Crockpot chicken recipes are a lifesaver for busy weeknights. They let you enjoy a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
From creamy Tuscan chicken to zesty fajitas, these dishes offer incredible flavor with minimal effort. These set-it-and-forget-it meals give you more time with family while dinner cooks itself. This makes your evenings less stressful and more enjoyable.
You’ll find that chicken works beautifully in the slow cooker. It absorbs seasonings and stays tender throughout the cooking process.
Whether you prefer classic comfort food like chicken parmesan pasta or healthier options such as buffalo chicken stuffed sweet potatoes, there’s a crockpot chicken recipe that will satisfy your cravings and fit your dietary needs. These versatile recipes can be adapted to what you have on hand, making meal planning simpler.
1. Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken
Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken gets its name because it’s so delicious that it might just prompt a marriage proposal. This popular dish features tender chicken breasts in a rich, creamy sauce infused with sun-dried tomatoes and Parmesan.
The slow cooker does all the work, filling your home with amazing aromas of garlic, butter, and herbs as it cooks. You’ll need chicken stock, heavy cream, and various spices like oregano, paprika, and black pepper.
What makes this recipe special is how the chicken becomes incredibly tender while absorbing all those wonderful flavors. It’s fuss-free and perfect for busy weeknights when you want an impressive meal without much effort.
2. Crockpot Tuscan Chicken
Crockpot Tuscan Chicken brings together juicy chicken breasts in a rich, creamy sauce. This dish features sun-dried tomatoes and garlic for a burst of flavor.
You only need about 10 minutes to prep this recipe. Then your slow cooker does all the work while you handle other tasks.
Some versions include artichoke hearts for extra texture and taste. Others keep it lighter by using alternatives to heavy cream.
You can serve this versatile dish over pasta, rice, or simply with garlic bread. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want something delicious without much effort.
3. Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken
Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken combines sweet and savory flavors in one easy dish. You can make this with chicken thighs or breasts for a juicy, tender result.
The sticky-sweet sauce needs just a few simple ingredients: soy sauce, honey, garlic, and sometimes ketchup and herbs like basil and oregano. Many recipes call for only 5-8 ingredients total.
Preparation takes just minutes. Simply combine the sauce ingredients, add your chicken to the slow cooker, and pour the mixture over top.
This recipe smells amazing as it cooks. You can also add vegetables like potatoes for a complete meal in one pot.
4. Crockpot Chicken & Dumplings
Crockpot Chicken & Dumplings is comfort food made easy. You simply add chicken breasts to your slow cooker along with a rich creamy sauce.
Most recipes use refrigerated biscuits as dumplings, making this dish even simpler to prepare. You’ll add these during the final cooking stage so they become soft and fluffy.
The slow cooker does all the work, transforming basic ingredients into a hearty meal. Your chicken becomes tender while cooking in the creamy broth.
This two-part cooking process ensures perfectly cooked chicken and dumplings. First, the chicken cooks until tender, then the biscuits are added to complete this classic comfort food.
5. Slow Cooker Chicken Alfredo
Slow Cooker Chicken Alfredo combines juicy chicken with a rich, creamy sauce for a meal that’s both comforting and easy to make. You can prepare this dish with minimal effort while your crockpot does most of the work.
To make this recipe, place chicken in your slow cooker with heavy cream, chicken broth, butter, and seasonings. Cook on high for 2-4 hours until the chicken is tender enough to shred.
Some recipes add cream cheese for extra creaminess, while others use Italian dressing mix for flavor. When the chicken is done, you can serve it over cooked pasta for a complete meal.
This dish works well with both chicken thighs or breasts depending on your preference.
6. Melt-in-Your-Mouth Chicken
This crockpot chicken recipe lives up to its name with tender chicken that truly melts in your mouth. The magic happens when chicken breasts are slow-cooked with cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, and Parmesan cheese.
The creamy, cheesy topping gives the chicken a delicious flavor boost while keeping it juicy and tender. You can prepare this dish in minutes before leaving for work.
