Crockpot meals are a lifesaver when it comes to preparing delicious, home-cooked food with minimal effort. Chicken, being versatile and flavorful, is the perfect ingredient for slow-cooked meals. These 20 crockpot chicken recipes will fill your home with enticing aromas while making dinner practically stress-free.
1. Classic Crockpot Chicken and Vegetables
A Complete Meal in One Pot
Ingredients:
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 4 medium potatoes, cubed
- 3 large carrots, sliced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Steps:
- Place potatoes, carrots, and onion in the crockpot.
- Season chicken thighs with garlic powder, thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Place chicken on top of the vegetables.
- Pour chicken broth over the ingredients.
- Cook on low for 6-8 hours or until chicken is tender and cooked through.
Tip: For extra flavor, sear the chicken thighs in a hot skillet for 2-3 minutes per side before adding them to the crockpot. This adds a delicious caramelized crust and enhances the overall taste.
2. Crockpot Chicken Alfredo
Creamy and Indulgent
Ingredients:
- 4 chicken breasts
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Pasta or zucchini noodles (for serving)
Steps:
- Place chicken breasts in the crockpot.
- In a bowl, mix heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the sauce over the chicken.
- Cook on low for 5-6 hours or until chicken is fully cooked.
- Serve over pasta or zucchini noodles.
Tip: Add a splash of white wine or a teaspoon of lemon juice to the sauce for a bright, tangy twist that cuts through the richness of the heavy cream.
3. Slow Cooker Chicken Tacos
A Taco Tuesday Favorite
Ingredients:
- 4 chicken breasts
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1 cup salsa
- Tortillas and taco toppings (lettuce, cheese, sour cream)
Steps:
- Place chicken breasts in the crockpot.
- Sprinkle taco seasoning over the chicken.
- Pour salsa over the seasoned chicken.
- Cook on low for 6-7 hours or until chicken shreds easily.
- Shred chicken and serve in tortillas with desired toppings.
Tip: Use a mix of salsa verde and regular salsa for a more complex flavor. Also, reserve some of the cooking liquid to moisten the shredded chicken if it dries out.
4. Honey Garlic Chicken
Sweet and Savory Delight
Ingredients:
- 4 chicken thighs
- ½ cup honey
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon ketchup
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon water
Steps:
- Place chicken thighs in the crockpot.
- Mix honey, soy sauce, garlic, and ketchup in a bowl.
- Pour the sauce over the chicken.
- Cook on low for 6-7 hours or until chicken is tender.
- Mix cornstarch with water and stir into the sauce during the last 30 minutes.
Tip: Add a teaspoon of sesame oil to the sauce for a nutty, aromatic flavor that complements the honey and garlic perfectly.
5. Buffalo Chicken Dip
A Party Pleaser
Ingredients:
- 2 cups shredded chicken
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup hot sauce
- ½ cup ranch dressing
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Steps:
- Place shredded chicken in the crockpot.
- Add cream cheese, hot sauce, ranch dressing, and shredded cheese.
- Stir well and cook on low for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally.
- Serve warm with chips or vegetables.
Tip: For a creamier texture, use a hand mixer to blend the dip before serving. This ensures the cream cheese is fully incorporated and smooth.
6. Lemon Herb Chicken
Light and Zesty
Ingredients:
- 4 chicken breasts
- Juice of 2 lemons
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- Salt and pepper to taste
Steps:
- Place chicken breasts in the crockpot.
- Mix lemon juice, garlic powder, oregano, rosemary, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the mixture over the chicken.
- Cook on low for 5-6 hours or until chicken is tender.
Tip: Add thin slices of lemon on top of the chicken before cooking. The lemon slices will infuse the dish with a fresh, zesty flavor as they cook down.
7. Creamy Chicken and Wild Rice Soup
A Cozy Classic
Ingredients:
- 2 chicken breasts
- 1 cup wild rice
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
Steps:
- Add chicken, wild rice, broth, onion, carrots, and celery to the crockpot.
- Cook on low for 6-8 hours or until chicken and rice are cooked.
- Shred chicken and stir in heavy cream.
- Cook for another 20 minutes on low.
