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

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

By Mackenzie FilsonUpdated: Dec 26, 2023

35 Easy Slow-Cooker Chicken Recipes For Stress-Free Weeknight Dinners (1)

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.

Slow-Cooker Creamy Lemon Herb Chicken

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.

Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken Meatballs With Gnocchi

Everything about Tuscany speaks to us: the landscape, the history, the art, and, of course, the food! 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.

Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Dip

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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Slow-Cooker Creamy Gnocchi Soup

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 can make a gnocchi-filled version that's so warm and comforting, you'll completely forget there's a blizzard outside.

Get the Slow-Cooker Creamy Gnocchi Soup recipe.

Slow-Cooker Garlic-Parmesan Chicken

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.

Slow-Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup

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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Brown Sugar BBQ Chicken

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.

Slow-Cooker Chicken Thighs

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.

Crockpot Chicken Enchilada Soup

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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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.

Slow-Cooker Chicken Tinga Tacos

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.

Slow-Cooker Chicken Alfredo

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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Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Soup

Come home to the best bowl of soup with zero effort. If you love our , you'll fall in love with this 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.

Crock-Pot Chicken Drumsticks

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.

Slow-Cooker Chicken Tortellini Soup

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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Crockpot Whole Chicken

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.

Slow-Cooker Creamy Chicken & Potato Soup

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 .

Crockpot White Chicken Chili

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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Slow-Cooker Buffalo Ranch Wings

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

Get the Slow-Cooker Buffalo Ranch Chicken Wings recipe.

Slow-Cooker Chicken Pozole

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 red pozole instead.

Get the Slow-Cooker Chicken Pozole recipe.

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

FAQs

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.

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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.

How to keep chicken moist in the crockpot? ›

If the chicken is cooked too long, it will become dry (even if you use broth or water) and tough. That means the best way to keep chicken from drying out in a crockpot is to stop cooking it as soon as it reaches the proper internal temperature of 165 degrees F.

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Why does chicken get rubbery in a slow cooker? ›

Rubbery chicken is usually an indicator of overcooked chicken. The longer the chicken cooks, the more moisture it loses, and without moisture, the protein fibers become elastic, AKA rubbery.

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Does chicken get more tender the longer you cook it? ›

Unlike chicken breasts, chicken thighs and drumsticks actually become more tender the longer they cook. That's because of their makeup. Dark meat has an abundant amount of connective tissue, which dissolves into gelatin as the meat cooks, rendering it juicy and tender.

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.

Can you put raw chicken in a crockpot? ›

Yes, you can put raw chicken in a slow cooker! Slow cookers and Crock-Pots are designed to cook raw meats. The direct heat from the pot, lengthy cooking time and steam created from the tightly covered container destroys bacteria, making slow cooking safe. You can put frozen chicken in a slow cooker, too!

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When should you not use frozen chicken? ›

A whole chicken or turkey can be kept in the freezer for up to one year. 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.

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Is it better to cook chicken on high or low in a slow cooker? ›

We found that the only way to cook chicken (and turkey) in a slow cooker is on the low setting and for a relatively short amount of time.

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Should chicken be covered in liquid in slow cooker? ›

Adding some liquid to the slow cooker is an essential step, and ensures that the chicken is tender and juicy.

What can I put on my chicken to keep it moist? ›

Brine. Like a marinade, a brine helps chicken breast soak up as much moisture as possible before cooking. It only requires three ingredients: water, salt, and a pinch of sugar.

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

However, Crockpots generally have ceramic or porcelain pots, while most slow cookers have a metal pot. As with a lot of cooking appliances, the biggest difference comes from the distribution of heat.

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What cannot be cooked 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.

More items...

Jan 19, 2024

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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.

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How do you fix tough meat in a slow cooker? ›

Cook Low and Slow

Add your other ingredients and liquids, then set your cooker to “low.” Plan for 6-9 hours of cooking time for your warming slow cooker meal. This long, slow braise breaks down the connective tissue and fat, creating deliciously soft and juicy meat.

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Why is my chicken tough after I cooked it? ›

You're Overcooking Them

This is likely the most common mistake cooks make when it comes to chicken breasts.

Is it better to cook chicken on high or low in the crockpot? ›

Don't shoot the messenger. But, do not cook boneless, skinless chicken breasts on HIGH unless you like overcooked, dried out, tough meat. Always cook on LOW.