Serve this creamy chicken over pasta or rice to soak up the rich sauce. Add a side of vegetables for a complete meal that your family will request again and again.
7. Crockpot BBQ Chicken
Crockpot BBQ chicken is an easy, delicious meal that practically makes itself. You only need a few simple ingredients to get started.
Place chicken breasts in your slow cooker, then add your favorite BBQ sauce, a splash of vinegar, brown sugar, and minced garlic. No special prep needed – just toss everything in!
Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours until the chicken falls apart easily. Then shred it with two forks right in the crockpot and mix with the sauce.
This tender, juicy chicken works great on sandwiches, in wraps, or over rice. You can use store-bought BBQ sauce or make your own for a healthier option.
8. Slow Cooker Chicken Tacos
Slow cooker chicken tacos are incredibly simple to make with just a few ingredients. You can create this flavorful dish by placing chicken, salsa, water, and spices in your crockpot.
Cook on high for 4-5 hours until the chicken is tender enough to shred with two forks. The slow cooking process infuses the meat with amazing flavor.
These versatile tacos can be served in many ways. Try them in traditional taco shells, as a chicken taco salad, or in burrito bowls.
For extra flavor, top with avocado or quick-pickled red onions. Some recipes don’t even require salsa, making taco night even easier to prepare.
9. Crockpot Creamy Chicken
Crockpot Creamy Chicken is a delicious comfort food that’s simple to prepare. This recipe features tender chicken breasts slow-cooked in a rich, creamy sauce.
To make this dish, you’ll need boneless chicken breasts, cream of chicken soup, and a few basic seasonings. Many versions include garlic for extra flavor.
The cooking process is straightforward. Place your chicken in the slow cooker, pour the creamy mixture over it, and let it cook on low for 4-6 hours. The result is perfectly tender chicken in a thick, velvety gravy.
This versatile dish pairs well with mashed potatoes, rice, or pasta. You can also shred the chicken before serving for a different texture.
10. Crockpot Lemon Garlic Chicken
Crockpot Lemon Garlic Chicken combines tender chicken with bright citrus and savory garlic flavors. This dish is simple to prepare but delivers impressive results.
Most recipes call for chicken breasts, though thighs work equally well. You’ll need lemon juice, lemon zest, garlic, chicken broth, and Italian seasonings as the key flavor components.
To make this dish, brown the seasoned chicken first for extra flavor. Then place it in your slow cooker with the broth, lemon, and garlic mixture.
The slow cooking process creates chicken that’s incredibly tender with a velvety sauce. This meal pairs wonderfully with rice or vegetables for a complete dinner.
11. Slow Cooker Chicken Breast
Slow cooker chicken breast is a versatile, easy-to-prepare dish that guarantees juicy results every time. You can create this simple meal with just a few ingredients and minimal prep work.
Cook your chicken breast on LOW for 4-5 hours or HIGH for 2-3 hours until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. The slow cooking process helps the meat retain moisture and absorb flavors.
Try different variations like honey garlic chicken, cranberry chicken, or Hawaiian BBQ chicken. Each option offers unique flavors while keeping the cooking method simple.
For the best results, add seasonings before cooking and avoid overcooking, which can dry out the meat.
12. Crockpot Asian Chicken
Crockpot Asian chicken transforms ordinary chicken into a flavorful meal with minimal effort. This dish combines sweet, savory, and tangy flavors that perfectly coat tender chicken.
You can use chicken breasts or thighs depending on your preference. Thighs tend to stay juicier in the slow cooker.
Common ingredients include soy sauce or coconut aminos, honey, garlic, and sometimes tomato paste or ketchup. These create a delicious sauce that thickens as it cooks.
Most recipes cook in about 4 hours on high or 6-8 hours on low. Serve your Asian chicken over rice with a sprinkle of sesame seeds for an easy weeknight dinner.
13. Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs
Chicken thighs are perfect for slow cooking because they stay juicy and tender. Unlike chicken breasts, thighs won’t dry out during the long cooking process.
You can make delicious honey-garlic chicken thighs with just a few pantry staples. The combination of sweet honey and savory garlic creates a mouthwatering sauce that everyone loves.
