35 Easy Slow-Cooker Chicken Recipes For Stress-Free Weeknight Dinners (2024)

It's like someone's making dinner for you.

By Mackenzie Filson
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This year, it's time to dust off your slow-cooker or Crockpot because, as far as we're concerned, they're closest thing to having a magical personal chef in the kitchen. Think about it: Ever wish you had dinner on the table without, ya know, having to cook it? Well, thanks to your slow cooker, these chicken dinners basically make themselves. And since chicken and slow cookers are a match made in dinner heaven, you're only a few minutes of prep away from tender, fall-apart chicken for tacos, pasta, soups, and more. After you try our recipes for slow-cooker chicken thighs, Crockpot chicken fajitas, and brown sugar BBQ chicken, you'll be setting it and forgetting it to make some truly unforgettable meals.

These slow-cooker chicken recipes just might be the easiest recipes ever, and perfect for the beginner cook. It's basically impossible to overcook your slow-cooker chicken cacciatore when it's being cooked low and slow. And did you know you can even cook a whole rotisserie-style chicken right in your Crockpot?! Now you do. You'll be so glad you have leftover rotisserie chicken when it looks this good.

New to slow cookers and Crockpots? We tested all the best slow cookers, so you can find the perfect one for your kitchen. Slow cookers also make parties and the holidays so much easier (and help you save on oven space), making it even simpler to have party-ready slow-cooker dips and even a whole Thanksgiving dinner in your slow cooker.

And if you're looking for more slow-cooker recipes, we've got something for everyone, like our healthy Crockpot recipes, beginner slow-cooker recipes for two, and fall slow-cooker recipes. Loving that countertop appliance life? Don't miss our best air fryer recipes and Instant Pot recipes.

1

Slow-Cooker Creamy Lemon Herb Chicken

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By cooking low and slow, the humble chicken breast is transformed into something that melts in your mouth. Lemon, herbs, and garlic infuse the chicken with loads of flavor with some cream at the end to round out the sauce.

Get the Slow-Cooker Creamy Lemon Herb Chicken recipe.

2

Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken Meatballs With Gnocchi

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Everything about Tuscany speaks to us: the landscape, the history, the art, and, of course, the food! The central Italian region has inspired many of our favorite hearty recipes, like creamy Tuscan chicken, saucy Tuscan butter shrimp, and Tuscan chicken pasta. This time, we’re doubling down on the comfort by giving meatballs and gnocchi the Tuscan treatment, in one dish. What makes this even better? It all comes together in the slow cooker.

Get the Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken Meatballs With Gnocchi recipe.

3

Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Dip

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Fact: A party is only as good as the Buffalo dip you serve. The best part? Your slow cooker will keep it warm and ready for dipping! Go all out and make a batch of homemade soft pretzels to serve with it.

Get the Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Dip recipe.

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4

Slow-Cooker Creamy Gnocchi Soup

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When the temperature drops below 60°, all we want for dinner is soup. Make it a slow-cooker soup and it's even better. With extremely little effort, you'll end up with a soup that's so warm and comforting, you'll completely forget there's a blizzard outside.

Get the Slow-Cooker Creamy Gnocchi Soup recipe.

5

Slow-Cooker Garlic-Parmesan Chicken

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When you think Parm + chicken, you may be thinking of the melty, saucy chicken Parm, but you might like this version even more. All the flavor from the chicken thighs, butter, garlic, and thyme seep into the tender baby potatoes for a fully satisfying, comforting meal.

Get the Slow-Cooker Garlic-Parmesan Chicken recipe.

6

Slow-Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup

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Sure, everyone loves chicken noodle soup. But for some of us, there's nothing that soothes the soul like a big bowl of chicken tortilla soup. The slight kick from chili powder and fire-roasted tomatoes gives what could easily be a very boring bowl of soup a jolt of flavor and depth.

Get the Slow-Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup recipe.

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7

Brown Sugar BBQ Chicken

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Pulled chicken is made so easy in the slow cooker, and this version includes brown sugar, a little Italian dressing, and bourbon for a bit of smokiness. Dress these up with homemade coleslaw for the greatest dinner with zero effort.

Get the Brown Sugar BBQ Chicken recipe.

8

Slow-Cooker Chicken Thighs

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We will always be the first to say that chicken thighs are FAR superior to chicken breasts. For those that may have some trepidation about entering into the world of cooking with dark meat, this recipe is just for you.

