don’t overcook the green beans if you prefer them with a little bite.
  • Add sliced mushrooms or baby potatoes for a heartier one-pot meal.
  • A splash of heavy cream at the end creates a rich, creamy sauce.
  • Fresh lemon juice before serving brightens all the flavors.
  • Serve with crusty bread to soak up the delicious garlic butter broth.

Notes

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
  • Freeze cooled portions for up to 3 months.
  • Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until warmed through.
  • Leftover chicken is excellent in sandwiches, wraps, salads, or pasta dishes.

Q&A

Can I use frozen chicken?
For food safety and the best texture, thaw the chicken completely before placing it in the slow cooker.

Can I use canned green beans?
Fresh or frozen green beans are recommended. If using canned green beans, stir them in during the final 10 minutes of cooking.

Can I make this recipe creamy?
Yes! Stir in 4 ounces of softened cream cheese or ½ cup of heavy cream during the last 20 minutes of cooking.

What should I serve with this dish?
Mashed potatoes, steamed rice, buttered egg noodles, roasted vegetables, cauliflower rice, or warm dinner rolls all pair perfectly.

Servings

Serves 6

Nutrition (Approx. Per Serving)

  • Calories: 275
  • Protein: 35g
  • Carbohydrates: 7g
  • Fat: 11g
  • Saturated Fat: 5g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Sugar: 2g
  • Sodium: 420mg
  • Cholesterol: 105mg
  • Potassium: 620mg
  • Calcium: 6% DV
  • Iron: 8% DV
  • Vitamin A: 10% DV
  • Vitamin C: 15% DV

Leave a Comment