For an easy weeknight meal, simply place the chicken thighs in your crockpot with your choice of sauce ingredients. Brown sugar garlic chicken and Italian saucy chicken thighs are popular flavor options.
Serve your slow cooker chicken thighs with basmati rice, quinoa, or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. These recipes are budget-friendly and require minimal prep time.
14. Crockpot Chicken and Rice
Crockpot chicken and rice is a simple comfort food that creates a complete meal in one pot. You’ll find this dish especially convenient because everything cooks together in the slow cooker.
Most recipes combine chicken (often thighs for more flavor), rice, and a creamy sauce. The chicken becomes tender while the rice absorbs the savory flavors from the meat and broth.
Cooking time varies, but typically takes about 2½ hours on high setting. No need for instant rice or pre-cooking the chicken – just add the ingredients and let your crockpot do the work.
You can customize this dish with variations like teriyaki chicken and rice with pineapple for a sweet-savory option.
15. Slow Cooker Chicken Parmesan
Slow Cooker Chicken Parmesan transforms a classic Italian dish into an easy weeknight meal. You simply place seasoned chicken breasts in your crockpot and top with marinara sauce.
The chicken becomes tender and juicy as it simmers throughout the day. Some recipes call for coating the chicken in Italian breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese before cooking for added flavor and texture.
Near the end of cooking time, you’ll add mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top and let it melt. Some versions include tortellini for a complete one-pot meal.
This simplified method delivers all the traditional flavors without the hassle of breading and frying chicken.
16. Crockpot White Chicken Chili
Crockpot White Chicken Chili is a simple, hearty meal perfect for busy weeknights. You can prepare it in just 5 minutes with minimal effort.
Start by placing chicken breasts in your slow cooker and seasoning with salt, pepper, cumin, oregano, chili powder, and cayenne. Add diced onions, beans, and corn on top.
The slow cooker does all the work, transforming these ingredients into a flavorful, creamy dish. Many recipes include cream cheese for richness.
This chili is both healthy and satisfying. You can adjust the spice level to suit your taste. Serve it with toppings like avocado, cheese, or tortilla chips for a complete meal.
17. Slow Cooker Butter Chicken
Slow Cooker Butter Chicken brings the rich flavors of Indian cuisine to your dinner table with minimal effort. This creamy dish combines tender chicken with a sauce made from butter, tomato, and aromatic spices.
To make this dish, you’ll need chicken (thighs or breasts work well), butter, garlic, ginger, tomato sauce, and spices like curry powder. Some recipes incorporate yogurt and coconut milk for extra creaminess.
Simply add all ingredients to your slow cooker, stir to combine, and let it cook until the chicken is tender. You can even add vegetables to make it a more complete meal.
This recipe is perfect for meal prep and delivers authentic taste using everyday ingredients you likely already have.
18. Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup
Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup is a classic comfort food that requires minimal effort. You simply add chicken, vegetables, and broth to your slow cooker and let it work its magic.
The slow cooking process creates tender chicken and a flavorful broth that’s perfect for cold days or when you’re feeling under the weather. Some recipes call for cream of chicken soup for a richer, creamier version.
You can customize this soup with your favorite herbs like parsley and black pepper. Add the noodles near the end of cooking to prevent them from becoming too soft.
This hearty soup makes a complete meal that your family will love coming home to after a busy day.
19. Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken
Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken is an easy weeknight meal that cooks while you’re busy with other tasks. The dish combines boneless chicken with a flavorful sauce made from soy sauce, honey, garlic, and ginger.
You can use either chicken breasts or thighs, depending on your preference. Chicken thighs tend to stay more moist during the slow cooking process.
Once cooked, simply shred the tender chicken and drizzle with the thickened sauce. Serve your teriyaki chicken over rice for a complete meal with minimal effort.
This recipe requires just a few ingredients but delivers rich flavor as the chicken slowly soaks up the teriyaki sauce.
20. Crockpot Salsa Chicken
Crockpot Salsa Chicken is one of the simplest and most versatile slow cooker recipes you’ll ever make. With just a few ingredients, you can create a flavorful chicken dish that works in multiple meals.