Get the Slow-Cooker Chicken Thighs recipe.

9

Crockpot Chicken Enchilada Soup

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Looking for a low-effort, stick-to-your-ribs dinner? You've come to the right place. This Tex-Mex-inspired soup is hearty, delicious, and endlessly riffable. And if you love all things spicy, add some cayenne (a pinch at a time), hot sauce, or canned chiles to your soup to kick the heat up a notch.

Get the Crockpot Chicken Enchilada Soup recipe.

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10

Slow-Cooker Chicken Cacciatore

We love slow cookers because they do all of the work for us, meaning we can do literally anything else while the chicken cooks. Need dinner faster? Make our classic chicken cacciatore instead.

Get the Slow-Cooker Chicken Cacciatore recipe.

11

Slow-Cooker Chicken Tinga Tacos

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These saucy chicken tacos (courtesy of our friend Kevin Curry) will make you wish every day was Taco Tuesday. We love them doused in the tangy avocado cream.

Get the Slow-Cooker Chicken Tinga Tacos recipe.

12

Slow-Cooker Chicken Alfredo

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We love a nice creamy Alfredo, and this zero-effort version of chicken Alfredo might be our new favorite. It's a perfect recipe for a date night or busy weeknight.

Get the Slow-Cooker Chicken Alfredo recipe.

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13

Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Soup

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Come home to the best bowl of soup with zero effort. If you love our cheesy chicken and broccoli bake, you'll fall in love with our soup version. With all the same flavors—and less-effort required—this easy soup is perfect for cold, lazy days.

Get the Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Soup recipe.

14

Crock-Pot Chicken Drumsticks

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These chicken drumsticks are the perfect game-day treat. They're super tender and crazy flavorful with a gingery, garlicky glaze. Broiling is an optional step, but it really takes them to a whole other level. Fall apart meat and crispy skin? Sign us up!

Get the Crock-Pot Chicken Drumsticks recipe.

15

Slow-Cooker Chicken Tortellini Soup

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Chicken noodle soup is already the most comforting soup ever; tortellini just adds that perfect hint of indulgence.

Get the Slow-Cooker Chicken Tortellini Soup recipe.

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16

Crockpot Whole Chicken

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We know it sounds crazy, but you can replicate the deliciousness of a rotisserie chicken at home...in your slow cooker. To get that iconic crispy skin, add a brown sugar spice rub and do a quick broil after slow cooking to get that beautiful, caramelized finish.

Get the Crockpot Whole Chicken recipe.

17

Slow-Cooker Creamy Chicken & Potato Soup

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The slow cooker makes the chicken completely fall apart while making the potatoes creamy and tender. Use your favorite curry powder to spice up the dish and make it even more comforting. If you aren’t a fan of kale, you can always use spinach or Swiss chard instead!

Get the .

18

Crockpot White Chicken Chili

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Our slow-cooker white chicken chili couldn't be easier, and we love the texture it takes on once the beans are partially mashed. It might feel weird to use a potato masher in your slow cooker, but trust us, it's worth it!

Get the Crockpot White Chicken Chili recipe.

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19

Slow-Cooker Buffalo Ranch Wings

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Any true sports fan knows that Game Day isn't complete without Buffalo ranch something. These are doused in ranch seasoning and sprinkled with fresh chives for extra flavor.

Get the Slow-Cooker Buffalo Ranch Chicken Wings recipe.

20

Slow-Cooker Chicken Pozole

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Enjoy the comfort of this Mexican favorite without any of the work. If you're looking for something more classic, check out our best-ever pozole.

Get the Slow-Cooker Chicken Pozole recipe.

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Mackenzie Filson

Mackenzie Filson is a food writer and contributing digital food producer at Delish. Her favorite ice cream flavor is chocolate-pine. If wine was an astrological sign she'd be a New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc. She's never met a bag of Spicy Sweet Chili Doritos she didn't eat in one sitting.

35 Easy Slow-Cooker Chicken Recipes For Stress-Free Weeknight Dinners (2024)

FAQs

Is it OK to put raw chicken in slow cooker? ›

Yes, you most certainly can cook raw meat in the slow cooker! You put it in “cold”, with whatever liquid your recipe calls for, turn it on either “low” or “high” depending on your recipe (I usually start it on “high” for a couple hours, then turn it to “low”), and in 6–7–8 hours, it's now COOKED meat!

