Top 20 Crock Pot Chicken Recipes
Discover the magic of Crock Pot Chicken Recipes, where cooking becomes a breeze. Create delicious, flavorful meals with ease using tender, juicy chicken. With this cooking method, you say goodbye to kitchen stress and hello to effortless cooking. This post explores 20 unique chicken recipes to try with a crock pot.
Delicious Chicken Recipes for a Crock Pot
We are constantly on the lookout for new recipes that can be made in a crock pot or slow cooker, and chicken is one of the best ingredients for a great recipe.
Whether you prefer chicken breasts, thighs, or drumsticks, this delicious and affordable protein always turns out incredibly tender and juicy when cooked in a crock pot.
We’ve made the process easier for you, by gathering some of our top chicken recipes you should try.
Simply add your ingredients to the pot, set it to cook, and return home to a comforting, homemade chicken dinner. It’s the perfect solution for busy weeknights!
Reasons You’ll Love These Simple Crock Pot Recipes
Whenever you want to savor the most succulent chicken with minimal effort, a crock pot always comes in handy. Here’s why you’ll fall in love with these recipes:
1. Time-saving
Crock pot chicken recipes save not just your energy but also a great chunk of your time. Arrive home to a warm and ready-to-serve chicken dinner without lifting a finger. And with the slow cooker, cleanup is a breeze.
2. Ideal for Meal Prep
Also, when it comes to weekly meal planning, a crock pot is your best friend. You can even prepare and store the recipe ingredients in advance using airtight containers or bags. Then, all you have to do is dump everything in and let it cook!
3. Freezer-friendly
Many of these chicken dinner ideas can be made in large batches, and any leftovers can easily be frozen for future meals.
Crock Pot vs. Slow Cooker: What Sets Them Apart?
When it comes to the “crock pot” and “slow cooker,” you might think they’re just two different ways of saying the same thing, right? Well, not exactly. While these terms are often used interchangeably, there are some subtle differences to consider.
1. Both appliances operate on a similar principle: cooking food slowly over an extended period. However, the key distinction is that Crock Pot refers to a specific brand of slow cooker. Not all slow cookers are Crock Pots. Now you get it.
2. Crock pots feature a stoneware crock, whereas slow cookers consist of a pot placed on top of a heating element. Additionally, crock pots typically offer two settings: High and Low, while slow cookers may have multiple settings.
Regardless of the type of slow cooker you have on your countertop, it’s more than capable of handling the chicken recipes listed below.
Top 20 Crock Pot Chicken Recipes
Get ready to discover a new favorite dish among the chicken recipes showcased below. These healthy crock pot recipes are bursting with flavor, and settling for anything less is unacceptable! Let’s get on the list!
1. Crock Pot Chicken Taco Chili
This highly requested recipe gives you a hearty and wholesome chicken taco chili. It’s no surprise that everyone loves it, simply toss all the ingredients into the crock pot and let it cook on low heat.
Whenever you return, you’ll be greeted with the most mouthwatering homemade taco chili!
You can enjoy a regular rotation of these delectable crock pot chicken tacos in your home. They’re prepared in the crock pot using tender chicken breast, flavorful salsa, and spices!
2. Recipe for Crock Pot Chicken Tacos
Create the most scrumptious chicken tacos with very little effort. Place tender chicken breast, salsa, and taco seasoning into the crock pot, and within a few hours, you’ll have succulent, easily shredable chicken that’s perfect for filling tortillas!
For Fat Tuesday, whip up this New Orleans-inspired crock pot dish featuring chicken and sausage simmered in a tomato broth.
3. Crock Pot Chicken and Sausage Creole
This simple crock pot chicken dish is made with boneless chicken breast, black beans, corn, and salsa, topped with melted cheddar cheese.
Try the flavors of New Orleans with this effortless crock pot recipe as it gives you that Creole-inspired taste.
Let the chicken and juicy Andouille sausage simmer for hours in a rich tomato broth. You can serve this during special occasions or whenever you crave a touch of Southern flair!