Tip: Toast the wild rice in a dry skillet for 2-3 minutes before adding it to the crockpot. This enhances its nutty flavor and adds depth to the soup.
8. Teriyaki Chicken
An Asian-Inspired Dish
Ingredients:
- 4 chicken thighs
- ½ cup soy sauce
- ⅓ cup honey
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
- Sesame seeds and green onions (optional, for garnish)
Steps:
- Place chicken thighs in the crockpot.
- In a bowl, mix soy sauce, honey, garlic, and ginger.
- Pour the mixture over the chicken.
- Cook on low for 6-7 hours or until chicken is tender.
- Mix cornstarch and water, then stir into the sauce during the last 30 minutes to thicken.
- Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions before serving.
Tip: Add a tablespoon of rice vinegar to the sauce for a subtle tanginess that balances the sweetness of the honey and soy sauce.
9. Chicken Enchilada Casserole
A Family Favorite
Ingredients:
- 3 chicken breasts, shredded
- 10 small tortillas, cut into quarters
- 2 cups enchilada sauce
- 2 cups shredded Mexican blend cheese
- 1 cup black beans (optional)
- 1 cup corn kernels (optional)
Steps:
- Add shredded chicken, tortillas, enchilada sauce, and half the cheese to the crockpot. Mix well.
- Layer additional tortillas and chicken mixture, finishing with cheese on top.
- Cook on low for 4-5 hours or until bubbly.
- Serve with sour cream, guacamole, or chopped cilantro.
Tip: Layer a handful of crushed tortilla chips between the chicken and cheese layers for added crunch and texture.
10. White Chicken Chili
A Unique Chili Alternative
Ingredients:
- 2 chicken breasts
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup white beans (canned, drained)
- 1 cup corn kernels
- 1 cup salsa verde
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
- ½ cup sour cream (for serving)
- Shredded cheese (optional, for topping)
Steps:
- Add chicken, broth, beans, corn, salsa verde, cumin, and chili powder to the crockpot.
- Cook on low for 6-7 hours or until chicken is tender.
- Shred chicken, stir the chili, and cook for an additional 10 minutes.
- Serve with sour cream and shredded cheese.
Tip: Stir in a handful of fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice just before serving to brighten up the flavors and add a fresh, herbaceous note.
11. BBQ Pulled Chicken
Perfect for Sandwiches
Ingredients:
- 4 chicken breasts
- 2 cups barbecue sauce
- 1 onion, sliced
- Burger buns (for serving)
Steps:
- Place chicken breasts and onion in the crockpot.
- Pour barbecue sauce over the chicken.
- Cook on low for 6-7 hours or until chicken shreds easily.
- Shred chicken and mix with sauce.
- Serve on buns with coleslaw, if desired.
Tip: Add a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar to the barbecue sauce for a tangy kick that complements the smoky sweetness.
12. Chicken and Dumplings
Southern Comfort Food
Ingredients:
- 3 chicken breasts
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 can refrigerated biscuit dough
Steps:
- Place chicken, broth, onion, carrots, and celery in the crockpot.
- Cook on low for 6-7 hours or until chicken is tender.
- Shred chicken and return to the pot. Stir in heavy cream.
- Tear biscuit dough into small pieces and place on top.
- Cover and cook on high for 1-2 hours or until dumplings are cooked through.
Tip: Sprinkle a pinch of dried thyme or sage over the biscuit dough before cooking to infuse the dumplings with a subtle herby flavor.
13. Chicken Curry
Packed with Flavor
Ingredients:
- 4 chicken thighs
- 1 cup coconut milk
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons curry powder
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
Steps:
- Add chicken, coconut milk, broth, curry powder, onion, garlic, and ginger to the crockpot.
- Stir to combine.
- Cook on low for 6-8 hours or until chicken is tender.
- Serve with rice or naan.
Tip: Toast the curry powder in a dry skillet for 1-2 minutes before adding it to the crockpot. This intensifies its flavor and aroma.
14. Greek Lemon Chicken Soup
Bright and Refreshing
Ingredients:
- 2 chicken breasts
- 4 cups chicken broth
- ½ cup orzo pasta
- Juice of 2 lemons
- 1 egg
- 1 onion, chopped
Steps:
- Place chicken, broth, onion, and orzo in the crockpot.
