20 Easy Crockpot Chicken Recipes You’ll Love

You’re officially off the clock, the kids are home, and the daily question looms: “What’s for dinner?” You want to serve a meal that’s both nourishing and delicious, something your family will actually eat without complaint.

But the thought of spending hours in the kitchen after a long day is enough to make you reach for the takeout menu.

You’re trying to build healthy habits, to get the most out of your family time, but you keep ending up with the same bland chicken or overcooked vegetables. Your intentions are golden, but your execution is hampered by a lack of time and inspiring, easy-to-follow options.

Your time is too precious for culinary guesswork. Your family deserves meals that are both wholesome and exciting. You deserve dinner recipes that are simple to execute, packed with flavor, and guaranteed to be a hit at the table.

This isn’t just another list of recipes. This is your toolkit for reclaiming weeknight dinners. This is the official upgrade for your family meal plan, ensuring every dish is wholesome, delicious, and thoughtfully chosen.

This is the knowledge that transforms dinner from a daily chore into a delightful ritual. This is your masterclass in Easy Healthy Dinner Recipes that your family will love.

So if you’re ready to say goodbye to dinner-time stress and hello to your new era of flavorful, simple meals, keep reading.

The season of boring, complicated dinners is officially over.

Set It and Forget It: Easy 20 Crockpot Chicken Recipes You’ll Love

The Unspoken Laws of Healthy Family Dinners

Before you even preheat the oven, you need the secrets. These are the foundational rules that separate a vibrant, healthy meal from a nutritional afterthought. Master these, and you’re already on the path to dinner success.

Embrace the One-Pot Wonder. The slow cooker is your best friend. It minimizes cleanup, which is a victory in itself, and allows the flavors of your ingredients to meld together beautifully.

Less time washing dishes means more time with your family.

A Well-Stocked Pantry is Your Power Play. Having essentials on hand like canned beans, diced tomatoes, various spices, broths, and rice means you’re always halfway to a healthy meal.

A prepared pantry is the ultimate defense against the temptation of last-minute unhealthy choices.

Veggies are the Star, Not the Sidekick. Aim to make vegetables a central and abundant part of every meal. A colorful plate is not just appealing to the eye; it’s a sign of a nutrient-dense dish.

Slow cooker stews, chilis, and hearty chicken and veggie mixes are excellent ways to pack in the veggies.

Quality Protein is the Foundation. Incorporate a variety of quality lean proteins to keep meals interesting and satisfying. Chicken breast and thighs are fantastic options that provide essential nutrients to keep your family energized, and the slow cooker makes them incredibly tender.

The Lineup That Will Revolutionize Your Dinnertime

You’ve got the laws. You’re ready to cook. Now for the 20 easy and healthy slow cooker chicken recipes that will make you a dinnertime hero. This is your playbook.

1. Classic Crockpot Whole Chicken

A beautifully tender and juicy whole chicken with minimal effort.

Ingredients:

• 1 (3-4 lb) whole chicken
• 1 onion, quartered
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Place the onion and celery at the bottom of the slow cooker.
2. Rub the chicken with olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Place the chicken on top of the vegetables.
4. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and tender.

2. Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken

Sweet and savory chicken that practically cooks itself.

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 1/2 cup honey
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 tbsp rice vinegar
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water
• Green onions for garnish

Instructions:

1. Place chicken thighs in the slow cooker.
2. In a bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and minced garlic. Pour over the chicken.
3. Cook on low for 3-4 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, until cooked through.
4. Stir in the cornstarch slurry during the last 30 minutes of cooking to thicken the sauce.
5. Garnish with green onions before serving.

3. Crockpot Chicken Tacos

Tender, flavorful shredded chicken perfect for tacos, burritos, or salads.

Ingredients:

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 packet taco seasoning
• 1 (10 oz) can Rotel (diced tomatoes with green chilies), undrained
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• Corn or flour tortillas
• Toppings: salsa, avocado, shredded lettuce, cheese

Instructions:

1. Place chicken breasts in the slow cooker.
2. Sprinkle with taco seasoning. Pour Rotel and chicken broth over the chicken.
3. Cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours.
4. Shred the chicken in the slow cooker with two forks and stir to coat in the sauce.
5. Serve in warm tortillas with your favorite toppings.

4. Creamy Ranch Chicken & Veggies

A comforting and easy meal with tender chicken and vegetables in a creamy sauce.

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 packet ranch seasoning mix
• 1 (8 oz) block cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup baby carrots
• 2 cups chopped potatoes (Yukon gold or red)
• 1/2 cup chicken broth

Instructions:

1. Place chicken breasts, carrots, and potatoes in the slow cooker.
2. Sprinkle with ranch seasoning. Add chicken broth.
3. Cut cream cheese into cubes and distribute over the top.
4. Cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours.
5. Stir everything together before serving to create a creamy sauce.

5. Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken

Bright and zesty chicken that’s incredibly flavorful and light.

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
• 1 lemon, sliced
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Place chicken in the slow cooker.
2. Top with lemon slices, parsley, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper.
3. Pour in chicken broth.
4. Cook on low for 3-4 hours or on high for 2-3 hours.

6. Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings

A hearty and nostalgic comfort food, made easy.

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into cubes
• 2 carrots, chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 1 onion, chopped
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 (10.75 oz) can cream of chicken soup
• 1 (10 oz) can refrigerated biscuit dough, cut into quarters

Instructions:

1. Place chicken, carrots, celery, and onion in the slow cooker.
2. Add chicken broth, thyme, salt, and pepper.
3. Cook on low for 4-5 hours or on high for 2-3 hours.
4. Stir in cream of chicken soup. Drop biscuit pieces into the stew.
5. Cover and cook for another 30-60 minutes on high, until dumplings are cooked through.

7. Pulled BBQ Chicken Sandwiches

Effortlessly tender, smoky BBQ chicken perfect for sandwiches.

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 (18 oz) bottle BBQ sauce
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• Buns for serving

Instructions:

1. Place chicken breasts in the slow cooker.
2. In a bowl, mix BBQ sauce, chicken broth, apple cider vinegar, and smoked paprika. Pour over chicken.
3. Cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours.
4. Shred the chicken in the slow cooker and stir to coat.
5. Serve on buns.

8. Slow Cooker Chicken Fajitas

Flavorful chicken and peppers that cook themselves, ready for assembly.

Ingredients:

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced
• 1 large red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 large green bell pepper, sliced
• 1 large onion, sliced
• 1 packet fajita seasoning
• 1/4 cup chicken broth
• Whole wheat tortillas
• Toppings: salsa, sour cream, avocado

Instructions:

1. Place sliced chicken, bell peppers, and onion in the slow cooker.
2. Sprinkle with fajita seasoning and pour in chicken broth.
3. Cook on low for 3-4 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, until chicken is cooked and vegetables are tender-crisp.
4. Serve with warm tortillas and your favorite fajita toppings.

9. Crockpot Chicken and Black Bean Chili

A hearty and healthy chili packed with protein and flavor.

Ingredients:

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
• 1 (15 oz) can black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 (15 oz) can corn, drained
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp chili powder
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
• Toppings: shredded cheese, sour cream, cilantro

Instructions:

1. Place chicken breasts in the slow cooker.
2. Add crushed tomatoes, black beans, corn, onion, garlic, chili powder, cumin, and cayenne pepper (if using).
3. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
4. Shred the chicken in the slow cooker and stir it into the chili.
5. Serve with your favorite chili toppings.

10. Slow Cooker Salsa Verde Chicken

Tangy and zesty chicken that’s incredibly versatile for bowls, wraps, or salads.

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 (16 oz) jar salsa verde
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (for serving)

Instructions:

1. Place chicken breasts in the slow cooker.
2. Pour salsa verde and chicken broth over the chicken.
3. Cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours.
4. Shred the chicken in the slow cooker and stir to coat.
5. Serve garnished with fresh cilantro.

11. Crockpot Chicken and Rice Soup

A comforting and classic soup for a chilly day.

Ingredients:

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 6 cups chicken broth
• 1/2 cup uncooked white rice
• 1 tsp dried parsley
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Place chicken breasts, onion, carrots, celery, chicken broth, and parsley in the slow cooker.
2. Cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours.
3. Remove chicken, shred, and return to the slow cooker.
4. Stir in uncooked rice and continue cooking on high for another 30-45 minutes, or until rice is tender.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

12. Pineapple Chicken Teriyaki

A sweet and savory dish with a tropical twist.

Ingredients:

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into cubes
• 1 (20 oz) can pineapple chunks, drained (reserve juice)
• 1/2 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 2 tbsp rice vinegar
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
• 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water
• Cooked rice for serving

Instructions:

1. Place chicken thighs in the slow cooker.
2. In a bowl, whisk together reserved pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, garlic, and ginger. Pour over chicken.
3. Cook on low for 3-4 hours or on high for 2-3 hours.
4. Stir in the pineapple chunks and cornstarch slurry during the last 30 minutes of cooking to thicken the sauce.
5. Serve over cooked rice.

13. Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Dip (Dinner Version)

Turn a popular appetizer into a fun and easy dinner served with dippers or in wraps.

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 (8 oz) block cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup buffalo sauce
• 1/2 cup ranch or blue cheese dressing
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• Celery sticks, carrots, crackers, or tortillas for serving

Instructions:

1. Place chicken breasts in the slow cooker.
2. Top with softened cream cheese, buffalo sauce, and ranch/blue cheese dressing.
3. Cook on low for 3-4 hours or on high for 2-3 hours.
4. Shred the chicken in the slow cooker and stir everything together until creamy. Stir in shredded cheddar cheese until melted.
5. Serve hot with dippers or in lettuce wraps/tortillas.

