Slow Cooker Chicken Recipes

In today’s fast-paced world, finding time to prepare wholesome and tasty meals can be challenging. That’s where slow cookers come to the rescue! Slow cooking allows you to create delicious and nutritious chicken recipes with minimal effort, making it an ideal solution for busy individuals and families. In this article, we will explore the 4 best easy slow cooker chicken recipes that are sure to become your go-to dishes for weeknight dinners, family gatherings, or any occasion that calls for a delectable home-cooked meal.

1. Slow Cooker Lemon Garlic Chicken

There’s something irresistibly delightful about the combination of zesty lemon and aromatic garlic in this slow cooker chicken recipe. The tender chicken thighs absorb the flavors, resulting in a dish that bursts with freshness and taste.

Ingredients:

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
  • 1 lemon, juiced and zested
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. In a bowl, mix the lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, olive oil, dried oregano, dried thyme, salt, and pepper.
  2. Place the chicken thighs in the slow cooker and pour the lemon-garlic mixture over them.
  3. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 4-5 hours or until the chicken is tender and fully cooked.
  4. Serve the Lemon Garlic Chicken with your favorite side dishes and garnish with fresh herbs.

2. Sweet and Tangy Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken

If you crave the delightful combination of sweet and tangy flavors, this slow cooker BBQ chicken recipe will surely satisfy your taste buds. It’s perfect for a summer gathering or a comforting family dinner.

Ingredients:

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 cup BBQ sauce
  • 1/4 cup honey
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. In a bowl, mix the BBQ sauce, honey, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
  2. Place the chicken breasts in the slow cooker and pour the BBQ sauce mixture over them.
  3. Cook the chicken on low for 5-6 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is tender and infused with the flavors.
  4. Shred the chicken using two forks and let it cook in the sauce for an additional 30 minutes.
  5. Serve the Sweet and Tangy BBQ Chicken on toasted buns with coleslaw for a delightful sandwich.

3. Creamy Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken

Indulge in the richness of this Creamy Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken recipe that brings together tender chicken with creamy sauce and savory sun-dried tomatoes.

Ingredients:

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Instructions:

  1. Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper and place them in the slow cooker.
  2. In a separate bowl, mix the chicken broth, heavy cream, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, grated Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, dried basil, and dried oregano.
  3. Pour the creamy sauce over the chicken in the slow cooker.
  4. Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
  5. Serve the Creamy Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken over cooked pasta or creamy mashed potatoes, garnished with fresh basil leaves.

4. Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken

Savor the irresistible flavors of the Far East with this delectable Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken. The combination of sweet and savory will leave your taste buds delighted.

Ingredients:

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1/2 cup soy sauce
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 1 tablespoon water
  • Sesame seeds and sliced green onions for garnish

Instructions:

  1. Place the chicken breasts in the slow cooker.
  2. In a bowl, mix the soy sauce, brown sugar, honey, minced garlic, and grated ginger.
  3. Pour the teriyaki sauce over the chicken and cook on low for 4-5 hours or on high for 2-3 hours until the chicken is tender.
  4. Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the slow cooker, leaving the sauce behind.
  5. In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch and water until smooth and add it to the sauce in the slow cooker. Cook on high for an additional 15-20 minutes or until the sauce thickens.
  6. Serve the Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken over steamed rice, garnished with sesame seeds and sliced green onions.

FAQs

  1. Is it safe to leave the slow cooker unattended while cooking chicken? It is generally safe to leave a slow cooker unattended while cooking chicken as long as you follow the manufacturer’s guidelines and ensure the cooker is in good working condition. However, it is always recommended to check the slow cooker periodically and avoid leaving it on for an excessively long time.
  2. Can I use frozen chicken in these slow cooker recipes? While it is possible to use frozen chicken in slow cooker recipes, it is best to thaw the chicken before cooking to ensure even and safe cooking. Slow cookers work best with thawed chicken to prevent any risk of bacterial growth.
  3. Can I adjust the flavors in these recipes to suit my preferences? Absolutely! Feel free to adjust the seasoning, spices, or sauce quantities to suit your taste preferences. Cooking is an art, and experimenting with flavors can lead to delicious discoveries.
  4. Can I double the recipes if I have a larger slow cooker? Yes, you can double the recipes to accommodate a larger slow cooker. Just ensure that the slow cooker is not overfilled, as it may affect the cooking time and results.
  5. Can I use different cuts of chicken in these recipes? Certainly! The recipes can be adapted to various chicken cuts like drumsticks or chicken wings, but keep in mind that the cooking time may vary depending on the cut you choose.
  6. Can I add vegetables to these slow cooker chicken recipes? Absolutely! Adding vegetables like potatoes, carrots, or bell peppers can enhance the flavors and nutritional value of the dishes. Just be mindful of the cooking time needed for the vegetables to become tender.

Conclusion: Unleash the Magic of Slow Cooking

In conclusion, slow cookers are a blessing for those seeking convenient and delicious ways to prepare chicken dishes. The 4 best easy slow cooker chicken recipes we’ve explored in this article offer a delightful array of flavors that cater to different taste preferences. From the zesty Lemon Garlic Chicken to the sweet and tangy BBQ Chicken, the creamy Tuscan Chicken, and the savory Teriyaki Chicken, your slow cooker is your gateway to effortless culinary wonders.