- Cook on low for 6-7 hours or until chicken is tender and orzo is cooked.
- Shred chicken.
- Whisk lemon juice and egg together, then stir into the soup.
- Cook for another 10 minutes on low.
Tip: Add a handful of fresh spinach or kale during the last 10 minutes of cooking for a pop of color and added nutrition.
15. Sweet and Sour Chicken
A Healthier Takeout Option
Ingredients:
- 4 chicken thighs
- 1 cup pineapple chunks
- 1 cup bell peppers, chopped
- ½ cup sweet-and-sour sauce
Steps:
- Add chicken, pineapple, bell peppers, and sauce to the crockpot.
- Stir to coat chicken evenly.
- Cook on low for 6-7 hours or until chicken is tender.
- Serve over rice.
Tip: Use fresh pineapple instead of canned for a brighter, less sugary flavor. Just add it during the last hour of cooking to prevent it from becoming too mushy.
16. Chicken Marsala
A Sophisticated Dinner
Ingredients:
- 4 chicken breasts
- 1 cup Marsala wine
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 2 cups mushrooms, sliced
- 1 cup heavy cream
Steps:
- Add chicken, wine, broth, and mushrooms to the crockpot.
- Cook on low for 5-6 hours or until chicken is tender.
- Stir in heavy cream and cook for another 30 minutes.
- Serve with mashed potatoes or pasta.
Tip: Deglaze the skillet used to sauté the mushrooms with a splash of Marsala wine before adding them to the crockpot. This captures all the flavorful bits and enhances the dish.
17. Slow Cooker Chicken Stroganoff
Rich and Creamy
Ingredients:
- 4 chicken breasts
- 2 cups mushrooms, sliced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- Egg noodles (for serving)
Steps:
- Add chicken, mushrooms, and broth to the crockpot.
- Cook on low for 6-7 hours or until chicken is tender.
- Mix sour cream with cornstarch and stir into the sauce.
- Cook for another 30 minutes and serve over egg noodles.
Tip: Stir in a teaspoon of Dijon mustard along with the sour cream for a tangy, slightly spicy kick that complements the creamy sauce.
18. Salsa Verde Chicken
A Spicy Favorite
Ingredients:
- 4 chicken thighs
- 2 cups salsa verde
- 1 cup shredded cheese (optional, for topping)
Steps:
- Place chicken in the crockpot and pour salsa verde over it.
- Cook on low for 6-7 hours or until chicken is tender.
- Shred chicken and mix with the sauce.
- Optional: Sprinkle shredded cheese on top before serving.
Tip: Add a handful of chopped fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice before serving to brighten up the flavors and add a fresh, zesty finish.
19. Mediterranean Chicken and Olives
Bold and Briny
Ingredients:
- 4 chicken thighs
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes
- ½ cup olives
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 1 cup chicken broth
Steps:
- Place chicken, tomatoes, olives, oregano, and broth in the crockpot.
- Cook on low for 6-7 hours or until chicken is tender.
- Serve with couscous or rice.
Tip: Add a tablespoon of capers for an extra briny, salty flavor that pairs beautifully with the olives and tomatoes.
20. Slow Cooker Chicken Pot Pie
A Comforting Casserole
Ingredients:
- 3 chicken breasts
- 2 cups mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, and corn)
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 can refrigerated biscuits
Steps:
- Add chicken, vegetables, and broth to the crockpot.
- Cook on low for 6-7 hours or until chicken is tender.
- Shred chicken and stir in heavy cream.
- Place biscuits on top and cook on high for 1-2 hours or until biscuits are golden.
Tip: Brush the refrigerated biscuits with melted butter and sprinkle them with garlic powder or herbs before placing them on top of the casserole for a more flavorful crust.
Conclusion
Crockpot chicken recipes are an effortless way to prepare hearty, flavorful meals. Whether you’re in the mood for creamy alfredo, tangy buffalo chicken, or savory lemon garlic chicken, these recipes make cooking a breeze. Experiment with these dishes to discover your favorites and enjoy the convenience of hands-off cooking. Happy crockpot cooking!