Introduction: A Meal That Warms the Soul
There’s nothing quite like the comforting aroma of a slow cooker meal filling your home. Whether you’re preparing dinner for the family or looking for a meal that feels like a warm hug, this Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Chicken & Ribeye with Parmesan Mashed Potatoes is the perfect dish. It’s rich, buttery, and packed with flavor, making it ideal for cozy nights in or a special Sunday dinner.
This recipe brings together the best of both worlds—tender, juicy chicken and melt-in-your-mouth ribeye, all infused with a decadent garlic butter sauce. And let’s not forget the creamy Parmesan mashed potatoes, which perfectly complement the slow-cooked goodness. The best part? The slow cooker does most of the work for you, making this an easy and stress-free meal.
So, if you’re ready to take your slow cooker game to the next level, keep reading for step-by-step instructions, expert tips, and serving suggestions to make this dish truly unforgettable.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortless Cooking: The slow cooker does most of the work, leaving you free to focus on other things.
- Rich & Flavorful: The combination of garlic butter, ribeye, and tender chicken creates an irresistible dish.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: This dish stores well, making it ideal for leftovers.
- Family-Friendly: A meal the whole family will love, packed with protein and comfort food goodness.
Ingredients: The Building Blocks of Flavor
For the Garlic Butter Chicken & Ribeye:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 ribeye steak (about 1 lb, cut into large chunks)
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 6 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- Salt & black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)
For the Parmesan Mashed Potatoes:
- 4 large russet potatoes (peeled & cubed)
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 4 tbsp butter
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- Salt & black pepper to taste
- Fresh chives (chopped, for garnish)
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Step 1: Preparing the Slow Cooker Chicken & Ribeye
- Sear the Ribeye for Maximum Flavor
- Heat a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add 1 tbsp of butter and quickly sear the ribeye chunks for 1-2 minutes per side until browned.
- Remove and set aside. This step locks in the juices and enhances the overall flavor.
- Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
- In the same skillet, add the remaining butter and minced garlic.
- Sauté until fragrant (about 1 minute), then remove from heat.
- Assemble the Slow Cooker Ingredients
- Place the chicken breasts and ribeye chunks into the slow cooker.
- Pour in chicken broth, Worcestershire sauce, and garlic butter.
- Season Everything Generously
- Sprinkle garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper over the meat.
- Slow Cook to Perfection
- Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours, until the chicken is tender and easily shredded.
- Shred the Chicken (Optional)
- If you prefer shredded chicken, use two forks to shred it directly in the slow cooker. Otherwise, leave it whole.
- Final Touches
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Step 2: Making the Parmesan Mashed Potatoes
- Boil the Potatoes
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add the cubed potatoes and cook for 15-20 minutes until fork-tender.
- Mash & Add the Creamy Goodness
- Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot.
- Add butter, heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and minced garlic.
- Mash until smooth and creamy (use a hand mixer for extra fluffiness).
- Season to Taste
- Add salt and black pepper to your liking.
- Garnish & Serve
- Sprinkle with chopped chives before serving.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
To elevate this meal even further, consider these serving ideas:
Best Side Dishes
- Roasted Asparagus with lemon zest
- Steamed Green Beans with a light garlic butter sauce
- Garlic Bread to soak up the delicious slow cooker juices
Wine Pairing
- Red Wine: A bold Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot complements the richness of the ribeye.
- White Wine: A creamy Chardonnay pairs well with the buttery mashed potatoes.
Presentation Tips
- Serve the chicken and ribeye on a large platter with mashed potatoes on the side.
- Drizzle some slow cooker juices over the potatoes for extra flavor.
- Garnish with fresh parsley or chives for a touch of color.
Storing & Reheating Tips
How to Store Leftovers
- Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: Freeze the chicken, ribeye, and mashed potatoes separately for up to 3 months.
Best Way to Reheat
- Microwave: Heat in short intervals, stirring occasionally.
- Oven: Reheat at 350°F for 15-20 minutes, covered with foil.
- Stovetop: Add a little broth or butter and heat over low heat.
Final Thoughts: Why This Dish is a Must-Try
This Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Chicken & Ribeye with Parmesan Mashed Potatoes is more than just a meal—it’s an experience. The slow cooker makes it effortless, yet the depth of flavor rivals any gourmet dish. Whether you’re cooking for family, meal prepping, or just indulging in some self-care cooking, this recipe is a winner.
Give this recipe a try, and let us know how it turns out! Share your experience in the comments below or tag us on social media. Happy cooking! 🍽🔥