4. Salsa Chicken with Black Beans and Corn
Experience a fiesta of flavors with this delightful chicken recipe. It’s packed with savory salsa, hearty black beans, and sweet corn. Serve it over rice or in tacos for a simple and family-friendly meal that’s perfect for your Mexican-themed night.
5. Crock Pot Maple Dijon Chicken Drumsticks
Looking for an effortless and kid-friendly chicken dinner? Look no further! This recipe is made with chicken drumsticks, slow-cooked in a tantalizing maple Dijon marinade.
The meat becomes incredibly tender, practically falling off the bone, and you won’t have to lift a finger!
6. Slow Cooker Moroccan Chicken & Olive Tagine
Enjoy this flavored and sweet savored dish of slow-cooked Moroccan chicken and olive tagine. To achieve this recipe, succulent chicken thighs are stuffed with Moroccan spices, accompanied by prunes, olives, carrots, onions, garlic, and ginger.
Serve it over whole-wheat couscous (or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option) and garnish with lemon wedges, fresh cilantro, or a sprinkle of chopped pistachios or almonds. It’s a complete and satisfying meal.
7. Honey Sesame Chicken in the Crock Pot
Experience the incredible Asian-inspired flavors of this honey sesame chicken recipe! This simple crock pot dish is a delightful combination of sweet, savory, and spicy. Serve it over rice for a delicious dinner that practically cooks itself.
8. Chicken a la Criolla in the Crock Pot
When it comes to preparing this unbelievably flavorful chicken a la criolla, the crock pot is our go-to choice.
This traditional Latin dish features tender boneless chicken thighs stewed with vibrant bell peppers, onions, garlic, tomatoes, olives, cilantro, and spices in a savory tomato broth. It’s a cozy and comforting meal.
9. Lemon Feta Drumsticks in the Slow Cooker
Transport your taste buds to the Mediterranean with these delightful crock pot chicken drumsticks. They are slow-cooked with fresh lemon and aromatic herbs, then topped with salty feta cheese.
This recipe is wonderfully simple, requiring only 5 ingredients, yet it delivers a burst of incredible flavors.
10. Shredded Chicken with Corn, Tomatoes, and Black Beans
Prepare for an easy weeknight meal by prepping this slow cooker shredded chicken with corn, tomatoes, and black beans the night before. Simply turn on your crock pot in the morning, and by dinnertime, you’ll have a delicious and hassle-free meal waiting for you.
11. Buffalo Chicken Lettuce Wraps
Spice up your meals with these buffalo chicken lettuce wraps inspired by the flavors of buffalo chicken wings. This easy-to-make recipe can be prepared in a slow cooker or an instant pot.
Simply set it up and let it cook while you go about your day. Spoon the saucy chicken into crisp lettuce leaves for a low-carb and satisfying meal option. It’s great for light dinners or preparing ahead for lunches.
12. Crock Pot Chicken Cacciatore
Get ready to savor the delightful aroma of bell peppers and tomatoes simmering slowly throughout the day in this Chicken cacciatore dish. It’s an Italian classic that has been given a weeknight makeover.
Tender chicken, bell peppers, onion, and herbs meld together in a flavorful tomato sauce. Serve it over your favorite pasta, spaghetti squash, rice, or polenta for a hearty and delicious meal.
13. Crock Pot Chicken Enchilada Soup
Warm up with a comforting bowl of Chicken Enchilada Soup that captures all the spicy flavors you love from enchiladas. This nourishing crock pot soup combines tender chicken, chipotle, and veggies to create a savory and satisfying dish. It’s like having chicken enchiladas in a bowl, perfect for cozy evenings or anytime you crave a delicious soup.
14. Chicken Enchilada Stuffed Sweet Potatoes
Transform your chicken enchilada fillings by stuffing them into baked sweet potatoes. Instead of tortillas, these low-carb loaded sweet potatoes are the star of the show.
Top them with tender chicken slow-cooked in spicy enchilada sauce, along with sour cream, chives, and cheese for a mouthwatering combination.