What makes chicken tough in a crockpot cooking? ›

Aside from accidentally overcooking the meals, the most common reason we see for tough, rubbery, or overdone chicken is customers using a Crockpot that is far too big.

Can I put frozen chicken in the crockpot? ›

It is best to thaw meat or poultry before putting it into a slow cooker. Frozen pieces will take longer to reach a safe internal temperature and could possibly result in foodborne illness. Frozen or partially frozen foods can also cool everything else in the slow cooker.

What foods should not go in a slow cooker? ›

10 Foods You Should Never Make in a Slow Cooker
  • Raw Meat.
  • Seafood.
  • Pasta.
  • Rice.
  • Delicate Vegetables.
  • Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts.
  • Dairy.
  • Wine and Other Liquor.
Jan 19, 2024

Should chicken be covered in liquid in slow cooker? ›

Cover and cook. Place the cover on the slow cooker and turn it on to high for 4 hours or low for 6 to 8 hours. You do not need to add any liquid. Chickens today typically have some solution added, so they rarely need added liquid.

Why is my chicken rubbery after crockpot? ›

Chicken becomes rubbery/chewy when it's overcooked. So in general, including in a slow cooker, don't cook as long. There are lots of recipes online, they can give you a good place to start.

Does chicken get more tender the longer it cooks in a slow cooker? ›

That is why tough meats become “fork tender” in the slow cooker. Chicken breasts have very little connective tissue; that means they can be cooked quickly because the long cooking time needed to soften connective tissue isn't necessary. They also have little fat, which means they can become dry if cooked too long.

Why are my potatoes still hard in the crockpot? ›

Insufficient Liquid: If there wasn't enough liquid in the crockpot, it could have caused uneven cooking. Potatoes need to be fully submerged in liquid to cook evenly. Old Potatoes: Very old or stored potatoes can become starchy and may not soften as well during cooking. It's best to use fresh, firm potatoes.

Why do they call it crack chicken? ›

Lansing, Michigan is home for the Crack Chicken. A great seasoning for all your favorite foods. Started in 2003, customers tried our famous chicken and came back for more. Their addiction to this delicious taste made them call it Crack Chicken, and that's how the name started, and cracked the food industry world.

How long does it take for chicken to cook in the crockpot? ›

Sprinkle the chicken breasts with plenty of salt and pepper. Cover your crock pot and cook chicken breasts on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Chicken is done when the internal temp reaches 165 degrees F. Use chicken in your favorite recipes.

When should you not use frozen chicken? ›

Chicken or turkey in pieces can be kept in the freezer for up to nine months. Ground chicken or turkey is best consumed within three to four months if frozen from the date of purchase.

What is the difference between a slow cooker and a crockpot? ›

They are essentially two terms for the same thing. Crock Pot is just a trademarked name for a certain brand of slow cooker that uses a crockery insert as a cooking vessel. Agree with most of the answers. “Crock Pot” is a brand name, and the brand name of the first popular slow cooker.

Is 4 hours on high the same as 8 hours on low in a slow cooker? ›

The difference between "High" and "Low" on slow cookers seems to differ with every brand and model. One thing that is consistent, though, is that food takes seven to eight hours to reach a simmer point (around 210°) on low; versus three to four hours on high.

How long does raw chicken take in the slow cooker? ›

Cover your crock pot and cook chicken breasts on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Chicken is done when the internal temp reaches 165 degrees F. Use chicken in your favorite recipes. Perfect for shredding!

Does chicken need to be cooked before slow cooker? ›

Chicken breast fillets can be placed directly into the slow cooker, but to create richer, deeper flavours and better visual appeal, first sear the chicken breast in a hot pan over medium-high heat on each side for 1-2 minutes.

Why can't you put raw meat in a slow cooker? ›

Raw meat

A crockpot's gentle heat means meat will never get a chance to brown, but it's the golden colour from frying that gives it depth of flavour. If you don't want your stew to taste bland, brown the meat first, then put it in the slow cooker.

Do you have to brown chicken before putting it in a slow cooker? ›

You do not need to brown meat before you place it into the slow cooker. By browning meat, you will cause the meat to intensify the flavor. That will make the meat taste so much better. By adding onions, carrots & celery, that will also help to flavor the meat taste.

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