So, embrace the simplicity of slow cooking and treat yourself to these scrumptious chicken recipes that will make your taste buds sing with joy. With minimal effort, you can create mouthwatering dishes that will impress your family and guests alike. Give them a try, and you’ll find yourself reaching for your slow cooker time and time again for flavorful and tender chicken dishes.

Remember, cooking is a journey of creativity and exploration, so don’t be afraid to experiment with these recipes and make them your own. Happy slow cooking!


He never actually said it, but the phrase “a chicken in every pot” was attributed to President Herbert Hoover. While that may be legend, a chicken in every slow cooker can be a welcome addition to your family menus.

When you’re using your slow cooker, keep in mind that boneless, skinless chicken breasts shouldn’t be cooked longer than 6 to 7 hours on low. Chicken thighs are richer in flavor and can cook longer, usually for 8 or 9 hours. Whole chickens can cook for 8 to 10 hours.

Here are some great chicken recipes for your slow cooker:

Hearty Chicken Noodle Soup

What you’ll need:

  • 12 fresh baby carrots cut into ½ inch pieces
  • 4 celery ribs, cut into ½ inch pieces
  • ¾ cup finely chopped onion
  • 1 tbsp. minced fresh parsley
  • ½ tsp. pepper
  • ¼ tsp. cayenne pepper
  • 1 ½ tsp. mustard seed
  • 2 garlic cloves, peeled and halved
  • 1 ¼ lbs. boneless skinless chicken breast halves
  • 1 ¼ lbs. boneless skinless chicken thighs
  • 4 14 ½ oz. cans chicken broth
  • 1 9 oz. package refrigerated linguine

Combine first six ingredients in slow cooker. Place mustard seed and garlic on a double thickness of cheesecloth; bring up corners of cloth and tie with kitchen string to form a bag. Place in slow cooker. Add chicken and broth. Cover and cook on low for 5 to 6 hours or until meat is tender. Discard spice bag. Remove chicken and cool slightly. Stir linguine into soup; cover and cook on high for 30 minutes or until tender. Cut chicken into pieces and return to soup. Heat through.

Slow Cooker Chicken with Biscuits

What you’ll need:

  • 1 ½ to 2 lbs. boneless chicken breast halves, cut in large chunks
  • ½ cup chopped onion
  • 1 cup chopped celery
  • 1 10 ¾ oz. can condensed cream of chicken or cream of chicken and mushroom soup, undiluted
  • 1 12 oz. jar chicken gravy
  • ¼ tsp. poultry seasoning
  • ½ tsp. dried leaf thyme
  • Dash black pepper
  • 2 cups frozen mixed vegetables, thawed
  • 6 frozen biscuits or refrigerator biscuits

Layer the chunks of uncooked chicken breast in slow cooker with chopped onion and celery. Combine the soup and gravy with poultry seasoning, thyme, and pepper. Pour over the chicken. Cover and cook on low for 5 to 6 hours. Add the thawed mixed vegetables. Turn the slow cooker to high and continue cooking for 20 to 30 minutes, until vegetables are tender. Meanwhile, bake the biscuits as directed. Split a biscuit and spoon some of the chicken and vegetables over the bottom. Put the top half on top of the chicken and gravy.

Chicken, Sausage, and White Bean Chili

What you’ll need:

  • 2 tbsp. olive oil.
  • 2 boneless chicken breast halves, diced
  • 12 to 16 ounces chicken sausage
  • 1 cup chopped onion
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 16 oz. cans Great Northern Beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 ½ cups tomatillo salsa
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 14.5 oz. can diced tomatoes with juice, fire-roasted, chili-style, or plain
  • 1 cup frozen corn kernels
  • 2 tbsp. finely chopped jalapeno peppers, or mild chili peppers
  • 1 ½ tsp. ground cumin
  • ½ tsp. salt
  • ¼ tsp. ground black pepper
  • Dash cayenne pepper, optional

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onions, diced chicken, and sliced sausage. Sauté until onions are tender and chicken is cooked through. Put the drained beans in the slow cooker. Add the skillet mixture and all remaining ingredients. Cover and cook on high for 3 to 4 hours or low for 6 to 8 hours.

Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings

What you’ll need:

  • 1 potato, peeled and chopped
  • 3 carrots, sliced
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup sliced mushroom (optional)
  • 14 oz. can ready to serve chicken broth
  • ¼ cup flour
  • ½ tsp. salt
  • 1 tsp. dried thyme leaves
  • 1/8 tsp. pepper
  • 2 lbs. boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into 2” pieces
  • 9 oz. pkg. frozen baby peas
  • 1 ½ cups Bisquick Mix
  • 1 tbsp. snipped chives
  • ½ cup milk
  • 2 tbsp. butter, melted

Mix potato, carrots, onion, garlic, and mushrooms in slow cooker. In a medium bowl, combine chicken broth, flour and seasoning. Mix until smooth. Pour over vegetables in slow cooker. Add chicken. Cover and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours until chicken is thoroughly cooked and no longer pink in the center. Add peas and cover again. Cook on high for 20 minutes until peas are hot. In a small bowl, combine baking mix with chives, milk, and melted butter. Mix until just combined. Drop dumplings by tablespoons into hot, bubbling chicken mixture in slow cooker. Cover and cook on high for 20-25 minutes until dumplings are cooked through, fluffy, and a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.

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