14. Crockpot Mediterranean Chicken

A light and flavorful dish with bright Mediterranean flavors.

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, halved
• 1 red onion, sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• Feta cheese and fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions:

1. Place chicken thighs in the slow cooker.
2. Add diced tomatoes, olives, red onion, garlic, oregano, and chicken broth.
3. Cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours.
4. Serve garnished with feta cheese and fresh parsley.

15. Cheesy Chicken and Quinoa

A wholesome and comforting one-pot meal.

Ingredients:

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed
• 1 cup uncooked quinoa, rinsed
• 1 (10 oz) can Rotel, undrained
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup water
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1/2 tsp cumin
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Instructions:

1. Place cubed chicken, rinsed quinoa, Rotel, chicken broth, water, chili powder, and cumin in the slow cooker.
2. Stir to combine.
3. Cook on high for 2.5-3.5 hours or on low for 4-5 hours, until quinoa is cooked and chicken is tender.
4. Stir in shredded cheddar cheese until melted.

16. Slow Cooker Coq au Vin Blanc

A simplified version of the French classic, incredibly rich and tender.

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs chicken thighs, bone-in, skin-on (or boneless, skinless for lighter version)
• 4 oz bacon, diced
• 1 cup pearl onions, peeled
• 8 oz cremini mushrooms, halved
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup dry white wine (like Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio)
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water (optional, for thickening)

Instructions:

1. In a skillet, cook bacon until crisp. Remove bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside.
2. Brown chicken thighs in the bacon fat (optional but recommended for flavor).
3. Place browned chicken, pearl onions, mushrooms, garlic, wine, chicken broth, and thyme in the slow cooker. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
5. If desired, stir in cornstarch slurry during the last 30 minutes to thicken the sauce.
6. Garnish with reserved crisp bacon before serving.

17. Hawaiian Chicken

A sweet and tangy chicken dish with tropical flavors.

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 1 (20 oz) can pineapple chunks, undrained
• 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• Cooked rice for serving

Instructions:

1. Place chicken thighs, pineapple (with juice), soy sauce, brown sugar, red bell pepper, and chicken broth in the slow cooker.
2. Cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours.
3. Shred the chicken if desired, and stir to coat.
4. Serve over cooked rice.

18. Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Pasta

A creamy, cheesy, and garlicky chicken dish that’s a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup milk or half-and-half
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 8 oz pasta (penne, rotini, or farfalle), cooked separately
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions:

1. Place chicken breasts in the slow cooker.
2. Add chicken broth, milk, minced garlic, half of the Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
3. Cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours.
4. Remove chicken, shred, and return to the slow cooker. Stir in the remaining Parmesan cheese.
5. Cook pasta separately according to package directions.
6. Stir the cooked pasta into the chicken mixture or serve the chicken over the pasta. Garnish with fresh parsley and more Parmesan.

19. Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili

A lighter, creamy, and flavorful chili with a kick.

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 (15 oz) can cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 (15 oz) can great northern beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 (4 oz) can diced green chilies, undrained
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1/2 tsp dried oregano
• 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
• 1/2 cup heavy cream or plain Greek yogurt (stirred in at the end)
• Toppings: avocado, cilantro, shredded cheese

Instructions:

1. Place chicken breasts, cannellini beans, great northern beans, green chilies, onion, garlic, chicken broth, cumin, oregano, and cayenne pepper (if using) in the slow cooker.
2. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
3. Shred the chicken in the slow cooker and stir it into the chili.
4. Stir in heavy cream or Greek yogurt until combined.
5. Serve with your favorite toppings.

20. Crockpot Chicken Stroganoff

Creamy, savory, and satisfying, this classic is simplified for the slow cooker.

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into cubes
• 1 can (10.75 oz) condensed cream of mushroom soup
• 1 onion, chopped
• 8 oz sliced mushrooms
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup sour cream (stirred in at the end)
• Cooked egg noodles for serving
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions:

1. Place cubed chicken, cream of mushroom soup, onion, sliced mushrooms, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper in the slow cooker.
2. Stir to combine.
3. Cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, until chicken is cooked through and tender.
4. Just before serving, stir in the sour cream until well combined and heated through (do not boil after adding sour cream).
5. Serve over cooked egg noodles, garnished with fresh parsley.

Conclusion: You Are Now the Master of Weeknight Dinners

There you have it. The complete playbook for healthy, hassle-free, and heartwarming family dinners.

You are no longer the person staring into the fridge, wondering what to make. You are now armed with a diverse menu of delicious, family-approved recipes that are good for both the body and the soul.

You understand the laws. You have the lineup. You are ready to transform your evenings.

Go forth and create delicious memories around the dinner table, all thanks to the magic of your slow cooker!

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