The basic recipe requires only chicken (boneless thighs or breasts) and a jar of your favorite salsa. Some versions add beans or corn for extra texture and nutrition.
Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours until the chicken shreds easily with a fork. The slow cooking process allows the chicken to absorb all the salsa flavors.
Use this tender chicken in tacos, burritos, enchiladas, quesadillas, salads, or burrito bowls. It’s perfect for meal prep as it freezes well for future meals.
21. Slow Cooker Orange Chicken
Slow Cooker Orange Chicken is an easy, homemade version of the popular takeout dish. You don’t need to worry about breading, browning, or frying with this recipe.
Simply cube chicken breasts and place them at the bottom of your slow cooker. Pour a cup of BBQ sauce and a cup of orange marmalade over the chicken for a simple 3-ingredient version.
Your crockpot does all the work, creating juicy chicken coated in a tangy orange sauce. This healthier alternative to Panda Express gives you the same great flavor without the extra calories.
It takes only about 10 minutes to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you want something delicious with minimal effort.
Nutritional Benefits of Crockpot Chicken
Crockpot chicken offers excellent nutritional value while being convenient to prepare. The slow cooking method helps retain nutrients while creating tender, flavorful meals that support your health goals.
High Protein Content
Chicken prepared in a crockpot provides substantial protein, with about 3 ounces containing roughly 21-25 grams of protein. This makes it an excellent choice for muscle maintenance and growth.
A typical serving of slow cooker chicken (3 ounces) provides about 207 calories. Protein from chicken helps you feel full longer, which can assist with weight management. It’s also a complete protein, meaning it contains all nine essential amino acids your body cannot produce on its own.
Chicken thighs and breasts can both be used in crockpot recipes, with thighs offering slightly more fat and flavor, while breasts provide leaner protein. This versatility lets you choose based on your specific nutritional needs.
Low-Fat Cooking Method
Slow cooking chicken in a crockpot naturally reduces the need for added fats. A serving contains about 9g of fat, with only 2g being saturated fat. This cooking method allows fat to separate from the meat during the long cooking process.
You can further reduce fat content by:
- Removing chicken skin before cooking
- Skimming off fat that rises to the top during cooking
- Using low-sodium broth instead of oil or butter
The crockpot’s moist cooking environment helps chicken remain tender without requiring additional oils or fats. This makes it easier to create healthy meals that align with heart-healthy dietary recommendations.
Many crockpot chicken recipes also incorporate vegetables and whole grains, creating balanced one-pot meals that provide fiber along with lean protein.
Choosing the Right Ingredients
The success of your crockpot chicken recipes depends largely on selecting quality ingredients that work well together. Good ingredient choices ensure tender meat and rich flavors that develop during the long cooking process.
Selecting the Best Chicken Cuts
Chicken thighs are ideal for crockpot cooking because they contain more fat than breasts, making them less likely to dry out. They become tender and juicy after several hours of slow cooking.
Bone-in pieces add extra flavor to your dishes. The bones release collagen during cooking, creating richer broths and sauces.
If you prefer chicken breasts, look for larger, thicker cuts. These hold up better during long cooking times. Consider brining them first in a saltwater solution for 30 minutes to help them retain moisture.
Fresh chicken is always best, but frozen works too. Just make sure it’s completely thawed before adding to your crockpot to ensure even cooking and food safety.
Complementary Herbs and Spices
Fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, and oregano work beautifully in slow cooker recipes. Add them during the last hour of cooking to preserve their flavors.
Dried herbs can be added at the beginning since they need time to release their flavors. Use about 1 teaspoon of dried herbs for every tablespoon of fresh.
Aromatic vegetables like onions, garlic, and celery create a flavorful base. Chop them finely and add at the start of cooking.
Spice blends such as Italian seasoning, taco seasoning, or curry powder offer convenience and balanced flavor profiles.
Bold ingredients like soy sauce, balsamic vinegar, or honey help create depth. Use them sparingly as flavors intensify during slow cooking.