15. Easy Shredded Harrisa Chicken
Experience the simplicity of making flavorful Harissa chicken with just two ingredients. Whether you choose to use a slow cooker or an Instant Pot, this easy chicken recipe guarantees delicious results.
The combination of jarred Harissa, chicken, and a medley of spices creates a savory and aromatic dish that can be enjoyed in various ways.
16. Chicken and Black Bean Taco Salad
Indulge in a satisfying and healthy slow cooker chicken taco salad packed with protein and fiber. Tender chicken and black beans take center stage in this easy crock pot recipe.
Prepare the shredded Mexican-style chicken in advance and serve it over fresh greens topped with cheese. You’ll have a week’s worth of effortless taco salads ready to enjoy!
17. Crock Pot Salsa Chicken Thighs
This is the easiest slow cooker recipe ever with Crock Pot Salsa Chicken Thighs. With just two ingredients, salsa, and chicken, along with some flavorful spices, you can create juicy and delicious chicken effortlessly.
This versatile dish can be used in tacos, served over rice or salad, or enjoyed on its own. It’s the ultimate family-friendly weeknight meal that requires minimal effort and delivers maximum flavor.
18. Slow Cooker Salsa Verde Chicken
I never run out of ways to turn this crock pot salsa verde chicken into delicious, healthy meals, whether it’s tacos, burrito bowls, tostadas, or more.
This recipe couldn’t be easier to make, too. Simply throw chicken breasts into the crock with jarred salsa and spices, cook, and enjoy! This easy Slow Cooker Paleo Jalapeno Popper Chicken Chili recipe is perfect for Fall, football games, and chili season!
19. Slow Cooker Paleo Jalapeno Popper Chicken Chili
Prepare yourself for a flavorful twist on traditional chicken chili with this Slow Cooker Paleo Jalapeno Popper Chicken Chili.
This easy and healthy crock pot recipe combines all the elements we love about jalapeño poppers into a comforting bowlful of goodness.
20. Crock Pot Santa Fe Chicken
Make this flavorful Santa Fe chicken recipe in your slow cooker using basic pantry ingredients. It’s a Southwestern-style dish filled with sweet corn, beans, and spices that you’ll want to enjoy over and over again.
Healthy Side Dishes for Slow Cooker Chicken
Turning these easy crock pot chicken recipes into a satisfying family dinner is easy. Here are some of my best chicken sides:
1. Rice – Chicken recipes harmonize beautifully with wholesome Brown Rice, Instant Pot Rice, or the low-carb goodness of Cauliflower Rice.
2. Veggies – Enhance your chicken with a side of succulent Roasted Green Beans, tantalizing Herb Roasted Carrots, or the irresistible charm of Roasted Broccoli.
3. Potatoes – Try the irresistible combination of saucy crock pot chicken alongside velvety Garlic Mashed Potatoes or an Air Fryer Baked Sweet Potato that boasts a crispy, caramelized exterior.
4. Salad – Go for something new by trying these recipes with a refreshing side of vibrant Broccoli Salad or a nutrient-packed Quinoa Salad with Kale.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some related questions with answers:
1. What’s the cooking time for chicken in the crock pot?
Cooking chicken in the crock pot usually takes around 6-7 hours on low heat and 3-4 hours on high heat. Opting for the low and slow method is ideal, especially when dealing with boneless chicken breasts.
You’ll know your chicken is perfectly cooked when the internal temperature reaches 165ºF at the thickest part of the meat.
2. Can I use frozen chicken in the crock pot?
No, it’s not recommended to use frozen chicken in the crock pot. While it’s safe to cook raw, thawed meat in the slow cooker, frozen chicken won’t reach the desired temperature quickly enough, which increases the risk of foodborne illnesses.
Always make sure to completely defrost your chicken before placing it in the crock pot.
3. Is it safe to leave the crock pot unattended?
Absolutely! That’s precisely why the crock pot was invented. You can confidently switch it on in the morning before leaving the house or at night before heading to bed, knowing that it’s designed to cook unattended.
That’s one of the wonderful advantages of using a slow cooker.
